WASHINGTON, D.C. – Led by Alaskan Congressman Don Young, the House Natural Resources Committee today passed H.R. 740, the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act, bipartisan legislation that will allow the Sealaska Native Corporation to receive its remaining land conveyance under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Included in the bill was an amendment offered by Rep. Young that would make technical clarifications requested by sportsmen reinforcing continued State management of game on private lands.
“With passage out of committee today, Sealaska is one step closer to receiving their full land entitlement and completing the federal government’s statutory obligation under ANCSA to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska. The legislation will ensure that Sealaska Corp. continues to meet the economic and cultural needs of its shareholders,” Rep. Young said. “I am also pleased that my amendment to address sportsmen’s concerns was accepted by voice vote."
Supporters of the Sealaska land entitlement legislation include Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich, the State of Alaska, the Alaska Federation of Natives, the National Congress of American Indians, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Alaska Forest Association, the Intertribal Timber Council, the ANCSA Regional Presidents & CEOs, the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska as well as numerous other communities, community organizations, and tribes throughout Southeast Alaska and across the United States.
H.R. 740 now heads to the House floor for consideration by the full House.
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