ANCSA Powerbrokers

I became involved in Alaska Native Land Claims in October 1966, when I attended the first Alaska Federation Natives (AFN) meeting held in Anchorage, Alaska. The delegates appointed me to represent the unorganized Athabascan villages and a week later, I filed a Land Claim for over 10 million acres for the villages. the Land Claim placed a land freeze on lands that were slated to be used for the oil pipeline which put pressure on the State of Alaska and the Federal Government to settle a land claim for Alaska Natives. Land Claims Settlement was drafted and presented to Alaska Natives at a meeting 12-18-71. I was a representative of Cook Inlet Native Association (CINA) and I was one of 511 Alaska Natives who voted for Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement. There were 56 delegates from North Slope that voted against ANCSA.

The monies and lands awarded in ANCSA divided Alaska Natives and there were battles between the regional and village corporations over lands and monies granted in ANCSA. Those who became corporate executives used ANCSA funds to gain power and control and they spent whatever it took to retain their powers and control. Shareholder rights granted in ANCSA were voided so those in power could keep their control and domination over their shareholders. Corporate managers controlled elections, paid themselves millions of dollars and secured amendments that took away shareholder rights provided under ANCSA and Federal Security Laws. If you are against social and moral injustice this book is a must for you to read.