Letters to the Editor

Letter: Native corporations deserve relief funds

On behalf of the Azachorok Inc. Board of Directors serving more than 520 shareholders throughout Alaska, we strongly encourage support for COVID-19 relief funds going to Alaska Native corporations. The Supreme Court is currently deliberating a case that is holding up $330 million in COVID-19 relief funds that would otherwise go to Alaska’s economy when many in our region need it most right now. If the Supreme Court rules against corporations, then the $330 million could be dispersed nationwide among tribes, resulting in a much smaller investment to our state.

It is important the Congress and the Supreme Court recognize the importance and unique role ANCSA corporations play in Alaska. One hundred thousand Alaska Native people are served by our corporations in much the same way that tribes serve their populations in the Lower 48. Many of our corporations are more efficient at distributing dividends and aid, with infrastructure to do so already set up. We also have mechanisms of accountability that many tribes do not have.

The ANCSA corporate structure has played a critical role in the prosperity and well-being of Alaska Native people. Our corporations should be celebrated and the proper ruling from the Supreme Court should reflect that. The ruling should also follow the intent of the law from Congress and distribute the COVID-19 relief funds directly.

It is disappointing to continue to see infighting between tribes over monetary resources that do not align with our shared cultural values of helping one another and being neighbors and allies. Sharing resources should build partnership, rather than further dividing our Indigenous nations. We need unity during these trying times between our tribal nations.

— Loren Peterson

CEO and Chairman, Azachorok Inc.

Anchorage

Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.

ADVERTISEMENT