Senator Murkowski's Strategic Vote for Trump's Tax Bill
#senator #murkowski #tax bill #alaska
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska votes in favor of President Donald Trump's tax bill, securing its passage in the Senate.
Alaskan Native Corporations News and Analysis
About Alaskan Native Corporations
Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) were established by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, a landmark federal law designed to resolve longstanding Alaska Native land claims and create economic opportunities for Alaska Natives. Instead of reservations, ANCSA created 12 regional for-profit corporations and over 200 village corporations, owned by Alaska Native shareholders enrolled before 1971. These corporations collectively received 44 million acres of land and nearly $1 billion in compensation from the federal government, making them the largest private landowners in Alaska[1][3][4][7]. The formation of ANCs marked a unique approach to Indigenous land rights by using a corporate model to promote economic development and self-determination. Shareholders typically received 100 shares each in both their village and regional corporations. Over time, some village corporations merged, and a 13th regional corporation was formed to represent Alaska Natives living outside the state[1][5]. ANCSA and the corporations it created have had broad economic and cultural impacts. The ANCs have diversified beyond natural resource development—such as oil, gas, and timber—into government contracting, bioenergy, and other industries. For example, the Afognak Native Corporation operates subsidiaries in leasing, bioenergy, and government contracting, earning recognition like NASA’s Small Business Contractor of the Year Award[5]. The corporations generate significant income and dividends for shareholders, fostering economic stability and cultural preservation. Legislation in the 1980s enabled ANCs to participate in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program with special advantages, including no-bid federal contracts, enhancing their business growth[1]. Beyond business, ANCs carry a broader mission to sustain Alaska Native communities, culture, and heritage while navigating a globalized economy[6]. Today, Alaska Native Corporations remain vital economic engines in Alaska. They balance profitability with social and cultural responsibilities, representing a distinctive model of Indigenous corporate governance rooted in land stewardship an