"Native Leaders Set Down Policies"
Tundra Times, October 28, 1966, p.2.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Following is the complete text of the policy statement of the Statewide Native Conference on Land. The statement was prepared by delegates to the conference held in Anchorage last week and was approved by all 250 Native leaders present.
POLICY STATEMENT OF THE STATEWIDE NATIVE CONFERENCE ON LAND
In the recent past the Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts had undisturbed possession of all of Alaska, but the encroachment of an alien civilization has reduced the customary use and enjoyment of our land and threatens the continuation of our culture.
Treaties and laws of the United States and Russia were passed to protect the rights of Natives to our lands, but these measures have over the years been ineffectively enforced. It has now become necessary for the Native people of Alaska to make a determined stand to protect what is rightfully ours.
THEREFORE, the first statewide conference of Alaska Natives seeks legislation in the Congress of the United States as follows:
To seek legislation granting jurisdiction to the United States Court of Claims to render judgment in any and all claims which we, the Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts of Alaska, or any tribe or group thereof, may have against the United States. The jurisdiction of the United States Court of Claims should be for the purpose of determining which lands of the Natives of Alaska are still owned by them so that the Natives of Alaska may be granted full control and ownership and may develop such lands in an orderly manner.
That the Secretary of the Interior, by executive withdrawal, exempt all disputed areas from economic encroachment. This executive order will allow agreements between affected Native groups and potential developers to permit continuing development of the land and its resources.
The Statewide Native Conference desires to have the land problems settled and further desires to have the development of Alaska continue.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That all commissions created by the Court of Claims to determine ownership, hold such hearings in the areas affected to obtain the maximum testimony.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That the Committee on Lands of the First Statewide Native Conference present their bill to the body for acceptance or rejection as a fundamental basis for legislation and that in the event the Convention accepts the bill copies by sent to all village councils, associations, the Congressional delegation, Secretary of the Interior, and all other interested persons.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That any lands released from government withdrawal the first priority for claiming be given to the Native people of that area under the Native Allotment Act.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That all unorganized groups or villages meet with the several lawyers or lawyers of their choice immediately following today's business to draw up formal protest claims, for immediate filing.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That our Congressional delegation first send to the Executive officers of the Statewide Native Conference any proposed legislation prior to its introduction for our comments.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That the State be required to keep a record of all Native children by tribe or group so that their claims by aboriginal right will not be lost and that such records be available to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That the Bureau of Indian Affairs render every assistance to the Eskimo, Indian, and Aleut people in preparing the tribal rolls beginning immediately following the filing of a claim.
After careful consideration, the Committee on Lands makes the following recommendations:
That the Statewide Native Conference object to the Senate endorsement to HR 5392 as unfair and unjust and that our officers forthwith send our objections to the proper authorities.