Native Leaders Submit Ballot Initiative
This week, a non-partisan group of Alaskan Native leaders submitted a ballot measure application to Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer that would have the State acknowledge the 229 Federally-recognized Tribes of Alaska. The historic initiative would strengthen the government-to-government relationship
Press Release:
‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake
Co-Sponsor - Alaskans for Tribal Recognition Initiative
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This week, a non-partisan group of Alaskan Native leaders submitted a ballot measure application to Lieutenant Governor Kevin Meyer that would have the State acknowledge the 229 Federally-recognized Tribes of Alaska. The historic initiative would strengthen the government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the State to allow better coordination that will improve the lives of Alaskans.
“Our efforts to get this done through alternative processes have failed. The legislature has been drowning in a fight over the budget all session, and can’t focus on other pressing issues facing the state. Our people deserve better,” said Chaa yaa eesh Richard Peterson (Tlingit/Haida/Unangan), acting in his personal capacity as a voter in Alaska and as one of the initiative’s three sponsors. The initiative is modeled on HB 123, which passed the House by a vote of 35-4 earlier this year, sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel, District 38) and co-sponsored by 15 Republican, Democrat, and Independent members.
“Native peoples and our communities have lived on the lands now known as Alaska for thousands of years. Official recognition by the State would not grant or expand sovereignty to us because no one can do that, we are born with it, it is inherent and pre-exists the United States and the State of Alaska,” said La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit), also a co-sponsor, serving in her personal capacity as a voter in Alaska. “What this initiative does is create a government-to-government relationship which is essential to move this state forward and create real, lasting opportunities for the Tribes and the State to work together on the issues that matter most to Alaskans.”
If approved by voters in 2022, the measure would officially recognize the State’s responsibility to have and engage in a meaningful government-to-government relationship with the Tribes in Alaska. With the unique power of tribal governments, a long-overdue step in forging a stronger partnership between the state and the Tribes can finally be created. The innovation of Tribes to create and run a world-renowned and incredible healthcare system has already proven to Alaskans why this step is so necessary, at a time when Alaska needs it most.
“This action is not a final decision to run a ballot initiative. We are in the process of reaching out to our communities across the state while the Lt. Governor reviews the application, to decide if we will advance a campaign, but this was a necessary first step to secure it as a viable option,” said ‘Wáahlaal Gidáak Barbara Blake (Haida/Tlingit/Ahtna), also serving as a co-sponsor, in her personal capacity as a voter in Alaska. “The power and propensity of our communities to lift each other up has been on full display for thousands of years, and this year in particular our peoples lifted up Alaskans in critical ways during this pandemic. It’s time for the State of Alaska to be a good, long-term, and dependable partner with our Tribes. Imagine what we can all do for Alaskans when we work together!”
The Lieutenant Governor has 60 days to review and certify the initiative. Once certified, supporters will have until the start of the 2022 legislature to gather 36,140 signatures, the number required for the initiative to be placed on the ballot in 2022.
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