Thx

Thank you letter or the week of May 14

“Thank you Alaska Federation of Natives for a legacy of leadership”

Thank you Alaska Federation of Natives for a legacy of leadership

I would like to offer my deepfelt thanks to the Alaska Federation of Natives for voting to allow Southeast Alaska Natives to join the statewide land claims effort to settle our aboriginal land claims. In the years since the enactment of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, we have received untold economic, social, political and cultural benefits. Additionally, we were able to benefit from the riches of other regions as a result of Section 7 (i) of ANCSA revenue sharing provisions.

A number of regions opposed Sealaska’s inclusion in the land claims effort because we had received a partial land claims settlement for the taking of lands to create the Tongass National Forest, the Glacier Bay National Monument and the Metlakatla Tsimshian Reservation under the Tlingit and Haida judicial settlement.

John Borbridge and Byron Mallott provided the leadership for Southeast when the AFN vote was split on the motion to include Sealaska. However, thanks to Emil Notti, who cast the deciding vote in Sealaska’s favor, and other AFN board members, such as Willie Hensley, who believed that the paltry sum of $7 million paid to Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indians for the taking of over 20 million prime lands in Southeast was unjust, AFN voted to include Sealaska.

Through the past five decades we have benefited from AFN’s advocacy to protect our subsistence rights; to secure recognition of tribes and tribal rights at the national and state levels; and to obtain equitable funding and access to governmental services among a range of other benefits. I had the opportunity to sit on the AFN Board of Directors and saw the strength in a collective voice.

Again, may I thank AFN and its leadership for continuing its advocacy for Alaska Natives and advocacy efforts that benefit the state as a whole.

Rosita Ḵaaháni Worl, Ph.D.,

Former AFN Board of Directors member

More in Neighbors

Tortilla “dry soup” ready to consume. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Tortilla ‘dry soup’ (sopa seca de tortillas)

This recipe is based upon one in an old Mexican cookbook I’ve… Continue reading

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Living and Growing: It is all about the resurrection

This past weekend Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. His resurrection from… Continue reading

Decluttering starts with making room on a desk for a list. (Winnie Au/The New York Times)
Gimme A Smile: Declutter like a boss

I’m trying to declutter. I pronounce those words in the same abashed… Continue reading

A rainbow spans the University of Alaska Southeast campus in September of 2024. (University of Alaska Southeast photo)
Sustainable Alaska: Reading relations

For the program’s 14th iteration, UAS’s One Campus, One Book committee selected… Continue reading

(Juneau Empire File)
Community calendar of upcoming events

This is a calendar updated daily of upcoming local events during the… Continue reading

(Photo provided by Gina Del Rosario)
Living and Growing: Holy Week

Filipinos are known all over the world for their strong faith in… Continue reading

The downtown Juneau cruise ship dock on a clear March day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
Living and Growing: Seeking joy during times of great uncertainty

“This is the greatest act of power I have come to know:… Continue reading

Mary’s extreme bars, ready to slice. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Mary’s extreme bars

For at least 20 years, my sister Mary Watson has been making… Continue reading

Sabrina Donnellan and her family attend a community luncheon for federal employees at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Living and Growing: Choose empathy during these difficult times

“It is your concern when your neighbor’s wall is on fire.” —… Continue reading

On a nice day it’s always safe to talk about the weather. (City and Borough of Juneau photo)
Gimme A Smile: What to say when you’ve got nothing to say

It could happen, right? Despite your very best efforts, you could find… Continue reading

Braised carrots with garlic and thyme, freshly cooked. (Photo by Patty Schied)
Cooking For Pleasure: Braised carrots with garlic and thyme

When I was growing up, my parents never, ever served cooked carrots… Continue reading

A black bear sow and her cub walk along the Trail of Time at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. (Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Living and Growing: The bear

The folks of Southeast Alaska are fortunate in that we sometimes experience… Continue reading