SITKA — The Sitka Tribe of Alaska is trying to assume management of some Sitka National Historical Park programs.
The tribe has been managing some of the park’s programs for years, but now is looking for federal funding for the park to operate more initiatives, The Daily Sitka Sentinel reported.
The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act allows the government to contract with tribes to provide federal services under a process known as compacting in which the tribes essentially act as government contractors.
Under the law, tribal governments are eligible to receive funding for the operation of certain programs at federal forests, refuges and parks. Tribes are not allowed to run programs designated “federally inherent,” including park administration, overall management, protection and law enforcement.
Tribal General Manager Lisa Gassman said the tribe is in the early stages of the process, but is looking into managing the park’s cultural resources, natural resources and maintenance.
“We feel we’re in the position right now to exercise our self-governance and manage the park that we have this very close tie to,” she said.
Sitka National Historical Park Superintendent David Elkowitz said compacting has been set up primarily through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
He said no Alaska parks currently have compacts with tribal governments.
One tribe in Minnesota, the Grand Portage Band, has compacted with Grand Portage National Monument to run maintenance.
