How will you facilitate inter-governmental relationships with Alaska’s 229 sovereign tribes?
U.S. Senator
Kelly Tshibaka
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
I believe it’s possible to forge a stronger partnership for Alaska’s economic sustainability between tribes, village and regional corporations, and the state and federal government now that Alaska has officially acknowledged tribal recognition.
Over the last decade, the appropriations process has changed, and our senator has not brought home earmarked money for projects like Ted Stevens did. Instead, funds are given to the executive branch, and we have to apply and compete for them. It does little good to get funds appropriated if they never get to actual Alaskans. As senator, I will add a grant writer and contract expert to the Senate staff that Alaskans can use to help get access to funds. This will greatly help our tribes get more funding that is available but hasn’t been accessible.
I also support tax incentives for investing in village corporations and tribal entrepreneurial efforts, and I will advocate to reduce regulations for developing resources on Alaska Native land. As senator, I would practice consultation with the various Alaska tribal consortiums myself, rather than sending staff, and ensure federal agency consultations are occurring as required.
Lisa Murkowski
Republican candidate for U.S. Senator
The key to achieving results for Alaska Native people is recognizing the unique legal framework Alaska’s sovereign tribes, tribal nonprofits and Alaska Native corporations have, and accounting for it in legislation, regulation, budgets and funding. Also fundamental is ensuring meaningful consultation and coordination with Alaska’s 229 sovereign tribes is carried out by the federal government, as executive branch agencies implement the law, promulgate regulations and take actions that impact tribal communities. I have negotiated, authored and navigated legislation on energy, infrastructure, health care, rural broadband, public safety and food security that accounts for tribal governments and Alaska Native institutions and ensures resources and opportunities are appropriately available. As vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I authored the Tribal title of the Violence Against Women Act, which includes my Alaska Tribal Public Safety Empowerment Pilot program. This program recognizes that Alaska tribes, with the support of the federal government, can be effective partners with the state to address Alaska’s rural public safety crisis. I have also worked to address the longstanding crisis of missing, murdered and trafficked Indigenous people through the passage of Savanna’s Act and Not Invisible Act. All three bills were signed into law and will increase the tools available to tribes and will address intergovernmental coordination across the board.
Patricia Chesbro
Democratic candidate for U.S. Senator
Trust and respect are key to strong inter-governmental relationships. I will listen first, then work with tribes to act in their interests and the interests of the state. If not already in place, I will help to develop standing committees to discuss and act on important issues to our tribes.