Governor signs bills into law to formally recognize Alaska tribes and allow demonstration projects of schools operated by tribes

Gov. Mike Dunleavy signed two bills July 28 of historic significance for the state and its relations with Alaska Natives. The first, House Bill 123, formally recognizes tribes in Alaska for the first time.

This has no immediate legal significance but it is hugely symbolic. The federal government has recognized tribes but the state, until now, has refused to do so.

The second bill, Senate Bill34, allows Alaska tribes to establish tribally-operated schools in voluntary State-Tribal compact schools.

The bill will expand school choice options while improving education outcomes, the governor said. What is important is that in tribally-operated schools local people will be in charge of administration and curriculum.

A small number of demonstration projects are authorized under the bill. Tribes will apply to the state Department of Education and a compact, or a contract with specifics, will be negotiated.

The Legislature will have to approve the compacts before they go into effect, however.

Although the project is experimental it is a first step in establishing indigenous control of local schools in the state. If the demonstrations are successful the program can be expanded.

“As an educator, I’m excited about this innovative step to facilitate pilot projects between the state and Tribes,” Dunleavy said.

“We can improve our education outcomes, increase school choice, and respect the heritage and culture of our Tribes. State-Tribal compact schools will create a new avenue for preparing our children to be productive and strong community members.”

State Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, who sponsored the legislation, said, “This is a historic opportunity to embrace our unique Alaska Native heritages, providing a means for local tribal governments to determine their own path for educating young Alaskans.”

Julie Kitka, President of the Alaska Federation of Natives, said, “We collectively want to maintain our language, culture, and traditional ways of life. Educational compacting is one way that we can improve education for our tribal children,” through following curriculums that teach traditonal indigenous values including languages along with traditional academic subjects.

The tribal recognition bll by itself does not affects the current legal status of Alaska Tribes or change the State’s responsibility or authority.

“House Bill 123 codifies in law what Alaskans have long recognized: the important role that Native Tribes play in our past, present, and future.”

The signing of HB 123 signifies the State’s desire to foster engagement with Alaska Natives and tribal organizations.

Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky, D-Bethel, HB 123’s sponsor, said, “While the inherent sovereignty of Alaska Tribes has been consistently affirmed in Federal policy, in rulings by the (state) Supreme Court, and by (a state)Executive Order in 2018, the signing of HB 123 provides formal recognition in statute for the first time in our state’s history. I hope today is looked back on as the beginning of a new chapter of collaboration and partnership between the State and Alaska’s Tribes.”

Kitka, of the AFN, said. “We have strengthened our tribal governments and have initiated multiple efforts to continue our path to self-determination and self-governance.

HB 123 is similar to an initiative intended to go to voters this fall. Because the bill and the initiative are substantially similar, it eliminates the need for the ballot initiative.