Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA), was a landmark piece of legislation. It provided land and monetary damages for lands or resources taken from Alaska Natives. It established the Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), a unique company ownership structure. The ANC system, which is federally recognised allows its shareholders to contract with the United States and negotiate on their behalf. The ANC system now has over 200 registered Alaska Native Corporations. After many years of lobbying, the ANC system has been established (Robinson 2016). These people believed that the best way to develop and manage their own economy was for them to be responsible. Alaska Natives have the opportunity to achieve their goals by using the ANC system. They also get the benefit of larger economic enterprises.
Haley et al. The advantages that came from the Alaska Native Corporations Program were highlighted in Haley and colleagues (2009). Alaska Natives are the owners and managers of Alaska Native Corporations. They have a direct stake in these corporations and can ensure that the corporation adheres to their traditional culture and values. These corporations offer employment opportunities to Alaska Natives, and they can generate cash which may be used for rural economic development programs. Alaska Native Corporations’ establishment has had a significant impact on Alaska’s economic development. The Alaska Native Corporations have been among Alaska’s largest private landowners since their founding and have generated nearly $5 billion in annual income. These funds have helped fund rural Alaska’s economic development projects and ensured the state’s continued economic success. Alaska Native Corporations provide valuable cultural education opportunities for Alaska Natives. They also offer youth the opportunity to learn more about Alaska Native culture and their history.
Alaska Native Corporations have been for-profit entities that provide economic opportunities to Alaska Natives. They were established in the 1970s. Although ANCs are a great way to create profitable businesses, it has not always been a good idea for helping Alaska Native communities. Ristroph (2022), proposes aggressive solutions to address this deficit. Ristroph (2022) recommends that ANC invest more in community and village development. He also suggests that ANC support traditional knowledge and culture practices and expand their reach to Alaska Native youth. This strategy may allow ANCs to assist villages better, which will be a benefit for the entire community. ANCs can invest in the development of villages and create jobs. However, they also have the potential to preserve local knowledge and culture which could provide vital resources for long-term growth.