Alaska Native corporation

The Alaska Native Regional Corporations, often called ANRCs, are special companies in the United States that help Alaska Natives manage land and money. These corporations were created to settle claims that Alaska Natives had on land and resources. They were set up in 1971 when the United States Congress passed a law known as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. This act established 13 regional corporations to take care of these important matters for Alaska Natives. Today, these corporations continue to play a vital role in supporting the communities and heritage of Alaska Natives.

Associations, regional and village corporations

Under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Alaska was divided into twelve areas. Each area had a group to help Alaska Native people join and become part of these groups. People who joined became owners of these groups, called regional and village corporations.

These corporations were given money and land to make up for what Alaska Native people were owed. Village corporations got their share through the bigger regional ones. Over time, these corporations have been owned by Alaska Native people who have shares in them. In 2006, a law was changed to make it easier for people who missed joining or were born later to become owners too.

During the 1970s, these corporations chose land near where Alaska Native villages were, depending on how many people lived there. Village corporations own the land on top, while regional corporations own the land below.

Further information: Inuit Arctic Business Alliance

Text of the act

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act describes how the land and money claims of Alaska Natives were settled. It says that the state of Alaska should be divided into twelve areas, each made up of Natives who share a common heritage and interests. These areas were based on existing Native groups.

Each area had a group of people who helped set up a regional corporation. These corporations were set up to handle business and receive benefits under the law. There was also a thirteenth region created for Natives who did not live in Alaska at the time.

The thirteen regional corporations created under the law are listed here.

Alaska Native village corporations

There are over 200 village corporations, matching the list of villages in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Most of these corporations serve just one village, but some smaller villages have joined together over time.

Afognak Native Corporation

The Afognak Native Corporation began in 1977 when two smaller village corporations joined together. It is run by a board of nine directors. The corporation has many business activities, including timber, leasing, energy, and oil services. In the late 1990s, it also started working with the government on contracts. By 2010, it was ranked among the top federal contractors. The corporation owns a lot of land and shares money with about 900 shareholders each year.

Subsequent legislation and litigation

The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 helped Alaska Native corporations manage their own affairs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act provided money for tribes, and about $500 million went to these corporations. Some tribes disagreed, but the United States Supreme Court decided in June 2021 that these corporations qualified for the funds.

Financial performance