AFN has prepared a White Paper analyzing the Akiachak Native Community v. Dep’t of the Interior decision rejecting the State of Alaska’s argument that different treatment for Alaska Natives was required by ANCSA. This decision makes clear that the Secretary retains his statutory authority under Section 5 of the IRA to take land into trust on behalf of all Alaska Natives. The tribes that filed the case (Akiachak Native Community, Chalkyitsik Village, Chilkoot Indian Association and Tuluksak Native Community and an individual Alice Kavairlook, an enrolled member of the Native Village of Barrow) were represented by the Native American Rights Fund.
Click here to download AFN Analysis of Decision in Akiachak Native Community v. Salazar