Author: Randi Gause

Senator Murkowski is a lifelong Alaskan who has served the state of Alaska in the U.S. Senate since 2002, and previously in the Alaska State Legislature from 1999 until 2002. During both tenures, she has proven to be a fierce advocate for Alaska, and has championed critical issues that address the needs of Alaska Native people and communities. Through her roles as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, she holds a strategic position that enables her to advance Alaska Native interests.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Chugach Alaska Corporation – an incredible leader for the Eyak, Alutiiq, and Sugpiag peoples, and for our state as a whole.” said Senator Murkowski. “We have worked hard to defend ANCSA, improve access to critical services, and increase rural infrastructure, together. I value the work that we have collaborated on for many years and intend to work hard for the Native peoples, lands, and prosperity of southcentral Alaska for years to come.”

Among those are land issues, which hold particular significance to Alaska Native Corporations that collectively represent the largest landowners in the state. Senator Murkowski understands the complexities surrounding land ownership in Alaska, and both the challenges and opportunities created for Alaska Native landowners through the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

Chugach has long sought a remedy for the conflict spawned after Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) settlement funds were used to purchase surface estate and conservation easements in areas where Chugach owns the subsurface estate. This split ownership between Chugach and the federal government creates a conflict in land management and use that is not in the best interest of the public, nor Chugach and the shareholders it represents. Senator Murkowski recognizes this, and supported the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to support a land exchange to resolve this conflict.

“Senator Murkowski believes that Alaska’s greatest resource is its people. She has been an important ally for Alaska Native people, and more broadly for all of Alaska,” said Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “She often works across the aisle on bipartisan efforts in order to bring about policy changes that are in the best interest of Alaska.”

Senator Murkowski also understands the importance of economic development in Alaska, including the need for responsible investment in fisheries, tourism, and natural resource management. She has long supported efforts to strengthen Alaska’s economy, including advocating for a strong military presence in our state. Chugach is closely aligned with issues related to supporting the state’s military and defense activity and arctic policies, given our long history of government contracting, primarily for the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Senate elections will be held Nov. 8, 2022. For more information on the upcoming elections, voting locations, or voting registration, visit https://www.vote.org/.

Congressman Young was best known as a fierce advocate for Alaska and the people who call the state home, earning him the title of “Congressman for All Alaska.” He was an ally to the Alaska Native people, and partner to Alaska Native regional and villagcorporations.

In her remarks, Hegna highlighted Congressman Young’s remarkable career spanning nine presidential terms. “He served as Congress’ institutional memory and Alaska’s indispensable representative. His work became legendary.” She went on to describe how he saw 123 bills signed into law during his tenure, and his service to Alaskans not only through his words, but also his actions.

Senator Murkowski reflected on Congressman Young’s love for the state and directed this comment to Secretary Haaland regarding her visit to Alaska: “This is an opportunity for you to understand and see first-hand what an extraordinary state we have, and how blessed we are with the resources we have – not only what God has given us in the ground and the waters but also the human resource of its people.”

In a final toast of the evening, Chugach Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta recalled her time spent with Congressman Young and the deep bond and friendship forged over their passion for doing the right thing for Alaska. “I’ve been doing this job for 25 years and have had the opportunity to visit with the Congressman in Washington, D.C. each year. It’s important to take this moment to recognize and honor the passage of time, and to pay tribute to Congressman Young’s service and dedication to our state.”

Young was first elected to the U.S. House in 1973 and has held it ever since. He served in Congress for 49 years. During his tenure, he paved the way for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which would become an economic engine for the state. He worked tirelessly as a champion for Alaska Native rights, from protecting subsistence rights, to advocating for capital spending in rural Alaska, to supporting the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. His contributions to Alaska are matched only by his larger-than-life personality – both of which will not be soon forgotten.

Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Congressman Young’s family. We mourn with you and share in the pain of your loss. May his memory be eternal.

In lieu of donations, Congressman Young’s family asks that individuals consider donating to one or both of the following charities in his honor:

• Lu Young Children’s Fund for Alaska Native Children (lycf.org): The Lu Young Children’s Fund was created in 2004 to leave a legacy of support for Alaska’s Native children and their families. Through the fund, outreach and support is provided to these children and families who need and deserve to live happier, healthier lives. The Lu Young Children’s Fund (LYCF) is organized under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to LYCF are deductible for federal income tax purposes. LYCF can receive individual and corporate donations without limit.

The Lu Young Children’s Fund
P.O. Box 27924
Washington, DC 20038

• The Don Young Institute for Alaska: The purpose of The Don Young Institute for Alaska is to honor and commemorate Congressman Don Young’s long and distinguished career, to be a repository for his historical papers and artifacts for preservation, education, and research. The Institute is registered with the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and is registered (and in good standing) with the State of Alaska. Donations to the Institute are deductible for federal income tax purposes and corporations and individuals may contribute without limit.The Don Young

Institute for Alaska
3705 Arctic Blvd. #571
Anchorage, AK  99503

The formation of Alaskans for TARA underscores how strongly ARA believes that Sweeney is the most qualified candidate to grow Alaska’s economy. Alaskans for TARA will also accept support from others in the civic and business community who wish to support Sweeney.

“Tara’s track record of success, her unique understanding of rural and urban Alaska, and her experience in Juneau and Washington D.C. are critically important as she seeks to become Alaska’s sole member of the House of Representatives,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier.

Sweeney has served Alaska internationally as chair of the multi-national Arctic Economic Council. She was also the first Alaska Native Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), and special assistant for Rural Affairs and Education during Gov. Murkowski’s administration. Sweeney, a Republican, was also co-chair of the late Congressman Don Young’s campaign.

“Tara’s depth and breadth of service at all levels, in both public and private sectors, simply cannot be matched by any other candidate running for this seat,” said ARA Vice-Chair and Bering Straits Native Corporation President and CEO Gail Schubert.

Sheri Buretta, Chugach Alaska Corporation chairman of the board, is president of Alaskans for TARA. Gail Schubert is vice-president, Ahtna, Inc. President Michelle Anderson is treasurer, and Sarah Lukin, chief strategy officer for Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) is secretary.

Alaskans for TARA is assembling an experienced campaign team that spans the political spectrum, all uniting around a single goal—electing Tara Katuk Sweeney to Alaska’s at-large house seat.

The special election to fill the remainder of Congressman Young’s term begins with a by-mail open primary, with ballots due or postmarked by June 11. The top four vote getters will advance to a special ranked-choice general election on August 16.

Paid for by Alaskans for T.A.R.A. (True Alaska Representation Alliance) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
Alaskans for T.A.R.A. (True Alaska Representation Alliance), 11500 Sukdu Way, Suite 150 Anchorage, AK 99515

“It is rare for ARA to support a political candidate, but a candidate as experienced and qualified as Tara Katuk Sweeney is also rare,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “As our nation’s first Alaska Native Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, Tara fought tirelessly from our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. to help create jobs and economic opportunity for all Alaskans, including those in rural communities.”

Born and raised in Alaska, Tara has a unique understanding of our state’s issues. She has a proven ability to listen, learn and bring people together to solve problems, successfully advocating for responsible resource development, infrastructure projects, and equitable access to broadband, housing, and transportation.

“Tara has made a tremendous positive impact on Alaska both in the public and private sectors,” said ARA Vice-Chair and Bering Straits Native Corporation President and CEO Gail R. Schubert. “Her public service at the international level as Chair of the multi-national Arctic Economic Council, at the national level as Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior, and at the state level as Co-Chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives and as Special Assistant for Rural Affairs and Education during the Murkowski administration have well-prepared her to represent all of Alaska as our only member in the House of Representatives.”

In addition to her work locally and internationally, she also served as the late Congressman Don Young’s campaign co-chair. The special election to fill the remainder of Young’s term begins with a by-mail open primary June 11. The top four vote getters will advance to a special ranked-choice general election on August 16.

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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA): ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com.