This year’s conference was especially significant as it commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)—a groundbreaking piece of legislation that has transformed federal-tribal relationships and empowered Tribes to govern and shape their own futures.
Chugach’s Deputy General Counsel Maude Blair, Chugach President Katherine Carlton,
and Chugach Tribal Services Executive Director Tanaya Horne
Signed into law in 1975, ISDEAA shifted federal Indian policy from one of direct governance to one of partnership, allowing Tribes to administer federal programs and services on their own terms. “For Alaska Natives, the act has been nothing short of transformative,” stated Sheri Buretta. “It has enabled Alaska Native organizations and tribal entities to take control of health care systems, social services, education, transportation, and housing programs—ensuring they are designed with cultural relevance and local needs in mind. For the Chugach region and throughout Alaska, the result has been stronger communities, more effective service delivery, and increased economic opportunities.”
The conference agenda included dynamic breakout sessions and keynote discussions on federal budgeting, healthcare improvement, youth programs, tribal governance, and digital advocacy. It also featured performances by Native artists and site visits to tribal facilities, fostering connection, cultural exchange, and practical knowledge-sharing. These sessions provided Chugach attendees with deeper insight into best practices and upcoming policy shifts, reaffirming the importance of our role in advancing tribal self-governance.
Coinciding with the conference, Chugach also extended deep appreciation to Senator Lisa Murkowski for the hand of friendship she has extended to Alaska Natives throughout her tenure and for leading the recent bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating ISDEAA’s 50th anniversary.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Murkowski continues to be a powerful advocate for self-determination and the sovereign rights for Tribes across the nation. Her leadership—alongside that of Vice Chairman Brian Schatz and a coalition of bipartisan senators—ensures that the legacy of ISDEAA remains strong and continues to grow.
Sen. Murkowski on a tour with Chairman Sheri Buretta in Buretta’s home village of Tatitlek .
Reflecting back with gratitude over the conference and on the Murkowski resolution, Katherine Carlton stated, “We thank the organizers of this year’s Tribal Self-Governance Conference for hosting such a meaningful and timely gathering. This conference honored a landmark moment in our history—the passage of ISDEAA—and reminded us how far we’ve come through self-determination.”
Carlton continued, “For Chugach, ISDEAA has been instrumental in delivering culturally grounded, community-driven programs. Attending this event deepened our understanding of evolving policies and strengthened our commitment to our region and to our people.”
In conclusion, Chairman Buretta echoed the words of gratitude expressed by Carlton. “All at Chugach would also like to thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless advocacy for Alaska Natives and for leading the charge in commemorating the legislation that has placed control of our culture, the heart of who we are, back into our hands and allowed our journey as a strong and independent people to continue on.”