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/.