Once signed into law, this legislation will ensure that ANCSA-related benefits are not unfairly counted as income, a long-standing issue that has impacted our Elders’ access to Social Security and other federal programs.
“Our Elders have given so much,” stated Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “This legislation honors them and their contributions to our community and people.”
Buretta continued, “This is an incredible victory for our beloved Elders, and Chugach is honored to advocate for this important legislative fix that negatively impacted our most vulnerable population. This effort spanned across three congresses, and every effort was made on their behalf to enact it. The wisdom of our Elders and their sacrifices have blazed the trail to many opportunities for the Alaska Native culture and community.”
Chugach thanks Congressman Nick Begich for introducing this legislation early in January, and we are grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan for their tireless leadership in the Senate that got this legislation signed into law.
This milestone represents years of determination, testimony, and advocacy by many across the Alaska Native community. We are especially proud of the role played by Chugach’s Government Relations team and Chugach’s Board of Directors, whose steadfast leadership brought this issue to the forefront time and time again.