Tribal Recognition Bill (HB 123 | SB 108)

Talking Points and How to Contact Your Legislator

What Is House Bill 123/ Senate Bill 108?

HB123 | SB 108 , introduced by Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky, will require the State of Alaska to recognize Alaska’s federally recognized tribes. The federal government has a special and unique relationship with tribes that the State would formally acknowledge. The Tribal Recognition Bill will codify in Alaska law that federally recognized tribes are sovereign governments, it does not change any legal relationship. State recognition of Tribes will honor the first peoples of this land and the historical, economic, and cultural value that they bring to the state.

Why your voice is needed:

Right now we are in a pivotal moment to push this bill forward but we need your voice. Our democracy works best when everyone participates, and when our Legislators get comments and calls from Alaskans, it really makes the difference. Just one or two unique comments can sway a decision-maker. You don’t need to be an expert to make a comment. Short and sweet comments are effective.

How You Can Take Action:

  • Find Your Your Legislator

    You can find contact information for your House Member and Alaska State Senator here. Enter your address and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Then make a plan to call or email, OR BOTH! Find Your Legislator>>

  • Make a Plan To Call

    Write down what you want to say, or highlight the talking points you want to speak on. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be an expert. If you call during regular office hours you may reach a staff member, If you call after hours you will likely be leaving a voicemail. Make sure you let them know who you are, and where you live. Telling a personal story is impactful.

  • Prepare an Email

    Use the talking points below to draft an email. Short and sweet emails are impactful. Make sure to include who you are and where you live. Telling a personal story is impactful. Don’t worry! You don’t need to be an expert.

Talking Points:

  • Alaska has had a previous position of not recognizing and denying the status of Tribal Governments. State recognition will strengthen the state-tribal relationship that exists. The foundation of any relationship is first recognition. 
  • The passage of this bill will allow Alaska’s Tribes to tap into additional sources of federal funding, helping to address pressing issues such as public safety, education, and health access in rural Alaska. 
  • HB 123 serves as a first step, formalizing in statute that the State of Alaska will no longer deny tribes’ existence. This provides a first step towards stronger relationships between Alaska and its tribes
  • State recognition of Tribes will honor the first peoples of this land and the historical, economic, and cultural value that they bring to the state. 
  • Formal recognition is long overdue and a step to mending relationships with Alaska Native people who have been living on these lands for time immemorial.

Thank you to Native Peoples Action for these talking points! Learn more at www.nativepeoplesaction.org

Example Unique Comment:

Dear Representative Snyder,

The first step in establishing a respectful relationship is recognition. Today, on Elizabeth Peratrovich Day, I urge you to support the Tribal Recognition Bill to establish a respectful government-to-government relationship between our State and our tribal entities. The power of a strong Indigenous Peoples benefits all Alaskans in our culture, economics, health, education, and in our way of life! Codifying Tribal existence is not only the right thing to do -it can lead to a stronger Alaska overall. Please support The Tribal Recognition Bill  today to show that our district supports Alaskan Tribes’ rights to organize and advocate for our Peoples.

-Shanelle Afcan