Legislature(2019 - 2020)CAPITOL 106
04/09/2019 08:00 AM House TRIBAL AFFAIRS
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HR6 | |
| HB126 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HR 6 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | HB 126 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON TRIBAL AFFAIRS
April 9, 2019
8:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Tiffany Zulkosky, Chair
Representative Dan Ortiz
Representative Chuck Kopp
Representative Dave Talerico
Representative Sarah Vance
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bryce Edgmon, Vice Chair
Representative John Lincoln
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 6
Expressing support and appreciation for the National Native
American Veterans Memorial.
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 126
"An Act establishing November as Alaska Native Heritage Month."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HR 6
SHORT TITLE: NAT'L. NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) LINCOLN
03/18/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/18/19 (H) TRB, MLV
04/09/19 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
BILL: HB 126
SHORT TITLE: ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH
SPONSOR(s): TRIBAL AFFAIRS
04/08/19 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/08/19 (H) TRB
04/09/19 (H) TRB AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 106
WITNESS REGISTER
ELIZABETH FERGUSON, Staff
Representative John Lincoln
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HR 6 on behalf of Representative
Lincoln, the prime sponsor.
COLONEL WAYNE DON, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations
Alaska Army National Guard
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HR 6.
JOE WILLIAMS, Grand President
Alaska Native Brotherhood
Saxman, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HR 6.
PAULETTE MORENO, Grand President
Alaska Native Sisterhood
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HR 6.
IVAN M. IVAN
Akiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HR 6.
GRACE RENEE SINGH, Staff
Representative Tiffany Zulkosky
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 126 on behalf of the House
Special Committee on Tribal Affairs, the prime sponsor.
ANASTASIA PLEASANT, Public Policy Fellow
First Alaskans Institute
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 126 on behalf of the House
Special Committee on Tribal Affairs, the prime sponsor.
LIZ MEDICINE CROW, Director
First Alaskans Institute
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 126.
PAULETTE MORENO, Grand President
Alaska Native Sisterhood
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 126.
JOE WILLIAMS, Grand President
Alaska Native Brotherhood
Saxman, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 126.
IVAN M. IVAN
Akiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 126.
ACTION NARRATIVE
8:03:05 AM
CHAIR TIFFANY ZULKOSKY called the House Special Committee on
Tribal Affairs meeting to order at 8:03 a.m. Representatives
Talerico, Kopp, Vance, and Zulkosky were present at the call to
order. Representative Ortiz arrived as the meeting was in
progress.
HR 6-NAT'L. NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS MEMORIAL
8:03:38 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that the first order of business would
be HOUSE RESOLUTION NO.6, Expressing support and appreciation
for the National Native American Veterans Memorial.
8:04:15 AM
ELIZABETH FERGUSON, Staff, Representative John Lincoln, Alaska
State Legislature, said HR 6 expresses gratitude for and
acknowledges the National Native American Veterans Memorial,
titled "Warriors' Circle of Honor," to be constructed in
Washington, D.C., at the National Museum of the American Indian.
She said the memorial will honor Native American veterans who
have "historically served in greater percentages than any other
ethnicity in every major war since the Revolutionary War." Ms.
Ferguson stated that the memorial would offer opportunities for
museum visitors and the general public to learn more about
Native American veterans and the distinguished honors received
by them. She opined that this is a topic not adequately taught
or generally understood. She said the memorial would also
"battle misperceptions" about the conflicts between being a
proud Native American and a proud citizen of the United States
of America. She spoke about the commitment made by Native
American veterans to protect the United States of America and of
their deep-seated patriotism.
8:06:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP thanked Ms. Ferguson for presenting HR 6 and
commended Representative Lincoln for sponsoring the resolution.
He recognized that the drafting of HR 6 tells the story of the
proud history of Native American military service. He shared
that he is glad to see such history recognized and honored.
8:07:27 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY opened invited testimony on HR 6.
8:07:49 AM
COLONEL WAYNE DON, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Alaska
Army National Guard, stated that he is member of of the
National Native American Veterans Memorial." He commended
Representative Lincoln for sponsoring HR 6. He identified
himself as a 25-year veteran of the United States Army and the
Alaska Army National Guard. He said he has been deployed three
times and served in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. He stated that
he supports HR 6 not just because of his affiliation with the
armed forces, but because many members of his family have also
served in the armed forces, from World War II to present. He
said he is proud to be part of the National Native American
Veterans Memorial project because it recognizes the
contributions of all Native Americans from the American
Revolutionary War to the Global War on Terrorism.
COLONEL DON explained that the United States Congress authorized
the National Museum of the American Indian to create a monument
on its grounds to allow Americans to recognize and learn about
"the courageous traditions" of Native Americans in the United
States armed forces. He said the museum's board of trustees
created an advisory committee of Native American veterans to
provide insight about military service. He stated that the
board is co-chaired by former United States Senator Ben
Nighthorse Campbell and Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma Lieutenant
Governor Jefferson Keel. He said the board is composed of
American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian veterans and
family members from across the country.
8:10:04 AM
COLONEL DON said the museum held consultations across the
country to gather feedback from Native American veterans, tribal
leaders, and community members to guide the direction of the
project and the design of the memorial. He discussed the design
competition and the selection of a design submitted by Harvey
Pratt, an artist from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes who is a
United States Marine Corps veteran and recognized as a Cheyenne
Peace Chief. Colonel Don described Mr. Pratt's design for the
memorial and said it would be located on the northeast corner of
the museum grounds. He discussed fundraising and outreach
efforts undertaken by the museum and the advisory board. He
noted that the United States Congress included in its
authorization the caveat that no federal funds be used to
construct the memorial. He reported that the museum has raised
$7.8 million from pledges across the country. He noted that
there has been considerable support from Indian Country and
private industry. He said the goal is to continue raising funds
for a groundbreaking in fall 2019 and an unveiling currently
scheduled for Veteran's Day in 2020. He stated that the
memorial has received widespread support and financial pledges
from the following Alaska Native corporations: Arctic Slope
Regional Corporation (ASRC); Calista Corporation; Doyon,
Limited; Bristol Bay Native Corporation; Sealaska Corporation;
Chugach Alaska Corporation; Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI); and
Afognak Native Corporation.
COLONEL DON summarized the project timeline. He said the total
budget for the project, including outreach and construction, is
$15 million. He said the goal for the September 2019
groundbreaking is $8 million; he added that this goal is nearly
met. He shared his excitement for the project and his surprise
at the support from across the country.
8:14:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP thanked Colonel Don for his testimony and
asked him if he feels a house resolution from the Alaska State
Legislature would help with fundraising efforts.
COLONEL DON answered "absolutely." He opined that a resolution
in support of the memorial would help with fundraising efforts.
8:14:53 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY thanked Colonel Don for his service and his
testimony.
CHAIR ZULKOSKY opened public testimony on HR 6.
8:15:27 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:15 a.m.
8:15:55 AM
JOE WILLIAMS, Grand President, Alaska Native Brotherhood, stated
that he is testifying in support of HR 6. He thanked
Representative Lincoln for creating an opportunity to honor "our
veterans." He opined that it is something that is desperately
needed and is very honorable to be done.
8:16:32 AM
PAULETTE MORENO, Grand President, Alaska Native Sisterhood,
expressed her strong support for HR 6. She said many Alaska
Native and American Indian veterans have defended their
ancestral homelands. She said a structural memorial is "more
than just physical," but a spiritual recognition of "our Native
people and the land that we have occupied and continue to occupy
along with the peoples of today." She relayed that members of
her family, including three uncles and some cousins, served in
the United States armed forces. She discussed the dignity and
importance of paying tribute to American Indian, Alaska Native,
and Native Hawaiian service. She continued: "Not only have we,
for time immemorial, defended our people, our rights, our way of
life, and our land, but we have defended this country." She
said the Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) and the Alaska Native
Brotherhood (ANB) recognizes the significance of honoring Native
veterans in a profound and beautiful way.
8:18:31 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY thanked Mr. Williams and Ms. Moreno for their
testimony.
8:18:55 AM
IVAN M. IVAN said he is visiting Juneau as part of a fly-in with
the Association of Alaska School Boards (AASB). He discussed
efforts to secure education funding. He noted that he was a
member of the Alaska House of Representatives during the 1990s.
Mr. Ivan expressed his appreciation for the establishment of the
House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs, which he described as
an important committee and very positive step forward for the
State of Alaska." He said the committee is important to Alaska
Natives. He discussed the acceptance and recognition of Native
languages, something he said has allowed Native children and
villages a line of communication to the legislature.
MR. IVAN expressed his appreciation for HR 6 and the National
Native American Veterans Memorial. He shared that he served in
the Alaska Army National Guard. He mused on the tradition of
Alaska Natives from across the state answering the call of duty
to serve the country. He said Alaska Native servicemembers were
called "the eyes and ears" because of their contributions to
intelligence-gathering. He noted that there is a small memorial
in Bethel dedicated to members of the Alaska Territorial Guard
(ATG), but stated he has not seen a memorial recognizing Alaska
Natives for their service. He expressed hope that children can
learn about the history of their parents defending the nation.
He expressed that he would like to see those people recognized
for their participation.
MR. IVAN relayed his support for the resolution and shared his
desire to contribute as much as he can. He expressed how proud
is he is as a former state legislator to be before the House
Special Committee on Tribal Affairs.
8:26:41 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HR 6.
CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that HR 6 would be held for further
review.
HB 126-ALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE MONTH
8:27:00 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that the final order of business would
be HOUSE BILL NO. 126, "An Act establishing November as Alaska
Native Heritage Month."
8:27:07 AM
GRACE RENEE SINGH, Staff, Representative Tiffany Zulkosky,
Alaska State Legislature, introduced herself as the committee
aide for the House Special Committee on Tribal Affairs.
8:27:16 AM
ANASTASIA PLEASANT, Public Policy Fellow, First Alaskans
Institute, introduced herself as a participant in the Senator
Ted Stevens Legislative Internship Program at the University of
Alaska.
8:27:27 AM
MS. SINGH said HB 126 would establish the month of November each
year as Alaska Native Heritage Month, which she explained may be
observed by schools, community groups, and other public and
private agencies and individuals. She continued that Alaska
Native Heritage Month may be observed with appropriate
activities to honor and recognize statewide and national
contributions made by Alaska Natives.
8:27:53 AM
MS. PLEASANT said the purpose of HB 126 is to celebrate and
recognize the rich cultures of Alaska Natives throughout the
state. She stated that Alaska Native people have occupied the
land now known as the State of Alaska for thousands of years.
8:28:13 AM
MS. SINGH stated that Alaska Native cultures, languages, and
traditions significantly contribute to Alaska's history,
economy, and diverse identity. She said HB 126 would recognize
Alaska's unique heritage, its cultural appreciation, and the
community relationships that help unify all Alaskans.
8:28:31 AM
MS. PLEASANT said HB 126 would formally acknowledge the many
contributions and sacrifices, as well as the resilience, of
Alaska Natives. She added that this is something every
community, culture, and tradition in Alaska can celebrate.
8:28:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE TALERICO commended Ms. Singh and Ms. Pleasant on
their presentation.
CHAIR ZULKOSKY opened invited testimony on HB 126.
8:29:22 AM
LIZ MEDICINE CROW, Director, First Alaskans Institute,
introduced herself in both English and Tlingit, as well as
offered information about her family and background. She said
it was an honor to testify before the House Special Committee on
Tribal Affairs. She expressed her appreciation for the
establishment of the committee and shared that she looks forward
to its continued work. She said she also looks forward to the
committee being made permanent. She echoed Mr. Ivan's previous
testimony about the committee being a medium through which the
voices of Alaska Native people can be heard.
MS. MEDICINE CROW said she supports HB 126 and offered her
congratulations to the committee that HB 126 is the first bill
to be introduced by the committee itself. On why HB 126 is
important, she reflected on first learning about Native American
Heritage Month upon graduating from high school in 1990. She
recalled feeling that it was about time someone recognized the
contributions of Native peoples. She said she was surprised to
learn that Native American Heritage Month is not permanently
established. She shared her appreciation that HB 126 would make
Alaska Native Heritage Month a "permanent structure of
celebration She recalled having recently been in Sitka during
a celebration of the return of the herring. She mused on the
spiritual connection between Alaska Natives and their homeland.
She said that connection has to be celebrated and honored. She
opined that the creation of an opportunity for all Alaskans to
celebrate Alaska Natives together would be a good way to honor
and lift up Alaska Natives.
8:33:48 AM
MS. MEDICINE CROW shared that November is a fitting time to
celebrate, as it is when fall and winter meet. She paused to
acknowledge that the Juneau area is Auke Kwaan and Taku Kwaan
territory. She explained that local "parties" and "doings"
occur in the winter months after the completion of the harvest.
She said this is why November is a good fit for celebrating and
honoring Alaska Native peoples. She noted as well that it is a
convenient time for schools, communities, and other entities to
put effort into celebrating the legacy, leadership, and love of
Alaska Native people.
8:35:33 AM
PAULETTE MORENO, Grand President, Alaska Native Sisterhood,
introduced herself in Tlingit. She reminded the committee that
she represents the Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) as Grand
President. She noted that ANS and the Alaska Native Brotherhood
(ANB) are the oldest known civil rights organizations for Native
people in the United States of America. She said ANS and ANB
were among the first organizations to fight for Native civil,
spiritual, and land rights, as well as for resources and ways of
life. She expressed appreciation on behalf of ANB and ANS for
the establishment of the committee. She commented that the
committee room has been filled not just with English words, but
also with words in Native languages. She said, "It is a
reverent time, it is a beautiful time, it is a powerful time."
MS. MORENO said ANS, in equal partnership with ANB, is in total
support of HB 126. She mused on the significance of the bill
and its unique opportunity to recognize Alaska Native heritage.
She referenced a piece of copper worn around her neck as a
symbol of worth - a "tana." She said the symbol of worth of HB
126 would be a clear articulation by the State of Alaska of its
recognition of Native peoples across Alaska. She said it would
offer an opportunity for Alaskans and other Americans to
celebrate the diverse culture of Alaska Natives. She mused on
Alaska Natives as "caretakers of this land" and discussed the
ways Alaska Natives preserve culture and resources. She opined
that HB 126 would do more than just "recognize November." She
said it would recognize the people who are "standing there
silent no more." She stated, "We are not backing down on any of
our current fights; we are standing up and standing strong."
MS. MORENO noted that 2020 will mark the seventy-fifth
anniversary of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. She
recognized the efforts of Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich to
secure passage of the act. Ms. Moreno said she is sure that Ms.
Peratrovich and other organizers are "in this room spiritually
watching us today." She connected HB 126 to the causes for
which Ms. Peratrovich fought. She noted that the United States
Mint will distribute coins to commemorate Ms. Peratrovich, and
that the eyes of the nation will be on Alaska to see how far the
state has come. She stressed that the legislature can "add
worth" to the state by passing HB 126.
8:42:13 AM
JOE WILLIAMS, Grand President, Alaska Native Brotherhood,
introduced himself. He mused on Ms. Moreno's discussion of Ms.
Peratrovich and how far Alaska has come as a state. He recalled
past times when there were signs that read, "no dogs or Indians
allowed." He spoke about the power of the events that took
place 75 years ago with the passage of the Alaska Anti-
Discrimination Act of 1945. He expressed total support for HB
126 on behalf of ANS and ANB. He echoed the sentiments of
previous speakers. He relayed that he is 75 years old. He said
that, in those 75 years, he has worked diligently to speak the
English language and to follow the laws of the State of Alaska
and the United States of America. He said that, with the
passage of HB 126, it would be the responsibility of committee
members to learn to say "thank you" in all the Alaska Native
languages. He taught committee members to say "thank you" in
Tlingit by having them repeat "gunalcheesh." He asked committee
members to learn to say "thank you" in other Alaska Native
languages. He thanked the committee for the opportunity to
testify.
8:45:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ sought to recognize the individuals present
in the room. He noted that Mr. Williams was formerly mayor of
Ketchikan Gateway Borough. He commended Mr. Williams' ability
to command a room. He relayed his appreciation and support for
HB 126.
8:47:01 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY thanked Ms. Moreno and Mr. Williams both for
their testimony.
8:47:32 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 8:47 a.m.
8:47:54 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY opened public testimony on HB 126.
8:48:11 AM
IVAN M. IVAN introduced himself and expressed his support for HB
126. He asked that Chair Zulkosky permit him to present his
testimony in the Yupik language.
CHAIR ZULKOSKY granted his request.
MR. IVAN, before delivering his prepared testimony, relayed that
his testimony is dedicated to his grandchildren, so that they
can watch the testimony in the future and be proud that their
language was spoken in committee and was respected. He mused on
how HB 126 would recognize and celebrate Alaska Native culture,
heritage, and language. He said it is important that Alaska
Native children be proud of themselves and not feel low or feel
like failures in times when they do not achieve their goals. He
spoke of the importance of Alaska Natives being confident in
themselves. He reiterated his support for HB 126 because of the
strength and opportunities it would create. He said it would
give Alaska Native children an identity to be proud of and to be
celebrated. He reiterated the importance of teaching young
people strength and resilience.
MR. IVAN provided the rest of his testimony in Yupik.
8:53:19 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY thanked Mr. Ivan for traveling to Juneau to speak
about issues that are important to him and his community. She
thanked him as well for "bringing our language into this
building." She thanked him for his testimony.
8:53:49 AM
CHAIR ZULKOSKY, after ascertaining that no one else wished to
testify, closed public testimony on HB 126.
CHAIR ZULKOSKY announced that HB 126 would be held for further
review.
8:54:12 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the
Special Committee on Tribal Affairs meeting was adjourned at
8:54 a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HR006 Sponsor Statement 4.8.19.pdf |
HMLV 4/30/2019 1:00:00 PM HTRB 4/9/2019 8:00:00 AM |
HR 6 |
| HB 126 Sponsor Statement 4.9.2019.pdf |
HTRB 4/9/2019 8:00:00 AM |
|
| HB0126 4.9.2019.PDF |
HTRB 4/9/2019 8:00:00 AM |
HB 126 |
| HR0006A.PDF |
HMLV 4/30/2019 1:00:00 PM HTRB 4/9/2019 8:00:00 AM |
HR 6 |
| HR 6 Supporting Document Angapak Testimony.pdf |
HMLV 4/30/2019 1:00:00 PM HTRB 4/9/2019 8:00:00 AM |
HR 6 |