This year saw a number of issues facing Alaska Natives and as a member of Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I was able to defend Alaska’s Native Corporations on their ability to operate under the 8(a) program and also work to improve life in Alaska’s Native communities and villages.

This past summer, the Subcommittee on Contracting Oversight held a hearing on the contracting preferences extended to Alaska Native Corporations, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. While not a member of this subcommittee, I was invited to participate and defend the benefits of these preferences for Alaska Natives. As a result of this hearing, I have requested that Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, hold a hearing on the Native American 8(a) program and examine the federal Indian policy behind it. While reform may be needed to protect the purpose and the integrity of the Native American contracting program, I believe that this should be done at a neutral hearing that includes all stakeholders.

Read full article