Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 110 Part 5.djvu/228

 110 STAT. 3302 PUBLIC LAW 104-270—OCT. 9, 1996 (5) Despite these seemingly insurmountable problems, the Alaska Natives Commission found that Alaska Natives, building on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, had begun a unique process of critical self-examination which, if supported by the United States Congress through innovative legislation, and effective public administration at all levels including traditional Native governance, could provide the basis for an Alaska Native social, cultural, economic, and spiritual renewal. (6) The Alaska Natives Commission recognized that the key to the future well-being of Alaska Natives lay in— (A) the systematic resumption of responsibility by Alaska Natives for the well-being of their members, (B) the strengthening of their economies, (C) the strengthening, operation, and control of their systems of governance, social services, education, health care, and law enforcement, and (D) exercising rights they have from their special relationship with the Federal Government and as citizens of the United States and Alaska. (7) The Alaska Natives Commission recognized that the following 3 basic principles must be respected in addressing the myriad of problems facing Alaska Natives: (A) Self-reliance. (B) Self-determination. (C) Integrity of Native cultures. (8) There is a need to address the problems confronting Alaska Natives. This should be done rapidly, with certainty, and in conformity with the real economic, social, and cultural needs of Alaska Natives. (9) Congress retains and has exercised its constitutional authority over Native affairs in Alaska subsequent to the Treaty of Cession and does so now through this Act. 42 USC 2991a SEC. 2. ALASKA NATIVE IMPLEMENTATION STUDY. (a) FINDINGS. — The Congress finds and declares that— (1) the Alaska Natives Commission adopted certain recommendations raising important policy questions which are unresolved in Alaska and which require further study and review before Congress considers legislation to implement solutions to address these recommendations; and (2) the Alaska Federation of Natives is the representative body of statewide Alaska Native interests best suited to further investigate and report to Congress with proposals to implement the recommendations of the Alaska Natives Commission. (b) GRANT.— The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall make a grant to the Alaska Federation of Natives to conduct the study and submit the report required by this section. Such grant may only be made if the Alaska Federation of Natives agrees to abide by the requirements of this section. (c) STUDY. —Pursuant to subsection (b), the Alaska Federation of Natives shall— (1) examine the recommendations of the Alaska Natives Commission; (2) examine initiatives in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere for successful ways that issues similar to the issues addressed by the Alaska Natives Commission have been addressed;

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