Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA)

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), passed in 1971, was a landmark law that resolved land and financial claims of Alaska Natives against the U.S. government. It aimed to promote economic development by establishing regional and village corporations, which received ownership of nearly 44 million acres of land and $962 million in compensation. This act recognized indigenous land rights while facilitating the development of Alaska's resources. It marked a significant shift in federal policy, emphasizing self-determination for Native communities while addressing historical grievances related to land use and ownership.