The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), enacted in 1971, was a landmark law designed to resolve land claims of Alaska Natives. It settled indigenous land disputes by transferring control of approximately 44 million acres of land and nearly $1 billion in compensation to Native corporations, representing Alaska Native groups. The act aimed to encourage economic development while recognizing the unique rights of Alaska Natives. It transformed the relationship between the U.S. government and Native peoples, granting them both ownership and a potential for profit from their traditional lands. ANCSA remains a significant framework for Native rights in Alaska.