ANCSA Regional Association

06/04/2026

🎉 A major victory for Alaska Native artists!

The House has passed the ARTIST Act, sending the legislation to the President’s desk for signature. The bill protects the rights of Alaska Native artists to create and sell traditional handicrafts made from legally and sustainably harvested walrus ivory, preserving cultural traditions and supporting rural economies.

Thank you to Alaska’s congressional delegation and the many Alaska Native leaders and organizations who helped make this happen.

Read the full announcement: https://www.sullivan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-sullivan-legislation-protecting-alaska-native-artists-cultural-heritage-and-economic-opportunities

The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska

05/28/2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program helps create a strong, expert local workforce in Alaska that makes domestic resource development possible. This in turn supports not only our national economy, but U.S. national security as well.

Read more from Alaska Miners Association Executive Director Deantha Skibinski in RealClear Energy:

Alaska has always had to build its economy differently. We are a young state, a resource state, an Arctic state, and a state where distance, infrastructure gaps, high costs, and small popul

05/19/2026

🎶 Join us for an unforgettable evening at our 3rd Annual Walking in Mukluks Reception in Washington, D.C.!

is excited to celebrate Alaska Native culture, community, and connection in our nation’s capital.

✨ We’re proud to announce our featured artist, Witty Youngman whose soulful sound blends contemporary acoustic music with storytelling.

📍 Washington, D.C.
👣 Walking in Mukluks Reception
👉 RSVP here: https://form.jotform.com/260216457434051

Come celebrate with us — we hope to see you there!

#2026

05/18/2026

⚡ “If we want more American energy, we need a strong Alaska.”

That’s the message from Steve Wackowski of Alaska Oil and Gas Association and Connor Hajdukovich of Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.

A strong Alaska depends on policies that support the economic foundation of development—including the SBA 8(a) program. 🇺🇸

Read more in the Washington Examiner 👇

Policymakers in Washington should recognize what works for Alaska and the nation, including the 8(a) program, and make sure we don’t inadvertently break it.

05/15/2026

This week, the Alaska State Legislature unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution urging the federal government to preserve Alaska Native Corporations' participation in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. It joins Governor Dunleavy and the Alaska congressional delegation in support of this important issue.

participation in 8(a) provides significant benefits to the federal government, strengthens Alaska’s economy, and advances Alaska Native self-determination.

President Nicole Borromeo said she is optimistic the administration will come to understand the value the program delivers to everyone involved.

Full story from Alaska Public Media:

Several federal agencies have started audits of the 8(a) contracting program, which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called "the oldest DEI program in the federal government."

05/14/2026

📝 New Op-Ed

President, Nicole Borromeo outlines why protecting the vision of requires both defending the SBA 8(a) program and supporting responsible development projects like Donlin Gold.

For over 50 years, these tools have supported Alaska Native self-determination, strengthened communities, and created more than 51,000 jobs across the country.

This is about ensuring future generations can thrive while honoring the traditions and values that define who we are.

Read the full Op-Ed in Alaska Beacon 👇
https://alaskabeacon.com/2026/05/13/honoring-ancsas-vision-means-protecting-alaska-native-corporations-as-pillars-of-self-determination

ANCSA was never simply about settling land claims — it was a promise that we as Alaska Native people could protect our way of life while also building new institutions, some of which would include responsible resource development.

05/12/2026

✔️ Jobs
✔️ Scholarships
✔️ Opportunity
✔️ Stronger communities

A small glimpse of the impact SBA's 8(a) program has across Alaska. Real impact, for real people.

President Nicole Borromeo joined Jason Miller with Federal News Network to highlight how Alaska Native Corporations are driving impact through the SBA’s 8(a) program - strengthening our economy and supporting national security.

Listen in 👇
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/acquisition-policy/2026/05/tribal-owned-firms-want-answers-about-state-of-8a-program/

The Native American Contractors Association says delays in approving 8(a) applications are causing uncertainty among its members and impacting its communities.

05/12/2026

Big news! ✨

The Alaska State Legislature finalized joint resolutions backing Alaska Native corporations’ participation in the SBA 8(a) program.

The House unanimously passed its resolution, HJR 44, last week; followed by a unanimous vote of SJR 26 in the Senate today. Thanks to Sen. Cathy Giessel and Rep. Maxine Dibert for co-sponsoring the resolutions.

This sends a clear message to DC: ANCs are vital to Alaska’s economy and our national security.

Read our full statement 👇
https://ancsaregional.com/ancsa-regional-association-statement-on-the-alaska-state-legislatures-joint-resolutions-in-support-of-the-8a-business-development-program/

05/08/2026

Want to bring meaningful, Alaska-focused learning to your team? 🌄✨

Our ANCSA 101 trainings make it easy (and engaging!) for workplaces and partner organizations to build a stronger understanding of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act—what it is, why it matters, and how it continues to shape Alaska today 📘

We love partnering with organizations to bring these trainings directly to your team 🤝 Whether you’re looking for a foundational overview or a deeper dive, we’ve got you covered.

Ready to host a session? Let’s make it happen 👇
🔗 https://ancsaregional.com/trainingsandevents/

05/07/2026

Ever wonder just how large ANCSA’s economic footprint is in Alaska—or how Alaska Native corporations use the 8(a) program to advance opportunities for Alaska Native people?

Hosted by Commonwealth North, Alaska's 8(a) Economy—What's at Stake brings together key voices to explore the evolving landscape of the 8(a) Business Development Program—and what potential federal changes could mean for Alaska.

We’re proud to share that President Nicole Borromeo and Board Member Katherine Carlton will be joining the panel to discuss federal changes, procurement reform, and fiscal stewardship, alongside other distinguished leaders offering unique perspectives on ANCSA’s role in Alaska’s economy.

📅 Thursday, May 21, 2026
🕓 Doors open at 3:45 p.m. | Program begins at 4:15 p.m.
📍 The Petroleum Club of Anchorage

Don’t miss this timely and informative discussion.

You can register to attend in person or online here: https://www.commonwealthnorth.org/ #!event/register/2026/5/21/fiscal-policy-alaska-apos-s-8-a-economy-what-apos-s-at-stake

Fiscal Policy: Alaska's 8(a) Economy-What's at Stake. at Petroleum Club of Anchorage on Thu May 21 2026, 4:00pm AKDT: Alaska's 8(a)...