
- Details
- By Tripp J Crouse - KNBA
Some Alaska Native Elders must make the tough choice of whether to give their Native corporation shares away to be eligible for federal programs like SNAP. A piece of federal legislation would exclude settlement trust benefits from counting against their eligibility for some federal programs.
Before the late Alaska U.S. Congressman Don Young (at-large) died, he introduced House Resolution 437.
The legislation would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to exclude certain payments to Alaska Native Elders when determining eligibility for need-based federal programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
This story was originally published by KNBA. Republished by Native News Online with permission.
The U.S. House Subcommittee for Indigenous People held a hearing for testimony (Wednesday, April 27, 2022) on a series of Tribal-related measures, including Young’s legislation.
California Republican U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (District 8) is Acting Ranking committee member.
1629 “This discrepancy between the types of income from ANCs can place many Alaska Native Elders in the position of having to choose between accepting settlement trust interest on one hand or qualifying government assistance on the other -- and obviously, that’s not a situation we would want to put anyone in.”
According to U.S. Census material more than 10,000 Alaska Native and American Indians living in Alaska are 65 years of age or older. Based on 2020 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and census data, about 550 Alaska Native and/or American Indians 65 or older received benefits.
During testimony, Chugach Alaska Corporation board chairman Sheri Buretta spoke before the subcommittee:
“Perhaps one of the most meaningful benefits we provide is annual dividend distributions, which are a critical income source for our people this is particularly true for our Elders, many of whom live in our remote communities and face a harsh environment, limited transportation, supply chain challenges, surging living cost and food security issues. 4802 “It is my understanding that the effect of this bill on the budget is marginal, but the impact on our Alaska Native Elders is significant. HR 437 is very narrow and applies to Elders 65 and over.”
Chugach is the regional Native corporation for the Prince William Sound and Lower Cook Inlet.
House Resolution 437 was introduced in January, and was referred to U.S. House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indigenous Peoples.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
WAPO's Dana Hedgpeth Selected as 2025 IJA-Medill Milestone Achievement Award Winner
US Court of Appeals Deals Setback for Native American Voting Rights
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher