After decades of hard work, the Sealaska land bill has finally passed, fulfilling the promise the United States government made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. This legislation conveys 70,000 acres of the Tongass National Forest to the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska. It is an historic achievement for our longtime client, Sealaska, and we’re proud to have been a part of the fight.
Legislation for the bill began in 2004. During the last 10 years, more than 1,000 versions of the bill were drafted. Pyramid partnered with Sealaska to provide strategic counsel and communications support over the course of the effort. Our team provided everything from national outreach, storytelling materials, and relationship building with other tribes, tribal organizations, and businesses throughout Alaska and the United States. The work provided the support for the land bill from across the nation.
The passage of the land bill was long overdue. We are honored to have played a role in this important effort. Congratulations to former CEO and president Chris McNeil Jr., the Sealaska board, and all the Sealaska staff who worked so tirelessly on behalf of Sealaska’s tribal member shareholders.
Image Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture | Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0.
