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The "1994 Final Report" of the Alaska Native Review Commission, after an exhaustive two year review of tribal, federal and state activities, found the strengthening of the governmental roll of Alaska Native tribes to be crucial to the future success of Alaska Native communities. These recommendations were heartily endorsed by the Congressional delegation, the Governor, the Alaska Federation of Natives, and the legislature. However, little progress has been made toward implementation of the commission's recommendations. We urge the legislature to negotiate with Native Tribes and discuss these issues and the positive impact tribal governments can bring. Tribes in the lower 48 states have worked with their states for years and are able to co-exist amicably. Those delegates assembled at the Alaska Christian Conference Biennial Assembly wish to go on record that we encourage Alaska Natives in their efforts and stand with them in their desire to maintain their cultural heritage including their subsistence way of life and to exercise stronger control over their own communities as the Alaska Native Review Commission has recommended. (The original resolution was passed unanimously by the 13th Biennial Assembly in Wasilla, Alaska February 24,1997.) Bishop Mark MacDonald, President
D Fison
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