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APRIL 12, 2001

The state of Alaska on Wednesday signed an agreement with sixty-two delegates of Alaska Native governments to formalize a legal and working relationship.

The federal government has recognized 229 Alaska Native governments for several years. Governor Tony Knowles last December finally signed an executive order to do the same on behalf of the state.

A number of Alaska Natives do not support yesterday's "Millennium Agreement" because they say it recognizes state sovereignty. Some leaders protested the signing.

The agreement calls for the creation of a temporary committee of four state officials and four tribal leaders to develop recommendations on tribal-state relations within three months. A permanent state-tribal forum will meet twice annually.

Get the Story:
Natives, Knowles ink Millennium Agreement (AP 4/12)