Alaska Native leaders say Gov. Sarah Palin (R) has neglected their issues even though they make up 15 percent of the state population.

Palin deals well with Alaska Native corporations, an executive said, but her relationship with tribes has been characterized by litigation. She has maintained court fights against Native subsistence rights and tribal adoptions.

"She's just sort of absent on issues. It's like an indifference," state Sen. Al Kookesh (D), the co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives, told The Anchorage Daily News.

Palin hired the first Alaska Native to serve as director of public safety. But she fired Walt Monegan in July, setting off a political storm that grew bigger after she was selected as John McCain's running mate.

"I cannot allow a fellow Alaska Native to have his reputation tarnished and used as a political football," AFN President Julie Kitka said in a recent opinion piece, criticizing the McCain campaign for calling Mohegan insubordinate and unethical.

Another Native was eventually selected to replace Monegan after Palin's first choice dropped out due to controversy. Her Cabinet has another Native on board: Emil Notti as commerce commissioner.

Get the Story:
Natives claim Palin neglects issues (The Anchorage Daily News 10/19)
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