"For perspective, most Native 8(a) work is conducted outside of Alaska, as that is where the vast majority of federal contracts are located. The fact is, Alaska is not large enough to provide many contracting opportunities. Those who challenge the right of ANCs to operate outside Alaska apply a double standard; restricting Native Enterprises to a geographic boundary makes Native self-sufficiency exceedingly difficult and violates the basic economic tenets that make the United States thrive. In addition, each ANC has a shareholder hire preference policy and diligently works to provide employment for shareholders whenever possible. It’s important to note too that many shareholders choose not to leave their village or the State of Alaska and prefer to live a traditional Alaska Native subsistence lifestyle.
Alaska Native Corporations have to hire a skilled workforce to manage their contracts. Today, there are more Alaska Native CEOs than ever before. And with continued access to substantive 8(a) contracts, more Alaska Native people will have training and educational opportunities that will prepare them with the skills necessary to gain employment with their ANCs and succeed in the business world.
According to the Alaska Native Corporation Economic Data 2010 report:
• The 12 regional ANCs hire 3,577 Alaska Natives
• In 2008, the 12 regional ANCs provided 13,848 jobs in Alaska
• $774 million in payroll was paid in 2008 at an average of nearly $56,000 per employee"
Get the Story:
Jim Gray: NACA Responds to Gilbert Column on ANCs
(Indian Country Today 7/5)
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