CASE STUDIES
Alaska Native Corporation Representations
Challenge
The crash of the Exxon oil tanker in Valdez in 1989 decimated several Alaska Native Communities in Prince William Sound and around Kodiak Island. Beginning in late 1992, our firm was first hired by the Old Harbor Native Corporation. Subsequently, we worked for the Akhiok-Kaguyak Native Corporation, Borough of Kodiak, Chenega Corporation, Eyak Corporation, Tatitlek Corporation and Elim Corporation as well as two Regional Native Corporations. The Native Communities wanted to obtain approval of complex habitat restoration plans and funds to permanently protect critical habitat. The Alaska Native Communities wanted to transfer responsibility for the protection of these lands to the government. Most of these properties were inholdings, either in national forests, wildlife preserves or state protected lands
Strategy
We ascertained that a comprehensive, multi-layered action plan was required to obtain funds for the permanent protection of habitat in-holdings for each Native Community. However, the plan demanded different scenarios and message points for each constituency so that every Native Corporation could effectively present its projects to the federal and state agencies. To orchestrate this complex strategy, Larry Landry served as lead or co-lead negotiator in every transaction. He also assisted in developing and implementing the comprehensive strategy.
Advocacy
Multi-faceted parallel actions were implemented working with both state and federal constituencies. Broad coalitions were formed which included hunters and fishermen and local and national environmental organizations. Native Leaders were trained to present their messages at the local, state and federal levels. A seamless parallel strategy was implemented simultaneously in Alaska and Washington, D.C. with presentations presented in several regional forums.
Results
More that $200 million in transactions benefitted the Alaska Native Corporations. Permanent habitat protection plans were created that also protected the Corporations’ property access rights and lands. In addition, permanent process commitments were put in place for the Native Communities and the respective Federal and State government agencies to ensure that the various entities would continue to interact and be able to continue to resolve problems. As a part of these efforts, funding for key community programs was put into place, including the formation and funding of the Seward Sea Life Center and the Kodiak-based Aleutiq Museum.
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