Hide Article Text (OCR)
Outline of Claims History —Author Lauds Laura Bergt’s Contribution Toward ClaimsBy THOMAS RICHARDS, JR.( C Copyright 1972 by Thomas Richards, Jr.)Another Alaskan did an important job m advancing Alaska Native claims during H7I. l oryears, the Alaska Federation ot Natives, and its lawyers and consultants, struggled with theproblem of bringing the settlement issue before the executive branch and encouraging the administration to give the Alaska claims serious consideration. The most substantial progress toward this end began in earnest with the appointment of Mrs. Laura Berg! to the National Council on Indian Opportunity. Her efforts proved more profitable than a dozenexpensive consultants courting White House aides. She worked hard to obtain the support of the other Indian members of the council, a task maJe difficult because of the distrust traditional Indian leaders fuid for the simple fee ownership sought In Alaska Natives. But. her extensive knowledge of the Alaska claims issue and het charming personality were a decided plusin her favor.Mis. Beret's etteetiveness asC.a member ol NC 10 was largelyC *responsible tor the support which Alaska received from that body and subsequent highly successful meetings between Vico President \gnew and Native leaders and, ultimate!) foi gaming the support ol tno President. \n Ainu ot consultants, lobby ists. and buieau-crats could nevei have done as well1 lie third important laetoi contributing to f.tvoiable action during HOI was the mfonnal intelligence network at the disposal ol the Alaska Federation of Natives. Friendships with key members of important committees and the expeit services of lobbyist Claude De-sautels kept Native interests well abreast of'progress on the claims. One example of the effectiveness of Native intelligence occurred in August of HOI, following a meeting between Alaska Senators Mike Ciravel and Ted Stevens, Congressman Nick Begicb, and Governor William A. Fgan m Washington. SenatorStevens assumed responsibility lor having the minutes of that closed meeting typed and enciliated among the others. I he AI N was aware ol the details ot that meeting even before Stevens’ secretary was able to type them and present them to the Senator. This example is representative of the ability ol the AFN to remain appraised ot committee action, draft proposals, and even confidentialmemorandums. The Natives remained more informed than anyone in Washington ever imagined. Native intelligence was a valuable advantage.These three factors were the most instrumental in the 107 |Washington lobby mg effor t But, the pure mechanics o) congressional action during that last year ol settlement delihei-ations is a fascinating example ol the legislative process And so are the deals struck by the parties involved and the effect of these agreements upon the resulting Act.
Newspaper Details
Fairbanks Tundra Times
Fairbanks, Alaska, US
Wed, Jan 10, 1973
Page 12
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 05 Oct 2022
Other Publications Near Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks Daily News Miner
Daily News Miner
Fairbanks Weekly News Miner
Fairbanks Evening News
Fairbanks Daily Times
