Anchorage holds first municipal training on government-to-government ties with native village of Eklutna

Summary

Municipal officials, the native village of Eklutna and the Alaska Federation of Natives met at a Lusack Library session to explain the government-to-government relationship established by AO 2020-137, discuss Eklutna River restoration, health services and cultural programs, and outline next steps for collaboration.

Kim Waller, the Municipality of Anchorage’s chief equity officer, opened the first annual municipal educational opportunity on government-to-government relations, acknowledging that Anchorage lies within the traditional lands of the Dena'ina Athabascans and introducing the day’s speakers and resources.

Aaron Leggett, president of the native village of Eklutna, said the tribe is the only federally recognized tribe within the Municipality of Anchorage and described the event as part of a long process to formalize municipal-tribal relations. "We're the only federally recognized tribe here in the municipality of Anchorage," Leggett said, and he framed the session as a chance to explain how the tribal government and municipal departments can work together.

Mayor Suzanne LaFrance praised the collaboration and noted that Assembly Ordinance AO 2020-137, which the Anchorage Assembly passed unanimously, established formal government-to-government relations. She said the work has allowed joint projects — including place-name…

Anchorage holds first municipal training on government-to-government ties with native village of Eklutna

Summary

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