What are the rules for filming on Native Lands in Alaska?
With one small exception (Metlakatla Village) Alaska Natives do not have reservations like Native American groups in the Lower 48. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) passed by the U.S. Congress in 1971, created Native corporations that received title to 44,000,000 acres throughout Alaska. There are 12 Alaska-based regional corporations with landholdings and more than 200 village and urban Native corporations. Each regional, village, and urban corporation has different policies with respect to the use of their land. Before scouting or shooting on Native lands, filmmakers and still photographers should contact the regional and/or village corporation land manager or media officer to discuss access terms, conditions, and fees. The Film Office permitting handbook includes contact information for the major Native corporations. If you are having difficulty determining who to contact, give us a call and we’ll help you find the correct person.
