Why are ANCs and other Native American groups in the 8(a)program?
Native Americans are among the poorest and most under-employed groups in our society, with many still living in third world conditions. Among American Indians and Native Alaskans, the poverty rate is over 25%. Some 27% have no health insurance. In enacting the Alaskan Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971, Congress took steps to help Alaskan Natives reach long-term economic self-sufficiency. One of those initiatives was to include Alaskan Native Corporations (ANCs) in the definition of “socially and economically disadvantaged” individuals under the 8(a) program. Along with Native American tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, each ANC represents hundreds or thousands of disadvantaged owners. ANCs have been successful in generating a wide range of businesses—some focused solely on Alaska, others extending to the Lower 48 as well. They generate jobs, much-needed community services—and profits that go back to their socially and economically disadvantaged shareholders as dividen
Native Americans are among the poorest and most under-employed groups in our society, with many still living in third world conditions. Among American Indians and Native Alaskans, the poverty rate is over 25%. Some 27% have no health insurance. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, commonly abbreviated ANCSA, was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on December 18, 1971, and is the largest land claims settlement in United States history. The intent of ANSCA was to resolve the long-standing issues surrounding indigenous land claims in Alaska, as well as to stimulate economic development throughout Alaska. The settlement extinguished Alaska Native claims to the land by transferring titles to twelve Alaska Native regional corporations and over 200 local village corporations. A thirteenth regional corporation was later created for Alaska Natives who no longer resided in Alaska. Alaska Native corporations exist solely to provide for their shareholders. NANA is like the tradition
