III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 351 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 17, 2011 Ms. Murkowski (for herself and Mr. Begich) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Recognizing the accomplishments and commemorating the numerous achievements and contributions of the Alaska Native people over the past 40 years.

Whereas on December 18, 1971, Public Law 92–203 (43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) was enacted to settle long-standing issues of Alaska Native aboriginal land claims; Whereas the pioneering work of Alaska Native leaders has created a lasting legacy of professional and personal success; Whereas Alaska Native people have prospered from their own initiative and innovative approaches to fostering economic development through self-determination; Whereas Alaska Natives have produced a significant number of educated Alaska Natives who now serve in positions of leadership in the State of Alaska and beyond; Whereas Alaska Native people have risen to the challenge of independently and productively managing their aboriginal land, which has fostered sustainable businesses and created employment opportunities for the people of the United States, both across the country and globally; Whereas Alaska Native people continue to serve in positions of leadership in the State of Alaska and beyond; Whereas the dedication and enthusiasm of the next generation of Alaska Native leaders honors the previous generation of Alaska Native leaders who worked diligently to achieve the most significant Native land settlement in the history of the United States; Whereas the next generation of Alaska Native people will continue to make positive changes in the world around them through acquired leadership skills, cultural advocacy, and community engagement; Whereas the people of the United States have reason to commemorate the economic and political contributions of Alaska Native people; and Whereas the people of the United States have reason to honor the tremendous educational, social, political, economic, and cultural achievements of the Alaska Native people over the past 40 years: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1)recognizes December 18, 2011, as the 40th anniversary of the original enactment of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (Public Law 92–203; 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.); (2)recognizes the significant educational, economic, political, and cultural contributions of the Alaska Native people over the past 40 years; and (3)encourages the people of the United States to participate in activities that show support for the success of the Native people and tribes of the State of Alaska.