FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/15/2014

ANCHORAGE- U.S. Senator Mark Begich received the celebrated endorsement of the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. The Central Council unanimously passed a resolution endorsing Senator Begich citing his consistent efforts to protect subsistence rights, dedication to restoring and expanding the Voting Rights Act and investments in rural broadband access.

The Central Council represents nearly 30,000 Tlingit and Haida tribal members and is the predominant tribal organization in Southeast Alaska representing local tribes.

“Senator Begich has been an effective member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Appropriations Committee, understands the unique challenges of rural Alaska and the importance of resource development in order to build sustainable communities,” said President Richard Peterson. “We need Senator Begich to continue to fight on our behalf for tribal sovereignty, protection of our customary and traditional hunting and gathering practices, repeal of the ‘Alaska exception’ to the Violence Against Women Act, and removal of the “Alaska exemption” to allow Alaska tribes to take land into trust.”

Executive Council of the Central Council

Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska

Resolution EC/ 14-57

Title: Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Endorsement for Senator Mark Begich

WHEREAS, Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Central Council) is a federally recognized tribe of more than 29,000 tribal citizens worldwide; and

Whereas, Senator Mark Begich consistently advocates for Alaska Native hunting, fishing, and subsistence rights and passed the Traditional Foods Bill to promote Alaska Native rights to our traditional foods; and

Whereas, Senator Begich opposes the United States Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate preclearance under the Voting Rights Act and supports restoration of the law’s authority; and

Whereas, Senator Begich secured a permanent reauthorization of the Indian Health Service (IHS), the first reauthorization in over twenty years. He also secured historic full funding for IHS Contract Support Costs to Alaska Native tribal health facilities this year, including back payments; and

Whereas, Senator Begich has fought to protect the 8(a) program, which is a benefit to Alaska Native Corporations and their shareholders across the state; and

Whereas, Senator Begich took action for rural public safety by introducing the Alaska Safe Families bill and amendments to support local authority to prosecute misdemeanors in rural Alaska; and

Whereas, Senator Begich advances Alaska Native self-determination by supporting the option to allow Alaska Native and their Tribal Governments to take land-into-trust; and

Whereas, Senator Begich has fought to ensure the United States Postal Services maintains the bypass mail and standard rates for rural Alaska that is critical to our communities; and

Whereas, 82% of Alaska communities are off the road system and Senator Begich has protected vital transportation routes and services by protecting the Essential Air Service program; and

Whereas, Senator Begich helped deliver over $170 million in improvements to rural broadband to provide education, health services, and encourage small business growth; and

Whereas, Senator Begich strongly defends American gun rights, critical for rural Alaskans who depend on guns for subsistence activities to feed our families; and

Whereas, Senator Begich promotes and protects benefits for all military service members, retirees, veterans, and their families. Senator Begich successfully secured reinstatement of pension payments for members of the WWII-era Alaska Territorial Guard; and

Whereas, he has improved the quality of the Veterans Administration Hospitals in rural Alaska and facilitated historic agreements to allow veterans to receive local care without having to travel to Anchorage; and

Whereas, having two Alaska Senators seated on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs ensures Alaska Native priorities be addressed on a national level. His support on the committee has been instrumental in achieving favorable policies for tribes and corporations; and

Whereas, Senator Mark Begich is a born and raised Alaskan, who like his father before him, understands the unique challenges of rural Alaska and is willing to fight for them;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska supports Senator Mark Begich in his re-election for 2014.

Adopted this 10th day of October 2014, by the Executive Council of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, by a vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays, 0 abstentions and 0 absences.