Bill requiring tribes' recognition passes through committees

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A bill moving through the Legislature would require state recognition of Alaska’s 229 federally recognized tribes.

Supporters say the measure is needed to encourage better collaboration and consultation between the state and tribes; formally acknowledge Alaska tribes’ sovereignty, history, culture and contributions; and potentially allow them to access additional resources, Indian Country Today reported.

“By supporting this bill, you are uplifting these unique and resilient people that have been here for 10,000 years,’’ Brooke Woods, of the Athabascan community of Ramp...