Native Lands & Resources The Native Lands and Resources (NLR) department manages and provides services that enhance and protect the land, environment and cultural artifacts. NLR consists of Realty, Forestry, Transboundary and Climate Change programs funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Compact; the Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP), State Tribal Response Program (STRP), and Preparedness and Disaster Resiliency funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Cultural Resources program funded by the National Park Service (NPS); and the Indigenous Guardians program funded by the United States Forest Service (USFS).
Ghuneiteen Desiree Duncan Manager
In 2020, the NLR department focused on water quality monitoring on transboundary rivers, harmful algae bloom studies, Climate Change Adaptation Plan, Indigenous Guardians program, Alaska Native Vietnam-Era Veterans Land Allotments, management of Native allotments and townsite lots, probate of restricted estates, and the repatriation of cultural artifacts.
2020 Highlights Cultural Resources
“Managing and providing services that enhance and protect land, environment, and cultural artifacts."
The Cultural Resources program repatriates objects of cultural patrimony, sacred objects, funerary objects and human remains in accordance with the Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act of 1990 and the National Museum of the American Indian Act (NMAIA) of 1989. These acts allow federally recognized tribes to repatriate items from museums and federal agencies. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person consultations were not held with the Detroit Institute of Art in Detroit, Michigan and the Metropolitan of Art in New York, New York. Repatriated 14 objects from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, Portland Art Museum, and the Minnesota Museum of American Art. Received private donations of a Feast Dish, Shaman’s Amulet, and grease dish/ladle. Awarded funding in the amount of $89,000 from the NPS for consultations with the American Museum of Natural History and the de Young Memorial Museum. Received BIA funding in the amount of $50,000 to complete the construction of the Artifact Room to house all repatriated objects.
Environmental The Environmental program develops environmental awareness, education, training and capacity building with Southeast Alaska tribes and communities. Hosted a virtual Southeast Environmental Conference. Over 60 participants attended with representation from Southeast Alaska tribes, Southeast Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) corporations, tribal organizations, state and federal agencies, and natural resource and environmental professionals. Collected a total of 34 water samples in Juneau, Alaska (17 from Auke Bay, 2 from Point Louisa, and 15 from Amalga Harbor) for the study of harmful algae blooms. Received funding in the amount of $120,000 from the EPA to host a Disaster and Resiliency Expo in 2021. 70
