Argument: Alaska Native tribes are not artificial! They do, in fact, have a long, tragic history in their struggle to obtain recognition and equal protection.
Only federal law is supreme over Alaska Natives. The U.S. Constitution clearly stipulates in the commerce clause, Native tribes do indeed have a special trust relation with the federal government. The relationship has been codified by precedent in the courts, time and again.
As a group, Alaska Natives are among the most historically disadvantaged in our country. Undoing past injustices is a large part of the liberal philosophy that embraces Native rights. Chipping away at Native well-being will only guarantee that they stay a severely disaffected minority.
Most of us support equal rights. If the incentive for change is only a matter of principle, then why change? Is a difference of opinion worth alienating the cultural sensitivities of your neighbors? Do we want Haines to be known as anti-Native?
Is this a predictable, clumsy way to remove the Tlingit from their long-revered status as caretakers of their own land? Tlingit have a sacred covenant with nature. This bond is hallowed and is linked to their source of destiny. Put yourself in their place. Is there a perceived racial prejudice?
Paraphrasing Lyndon Johnson, the plight of the modern Native is the plight of modern America. Don’t turn the clock back on Native rights.
Andrew S. Berry