FAIRBANKS, Alaska — A speaker at the Tanana Chiefs Conference convention says the federal and state governments treat Alaska Natives like second-class citizens.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says U.S. Indian Law and Order Commission chairman Troy Eid told a Fairbanks audience Tuesday that a lack of tribal sovereignty and a colonial attitude are contributing to an unconscionable record for Alaska Native justice.
The independent commission was created in 2010 to review the justice system in Indian Country and report its findings to President Barack Obama and Congress.
The commission’s report was released in November and blasted Alaska’s system.
At Tuesday’s conference, Fort Yukon Chief Steve Ginnis asked delegates to consider a resolution asking the federal government to treat Alaska Natives under the same civil rights legislation as other Native Americans.
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