Sealaska Board endorses Murkowski, Peltola, Walker-Drygas; Opposes constitutional convention

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Monday, August 1st, 2022 9:16am

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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Sealaska Board of Directors has endorsed Bill Walker and Heidi Drygas for Alaska governor and lieutenant governor, Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the race for U.S. Senate, and will oppose the ballot measure that would initiate a constitutional convention in Alaska.

The actions follow the board’s decision a week prior to support the candidacy of Peltola to fill the vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives following the death of longtime Congressman Don Young in March.  

According to a press release, Sealaska rarely endorses candidates, choosing to support only those candidates who are closely aligned with Sealaska’s vision for Alaska and the interests of its 23,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders.

Sealaska’s release states that the support for Peltola is based on her long track record of working for and with Native communities across the state and because of her deep experience at all levels of government in Alaska.  

“Sealaska urges voters to support those candidates who closely align with our vision — and who are willing to come to the table as equals and discuss solutions even in those areas where we don’t agree,” said Nelson.  

Alaska’s constitution requires that the question of a constitutional convention be put before voters every 10 years. The Sealaska Board voiced concerns about the possible repercussions of holding such a convention.  

“Reassessing Alaska’s constitution could fundamentally endanger not just the rights of all Alaskans, but specifically Native sovereignty,” said Jaeleen Kookesh, Sealaska Vice President of Policy and Legal Affairs. “Alaska Native people are a historically disenfranchised group that continues to see the impacts of inequity today. We are responsible for using whatever influence we have to break down barriers that may impact our children and grandchildren, not open the possibility of continued imbalance for generations to come.”

You can read more here.

 

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