ANCSA - PEOPLE

There were nearly 80,000 Alaska Natives alive on Dec. 18, 1971, who could participate in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Most of those affected by the Act were in Alaska, but about 20,000 people lived in the Lower 48 and even other parts of the world.

"Native" was defined as a citizen of the United States with one-fourth degree or more Indian, Aleut or Eskimo ancestry, born on or before Dec. 18, 1971, including Natives who had been adopted by one or more non-Native parents.

Amendments were passed later to allow Native corporations to issue stock to those born after Dec. 18, 1971. In general, this has been done through the creation of a new type of stock. This stock is valid only during the shareholder's lifetime and cannot be passed on. Only a few corporations have extended stock ownership to those born after 1971.