1. HOME
  2.  | 
  3. Industry
  4.  | 
  5. Alaska Native
  6.  | Legislature Votes to Permanently Establish November as Alaska Native Heritage Month

Legislature Votes to Permanently Establish November as Alaska Native Heritage Month

May 17, 2019 | Alaska Native, Government, News

JUNEAU–A proposal to permanently establish November as Alaska Native Heritage Month cleared its final legislative hurdle when it unanimously passed the Senate.

House Bill 126 is sponsored by the Legislature’s first-ever House Tribal Affairs Committee and is the first piece of committee legislation to pass the Legislature. The bill previously passed the House, 36-to-1, and now heads to Governor Mike Dunleavy’s desk for final approval.

“Alaska Native cultures, languages, and traditions contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of our state,” said Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky (D-Bethel), who chairs the House Tribal Affairs Committee. “Celebrating our rich and unique heritage is a way to bring all Alaskans together.”

Rep. Zulkosky thanked her colleagues who supported the bill, especially Sen. Click Bishop (R-Fairbanks), who passed the proposal out of Senate Community and Regional Affairs Committee, and Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson (D-Anchorage), who carried H.B. 126 on the Senate floor.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate, honor, and recognize Alaska Native tribes and cultures that have called this land home for thousands of years,” Sen. Gray-Jackson said. “Not only will this celebrate the past but also bring attention to the efforts Alaska Native communities have made on health, dignity, and self-determination. By permanently recognizing this month, we are echoing the permanency of Alaska Native Cultures.”

For years, lawmakers have voted annually to designate November as Alaska Native Heritage Month. This legislation makes the designation permanent and removes the need for a yearly vote of the Legislature.

Current Issue

Alaska Business September 2025 Cover

September 2025

Industry Sponsor

Become an Industry Sponsor

Related Articles
In This Issue
RETAIL + ENTREPRENEURSHIP
September 2025
The September 2025 issue of Alaska Business we dive deep into entrepreneurship in Alaska, from award winning designs for survival suits to a new model of affordable housing in rural locations to resources for startups and new business owners. Also in this issue we look at retail in the state, including online commerce, history, and second-hand treasures. Enjoy!
Share This