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Initiative seeks to put state recognition of Tribes on ballot

  A ballot measure initiative seeks to have the state of Alaska officially recognize and acknowledge the 229 federally recognized Alaska Native Tribes. 

The initiative models itself on a piece of state legislation, HB123, which passed the Alaska House by a 35-4 vote earlier this year. But fighting over the state budget has gnarled future progress of the measure. 

The initiative would create a government-to-government relationship with the state -- much in the way the 229 Tribes have with the federal government. 

According to a news release from the organizing group, the Alaska lieutenant governor has 60 days to review and certify the initiative. Then more than 36,000 signatures are required before the start of 2022 to be placed on the ballot for that year.

Originally from the Midwest, Tripp Crouse (Ojibwe, a descendent of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, pronouns: they/them) has 15-plus years in print, web and radio journalism. Tripp first moved to Alaska in 2016 to work with KTOO Public Media in Juneau. And later moved to Anchorage in 2018 to work with KNBA and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation. Tripp currently works for Spruce Root in Juneau, Alaska. Tripp also served as chair of the Station Advisory Committee for Native Public Media.