Ahtna, Inc. Breaks Tradition and Endorses Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate

ANCHORAGE, AK –  Today, the Ahtna, Inc. (Ahtna) Board of Directors endorsed Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) re-election to the U.S. Senate. The Ahtna Board of Directors highlighted Lisa’s effectiveness and advocacy for Alaska Native people, while also noting it is a rarity for the corporation to make endorsements in political campaigns. 

“We need leadership that can build relationships across party lines and work together to fulfill the government’s promises to Alaska Native people,” said Ken Johns, said Ahtna board chairman. “Ahtna rarely makes endorsements, choosing to support only those candidates whose priorities align with our vision and reflect our values, including protection of our customary and traditional hunting and fishing practices, and striking a careful balance between responsible development and economic opportunity.”

Senator Murkowski has been a tireless advocate for Alaska Native people. According to the Center for Effective Lawmaking, Senator Murkowski is the most effective Republican senator on Native American and energy issues. She fought to secure $8 billion in crucial Coronavirus Relief Fund resources for Alaska Native Corporations and Tribes, introduced legislation addressing the missing and murdered indigenous people’s crisis, and is co-leading legislation to address the impacts of Indian boarding schools. Senator Murkowski has leveraged her seniority to champion policies that support economic growth, protect families, and keep communities safe.

Senator Murkowski’s re-election campaign has been endorsed by Alaska Native entities across the state, including the Alaska Federation of Natives, ANCSA Regional Association, the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, Arctic Slope Regional Corp., Bering Straits Native Corp., Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Calista Corp., Chugach Corp., CIRI Corp., Koniag Corp., Old Harbor Native Corporation, Sealaska Corp., and over 140 Alaska Native leaders from every corner of the state. 

Background:

Ahtna, Incorporated is an Alaska Native Regional Corporation formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, and is based out of Glennallen, Alaska. The company currently has over 2,100 shareholders, the majority of whom are of Ahtna Athabascan descent, and employs more than 1,100 people worldwide.