FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 11, 2026
Contact: ANCSA@marathonstrategies.com
Anchorage, AK – Nicole Borromeo, President of the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), issued the following statement in response to the Alaska’s State Legislature’s unanimous passage of Senate Joint Resolution 26 and House Joint Resolution 44, which support Alaska Native corporations’ (ANCs) participation in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) business development program:
“We are pleased that the Alaska State Legislature recognizes the critical role ANCs play in driving Alaska’s economy, and how participation in the 8(a) business development program helps ANCs achieve that success. With the unanimous passage of these joint resolutions, Alaska’s legislature joins our congressional delegation and Governor Dunleavy in support of ANC participation in the 8(a) program.
“In 1992, Congress explicitly included ANCs in the 8(a) Small Business Act as an economic development mechanism to advance Alaska Native self-determination. Today, ANCs support over 150,000 shareholders using profits generated from their business activities, including revenue from federal contracting activities through the 8(a) program. Beyond their shareholders, ANCs and ANC-owned contractors also support 51,000 jobs in all 50 states, including 8,270 direct jobs and 15,470 induced jobs in Alaska alone.
“Alaska is unified in its support for continued ANC participation in the 8(a) program. ARA will continue to work with state and national-level elected representatives, business partners, and federal officials to ensure that our collective voice is heard on this issue.”
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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971.
ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com.
