Iñupiat Nunaat Collection of Inuit Treaties

Alaska, a land of breathtaking natural beauty and cultural diversity, has been witness to a historical journey of treaties and agreements that have profoundly shaped the lives and rights of its Inuit inhabitants. From millennia of Inuit sovereignty in the pre-territorial era to the challenges brought by U.S. governance in the 19th century, the Inuit of Alaska have traversed a complex path towards self-determination and cultural preservation. This journey includes pivotal moments such as the Alaska Purchase of 1867, the impacts of World War II, and Alaska's statehood in 1959. However, it is the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 that stands as a watershed moment, fundamentally altering land ownership and marking the emergence of Native corporations. Subsequent agreements have brought forth Inuit land claims, self-governance initiatives, and conservation efforts to protect their traditional lands and cultural heritage. Throughout this rich tapestry of history and advocacy, the Inuit of Alaska have exhibited unwavering resilience, navigating a changing landscape to secure autonomy and safeguard their way of life.