Tundra times., 1962-11-01

The question of historic Native land rights, aboriginal and other wise, is osmplex. At the risk of oversimplification, however, let me outline my basic views.
 First, believe that Natives have legal and maral right to the pos session of lands which they have occupied since time immemorial. Second, in addition to simple pos session, believe it to be both de- sirahle and necessary that occupants of aboriginal lands receive title to the lands as soon as possible. Natives need clear title to the land they occupy so they will be safe in improving their property, build ing on it and Using it in any manner they see fit. Without title they are not safe in improving their lands
 2. What is your position in regard
 to historic Native hunting and
 fishing rights?
 The question of hunting and fish ing rights is basically a legal one So far as the Indians in Southeast tern Alaska are concerned, the Court of Claims is in the process Of determining compensation due them for their land losses and for Federal abolition of exclusive hunt ing and fishing rights prhos to Statehood. This matter is being re- solved through judicial determina- ton and may set the pattern for the resolution of similar problems else where.
 3. What is the difference between
 the Natives aboriginal right to
 hunt ducks and geese for food
 and the historic right to the min
 eral underneath their land?
 Natives should have all of the property rights any other person has who obtains title from the fed- eral government. There is no ex- cuse for limiting property rights on the basis of aboriginal background. Aboriginal hunting poses separate problem. As you know, ducks and geese are controlled by Federal au- thorities under treaty.
 of the Interior has permitted Ma of the Interior has pedmitted Ma tives to take ducks and geese as part of their aboriginal heritage. Federal agents revoked that policy i in spite of the fact that the birds were necessary to the subsistence of Eskimo people. I was the first to protest this action and have con- tinued to seek either new inter- pretation or new treaty. 4. If you are elected, what con- crete programs will you promote to better the economy of Ma
 tive villages?
 It is my belief that the growth of the economy of Native villages in the state depends upon promotion of new business enterprises and of creation of new opportunities with in the villages. The 1862 Legislature, at my request, created new de- partment of State government, the Department of Economic Develop ment and Planning, to work toward this end. A representative of this department has completed report regarding action which could be taken in various areas. Additional ly, the Rural Development Agency has, during this administration for the first time, launched a great many projects to improve communi- ties through construction of new walks, wells, streets, and other im- provements. Because of intensive research. the Department of Fish and Game was able to open up new fisheries along the Northwest coast at Bethel, Golovin. Kotzebue and as well for other nearby villages. These State agencies together with the Bureau of Indian Affairs are working closely together to develop jobs in the villages.
 5. What will you do to obtain vo-
 cational schools in Alaska?
 The 1861 Legislature authorized | 4ho co1a of S1 50O O(l0, in bonds for