How Alaska Native Regional Corporations Share Revenue
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) establishes how Alaska Native regional corporations share revenue from natural resource development. Sections 7(i) and 7(j) explain how these funds are distributed between regional corporations and within each region. These sections determine how much each village corporation and shareholder receives from resource projects. They ensure that funds are distributed clearly and consistently across all Alaska Native regions.
Under ANCSA, shareholders were issued different types of stock. Class A stock was issued to people enrolled in both a regional corporation and a village corporation within that region. Class B stock was issued to people enrolled only in a regional corporation. Class C stock was issued to people who were eligible under ANCSA but not included as shareholders during the initial enrollment. These classifications determine how Section 7(j) distributions are allocated to village corporations and individual shareholders.
Section 7(i) requires regional corporations to contribute 70% of net revenue they earn from certain natural resource projects to a shared pool for the other original 12 Alaska Native regional corporations. The corporation that develops a resource keeps the remaining 30% of its own revenue. Each regional corporation receives a proportional share of the 70% contributed by the other corporations, so all 12 regions benefit from revenue generated across Alaska. Section 7(j) directs allocations to village corporations and Class B shareholders. Village corporations decide how to use their share for local programs and initiatives, and Class B shareholders receive their portion directly. Section 7(j) distributions are proportional to the number of original enrollees in each village or among Class B shareholders, ensuring fair allocation.
The total 7(i) revenue a regional corporation receives can vary each year depending on resource development in other regional corporations. Village corporations and Class B shareholders receive funds based on proportional enrollment. Together, Sections 7(i) and 7(j) provide a clear and consistent system that distributes revenue from natural resource development fairly, supporting both the region and individual shareholders.


