Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotment Program
A unique land-transfer program, the Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotment Program permits eligible Vietnam-era veterans or their heirs to apply for up to 160 acres of federal wilderness land in Alaska. This federal program, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), seeks to compensate Vietnam veterans who, because of their active-duty service, were unable to file a land claim under the Alaska Native Allotment Act.
Unfortunately, the program has fallen short of its goals. Most of the nearly 30 million acres available for selection are inaccessible and far from Alaska Native people’s traditional homelands. As of Sept. 1, 400 applications had been received and only 35 land allotments had been certified. Within the CIRI region, 63 eligible Alaska Native veterans (15 of whom are CIRI Shareholders) have applied for land allotments and only two have been certified. Most applications are rejected by the BLM due to the land no longer being available or the State of Alaska’s decision to not relinquish those lands.
CIRI is working in partnership with other Native-serving organizations to advocate for lands closer to where veterans have lived, practiced subsistence and raised families.
In August, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) finalized the decision to retain protections for 28 million acres of public lands—often referred to as D-1 lands—across Alaska. This decision does not impact acres already available for selection under the allotment program, nor does it appear to add additional acres for allotment selection.
All eligible Alaska Native Vietnam-era veterans who were on active duty in the armed forces between Aug. 5, 1964, and Dec. 31, 1971, or their heirs may apply for a land allotment. Applications are currently being accepted through Dec. 29, 2025.
Earlier this year, Alaska’s congressional delegation introduced legislation to extend the period for land selection through 2030 and expand opportunities for eligible veterans to claim allotments. This legislation must pass Congress by Jan. 3, 2025, or be reintroduced at the 119th Congressional session. We will keep our readers updated with any information regarding this pending legislation.
Visit the BLM website for the latest updates, a map of lands available for selection and answers to frequently asked questions. If you have eligibility questions, contact Candy Grimes, (907) 271-5998.
Johnson Tract Mineral Deposit
The Johnson Tract is rich in natural resources, including metals and minerals important not just for our region but for industries worldwide. This project presents an opportunity to responsibly develop mineral resources to benefit our Shareholders while respecting the environment and preserving the land.
History: In 1976, as part of the Cook Inlet Land Exchange, CIRI agreed to forgo land selections on and around Lake Clark, which enabled the creation of Lake Clark National Park. In exchange for forgoing those entitlements CIRI received the Johnson Tract, which became an inholding within the park. In addition, Congress guaranteed CIRI easements for access to the Johnson Tract. The project is located approximately 100 miles southwest of Anchorage.
Johnson Tract Project Update: In 2019, CIRI entered into a lease agreement with HighGold Mining to explore a mineral-rich deposit on CIRI-owned lands within Lake Clark National Park. This 21,000-acre (approximately 33 square miles) parcel of land is known as the Johnson Tract. In July, gold developer Contango Ore acquired HighGold Mining. Current efforts are aimed at expanding existing zones, targeting new discoveries and building infrastructure.
Honoring our Commitments: CIRI’s dedication to conservation is deeply rooted in our history. Without CIRI’s pivotal decisions, the creation of Lake Clark National Park would not have been possible. By relinquishing certain lands, CIRI enabled the formation of this vital natural space, preserving it for future generations while securing other lands, like the Johnson Tract, for responsible development. This history highlights CIRI’s thoughtful, measured approach to land management—balancing economic interests with environmental preservation. The Johnson Tract project reflects decades of hard work to build a foundation of self-determination and financial stability.
