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HJR 46

Recognizing the sovereign decisions of the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate in the wake of the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong; affirming the right of Alaska Native communities to self-determination; and urging full state and federal support for relocation of those communities.

34th Legislature (2025-2026)

Affirms Kipnuk and Kwigillingok’s relocation as sovereign self-determination and urges state/federal support, funding, and a community-centered relocation framework.

(H) LEGISLATIVE RESOLVE 69
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Bill Summary · HJR 46

Purpose and Intent

  • House Joint Resolution 46 (HJR 46) recognizes the sovereign decisions of the Alaska Native communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate after devastation from Typhoon Halong.
  • The measure affirms the right of Alaska Native communities to self-determination and urges full state and federal support for relocation efforts.
  • The resolution emphasizes that relocation is an exercise of tribal sovereignty and community self-determination, to be supported by the state rather than directed by it.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Recognition of Relocation Decisions:

    • Acknowledges that Kipnuk and Kwigillingok voted to relocate to safer ground.
    • Frames relocation as sovereign choice and self-determination.

  • Federal Trust Obligation:

    • Affirms the federal government’s trust responsibility to respect Alaska Native communities’ rights to determine their future, including where to live and when to move.

  • State Relocation Framework and Resources:

    • Urges the Governor to develop a clear, community-centered relocation framework.
    • Calls for a reliable timeline, dedicated state appropriations, and interagency coordination to carry out relocation.

  • Federal Funding and Disaster Relief:

    • Urges Alaska’s congressional delegation to restore and expand federal funding for community relocation on an emergency basis.
    • Opposes federal actions that would cancel, redirect, or delay disaster relief for the affected communities.

  • Interim Housing Arrangements:

    • Calls on state and federal agencies to help establish an interim village for evacuated residents at a location chosen by the communities.

  • Ongoing Engagement:

    • Commits to continued engagement with Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities on all legislative actions necessary to support relocation.

Affected Parties and Stakeholders

  • Primary communities: Kipnuk and Kwigillingok (evacuated/relocating residents).
  • Alaska Native organizations and councils (e.g., Kipnuk Native Village, Kwigillingok IRA Council, Association of Village Council Presidents).
  • State government: Governor, Department of Military and Veterans’ Affairs, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and other related agencies.
  • Federal government: U.S. Congress (Senate and House) and federal agencies involved in disaster relief and Indian affairs.
  • Broader Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region and other Alaska Native communities facing relocation or disaster response needs.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Status: As of the action history, HJR 46 has been referred to the Community & Regional Affairs committee with initial readings completed.
  • Timing: The bill references Typhoon Halong’s impact on October 11, 2025, and envisions near-term action to establish a relocation framework and interim housing, though specific dates are not provided in the text.
  • Non-Binding Nature: As a joint resolution, the measure expresses the Legislature’s position and policy recommendations rather than creating enforceable law or direct appropriations. It requests and encourages action from the Governor and federal partners.

Potential Impacts

  • Policy Signal: Sets a clear legislative endorsement of self-determination in relocation decisions and ongoing state-federal collaboration.
  • Resource Allocation: Seeks dedicated state funding and interagency coordination to support relocation efforts and interim housing.
  • Federal Partnership: Encourages securing emergency federal funding and safeguarding disaster-relief processes for affected communities.
  • Governance and Process: Promotes a framework that centers community leadership and Timelines, potentially accelerating relocation planning while ensuring community-driven decisions.

Note: The bill does not itself authorize spending or mandate relocation; it urges action, frames relocation as a matter of sovereignty, and calls for a coordinated framework and funding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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