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)

Recognizes Kipnuk and Kwigillingok’s relocation as tribal self-determination and urges coordinated state and federal support with funding and a community-centered relocation framew

(S) Scheduled but Not Heard

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Overview

Senate Joint Resolution 31 (SJR 31) of the 34th Alaska Legislature recognizes the relocation decisions of the Alaska Native communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok in response to Typhoon Halong,Affirms tribal self-determination and calls for strong state and federal support to relocate these communities.

Main purpose and intent

Acknowledges and honors the sovereign decisions of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate after Typhoon Halong’s devastation.

Affirms the right of Alaska Native communities to self-determination and tribal sovereignty.

Urges sustained, coordinated support from state and federal governments to facilitate relocation efforts.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution sets forth six main points:

Sovereign decisions by Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to relocate are recognized as exercises of tribal sovereignty and community self-determination; the state should support, not direct, these decisions.

Affirms the federal government’s trust obligation to respect Alaska Native communities’ rights to determine where to live and when to move.

Urges the Governor to develop a clear relocation framework that is community-centered, with a reliable timeline, dedicated state funding, and interagency coordination.

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

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

Commits to ongoing engagement with Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities regarding all legislative actions needed to support relocation efforts swiftly and fully.

Who is affected

Primary: The Alaska Native communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, including their residents and local governance structures.

Indirect: State agencies (Governor’s office, interagency partners), Alaska’s congressional delegation, the U.S. federal government (trust obligations and disaster-relief funding), and other Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities impacted by relocation considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill is a concurrent resolution (non-binding) introduced May 15, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee and then Finance.

As a resolution, it does not itself authorize funding or create new law; instead, it signals legislative intent, articulates principles, and urges actions by the Governor and federal lawmakers.

It calls for development of a relocation framework with a defined timeline and dedicated appropriations, but implementation would depend on subsequent state actions and funding decisions.

The resolution emphasizes ongoing legislative engagement with affected communities.

Potential impact

Sets a clear policy stance recognizing self-determination and seeking robust support for relocation.

Encourages a formal, community-centered relocation plan and reliable funding streams.

Aims to streamline interagency coordination and expedite relocation, including establishment of an interim settlement for evacuees.

Signals to federal lawmakers the importance of maintaining and expanding disaster-relief and relocation funding for Gulf/Southwest Alaska communities affected by extreme weather events.