I’m thrilled to officially share the news that I have taken on the role of Alaska Business’ Managing Editor. What I’m looking forward to most is expanding my opportunities to learn about the many intricacies of business in Alaska—and share it with you. While I’m certainly not new to the magazine, this in many ways feels like a fresh start, and I’m optimistic for the future not because I know everything will go according to plan but because I know I will do the best I can.

The success of so many endeavors isn’t predicated on everything going right, but on everyone contributing all they can to secure a successful outcome.

I can only assume that was the cautious optimism many in Alaska were feeling in 1971 as the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed into law in December, closing out the year and bringing a resolution—though not an end—to the aboriginal claims of Alaska Natives across the state.

Half a century later, we have a little more insight into what Perry Eaton calls one of the largest social experiments of the 20th century, a milestone deviation from previous US policies in terms of Indigenous ownership. As Rex A. Rock Sr., President and CEO of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, says in our cover feature 50 Years of ANSCA, “Along the timeline of Alaska Native history, fifty years is a short timeframe upon which to judge success. I believe we have yet to see the true potential of ANCSA realized because it is a living law that is constantly evolving.”

Not only does the legislation itself change to accommodate current needs, all of the nearly 300 regional, village, and urban corporations formed by the landmark legislation have evolved over the years. They’ve searched out countless, diverse methods to meet their mandate to use what resources they have to benefit their shareholders and traditional communities. ANCSA corporations participate directly, through subsidiaries, or with partners in every major Alaska industry in every region of the state, and many have operations on a national or international scale.

It’s important to remember that the corporations formed by ANCSA are run by individuals on behalf of individuals. And it’s those individuals—leaders, community members, Elders, shareholders, advocates, influencers—who are searching out and securing a multitude of platforms to ensure that Alaska Native communities are represented, their goals are respected, and their voices are heard.

We’re happy to be one of those platforms. In our annual Alaska Native special section, in addition to exploring the unique nature of ANCSA corporations and some of their projects, we’re featuring prominent, experienced voices as they reflect over the last fifty years, as well as checking in with up-and-coming Alaska Natives as they examine who they are and what they see for the future.