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My Grandfather is half Eskimo and because of that I get free health care. It always seems a little crazy to me when I go to the doctor and its just FREE. For those of you that don't know, Alaska doesn't have reservations. The Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act was created in the 70's and turned geographic areas of Alaska into corporations. Some of these corporations have been very successful and pay out huge dividends. Russians and other non-natives were grandfathered in.
Alaskan natives are definitely treated as second class citizens. Sometimes it seems well deserved. Many of the tribe leaders were corrupt and made tons of money during the building of the pipeline. We have some of the highest rates of rape, alcoholism and violence in the villages. The dark, cold winters and booze arent a great combo for natives.
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