History

1947
A suit is filed on behalf of Tlingit & Haida.
1957
I. S. "Lefty" Weissbrodt files a petition in the U.S. Court of Claims to determine original ownership of Southeast Alaska.
1959
The Court of Claims issued a judgment stating that the Tlingit and Haida Indians did have original use and occupancy, and asserted dominion from time immemorial, over all lands and waters in Southeast Alaska which they had claimed; and that the United States must make fair payment for those lands withdrawn to create the Tongass National Forest and the Glacier Bay National Monument. Lost hunting and fishing rights were not considered in this decision, and the matter of determining the value of the land withdrawn by the U.S. was set aside for future judgment.

1965
The Jurisdictional Act of 1935 was amended at the request of the Central Council. Amendments were necessary to clarify the status of the Central Council; to recognize it as the governing body of the Tlingit and Haida people; to allow for "per capita distribution" of the judgment fund; and to reduce the role of the BIA in the eventual administration of the funds.
1968
The U.S. Court of Claims awards Tlingit & Haida $7.5 million for lands withdrawn to create the Tongass National Forest and Glacier Bay National Monument.
1975
Indian Self-determination Act (PL 93-638) is passed requiring federal agencies, primarily the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), to contract with federally recognized tribes to manage programs that are intended to benefit Native Americans. In Alaska, the BIA adopted an “Order of Precedence” for recognizing tribes for the purpose of contracting:
-Indian Reorganization Act tribes;
-Traditional tribes;
-Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act village corporations; and
-Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act regional corporations.

1993
The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in the Department of the Interior amends the list of federally recognized tribes that are posted in the Federal Register to include all tribes in Alaska, leaving The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska off of the list. Tlingit & Haida petitions Congress to restore the tribe to the list.

1994
The President of the United States signed into law an Act that not only restored Tlingit and Haida to the list but also required that the Department of the Interior must consult with Congress before removing any recognized tribe from the list published in the Federal Register.

The Tlingit Nation and the Haida Nation united with foresight, courage, and determination to fight for our rights and preserve our relationship with the land, water, and resources. As a result of those who fought the battle, the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska was formed to serve the interests of the Tlingit and Haida people for generations to come.

We, the Tlingits and Haidas, enrolled citizens of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, affirm our inherent sovereignty, which will never be alienated. We perpetuate and preserve our traditions to ensure that future generations inherit their rightful heritage as Tlingit and Haida people.

The practiced customs and traditions of our people must be passed on from one generation to the next with pride and dignity. Our rich cultural history and practices will be passed on to future generations through our traditional dances and ceremonies, which validate our identity and culture. Our sacred and vibrant traditions survive, growing stronger and richer every year.