Learn about the indigenous people of Alaska who have lived thousands of years in the harsh arctic environment of Alaska. They survived by subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering and yet remained unconquered. This handbook is about their organizations from a historical and modern perspective. A 25,000-year timeline in the book depicts several Alaskan archaeological sites which provide evidence that confirms the presence and aboriginal land rights of the indigenous people in Alaska. That information was in large part the basis for the historic Alaska Native land claims settlement in 1971. Over 400 Native institutions are major players in Alaska's diverse economy today. Alaska Native people are successfully integrating these modern institutions with their traditional values to improve the lives of Alaska Native people and Alaskan communities. Lydia L. Hays has extensive experience as author, teacher, administrator, and starting new educational programs in Alaska. Indiana born, she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and taught in Ohio, Hawaii, and Alaska public schools. A 54 year Alaska resident, she has also taught college classes on Alaska Native tribes, ANCSA corporations, and other tribal organizations. Dr. Hays was a curriculum writer for the Alaska Native Land Claims (1976) textbook at the Alaska Native Foundation, former vice president of Cook Inlet Region, Inc. and director of The CIRI Foundation for 17 years. Between 1982 and 1994 she assisted CIRI to form Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc., The CIRI Foundation, Alaska Native Heritage Center Anchorage, and Koahnic Broadcast Corporation. Dr. Hays, her husband, and three sons and their families live in Anchorage, Alaska. Contact: 123lydiahays@gmail.com