Many questions have arisen concerning the new Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Section (Sect. 1119) of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Dingell Act). Here’s what you need to know:
WHAT IS IT?
The Alaska Native Veterans Program of 2019 will provide the opportunity for eligible Vietnam-era veterans or their heirs to select a 2.5- to 160-acre allotment of Federal land in Alaska.
Before applications can be accepted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the new law requires that within 180 days of enactment, the Department of Defense, in coordination with the Department of Veterans Affairs, prepare a list of potential applicants based on their service dates. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) will then use the list to identify the potential applicants based on their Native heritage. Last, BLM will review the list for those who have already received allotments. Only those qualified individuals who have not previously received an allotment are eligible under Public Law 116-9.
The Department of the Interior and the Department of Veterans Affairs will conduct outreach to the eligible individuals. Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans do not need to apply immediately for their allotment. Once BLM has worked through all of the processes, Alaska Native Veterans who served during the Vietnam Era will be notified to apply.
While that is being done, the BLM, with input from other agencies, potential applicants, and the general public, will draft the regulations that will guide the program and identify public lands that will be available for allotment within 18 months.
The application period will open when the regulations become effective. The Department of the Interior will provide assistance in applying for allotments. Applicants will have five years from the date the regulations become effective to apply for an allotment.
WHAT CAN I DO NOW?
If you believe that you are eligible under Section 1119 of the Dingell Act (i.e., you are an Alaska Native Vietnam era veteran who served between Aug. 5, 1964 and Dec. 31, 1971, or a descendant of one), you are encouraged to update your address with the BIA and VA. You can also double-check with each agency whether you are listed in their databases as meeting the definition for Alaska Native or Vietnam-era veteran respectively.
In order to help the process proceed smoothly, please ensure that your tribal entity and the BIA has your current mailing address.
- Contact Bureau of Indian Affairs to verify your information is current: (907) 271-1743 (current number while BIA is in telework status)
To obtain copies of DD 214/215/NGB22 and other personnel records, visit: http://veterans.alaska.gov/Records-Documents
Are you an Alaska Native Vietnam era veteran who served between Aug. 5, 1964 and Dec. 31, 1971 or a descendant of one?
The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9) passed on March 12, 2019. This act provided for Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans who served between Aug 5, 1964 and Dec 31, 1971 to receive a land allotment.
Update your information with the following agencies:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Enrollment Verification: (907) 271-4506 Realty: (907) 271-4104
- Veterans Affairs www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits
- Your Local Tribal Organization
Appoint a personal representative for eligible individuals who are deceased: http://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/probate.htm
For more information, please visit: www.blm.gov/ak-native-vietnam-vet-land-allotment-2019