ASL-KFA-1225.A3-1915
CHAPTER 24.
[S.B. 21]
To define the political status of certain Native In-
dians within the Territory of Alaska.
Be it Enacted by the Legislature of the Territory of Alaska:
Native Indians,
citizens under
provisions of
Sec. 6, Ch. 119,
24 Stat. L., p.
390, may have citizen-
ship established.
Section 1. Every native Indian born within the limits
of the Territory of Alaska, and who has severed all
tribal relationships and adopted the habits of a civilized
life in accordance with Section Six (6), Chapter One hun-
dred and nineteen (119), 24 Stat. at Large Three hun-
dred ninety (390), may, after the passage and approval
of this act, have the fact of his citizenship definitely
established by complying with the terms hereafter set
forth.
Examination
Section 2. Every native Indian of the Territory of
Alaska who shall desire a certificate of his citizenship
shall first make application to a United States Govern-
ment, Territorial or municipal school, and shall be sub-
jected to an examination by a majority of the teachers
fo such school as to this of her qualification and claims
for citizenship. Such examination shall broadly cover
the general qualifications of the applicant as to an intelli-
gent exercise of the obligations of suffrage, a total aban-
donment of any tribal customs or relationship, and the
facts regarding the applicant’s adoption of the habits of
a civilized life.
Certificate to
be endorsed
by five white
citizens.
Section 3. Any native Indian of the Territory of
Alaska who shall obtain a certificate in accordance with
Section two (2) of this act, which certificate shall set
forth that a proper examination has been duly held and
the applicant found to have abandoned all tribal customs
and relationship, to have adopted the ways and habits
of a civilized life and to be properly qualified to intelli-
gently exercise the obligations of an elector in the Terri-
tory of Alaska, shall thereupon obtain an endorsement
upon said certificate by at least
five white citizens of the
United States who have been
permanent residents of
Alaska for at least one year, who
were not members of
the examining board as provided in Section 2, to the
effect that such citizens have been personally acquainted
with the life and habits of such Indian for a period of at
least one year and that in their best judgment such In-
dian has abandoned all tribal customs and relationship,
has adopted the ways and habits of a civilized life, and
is duly qualified to exercise the rights, privileges and obli-
gations of citizenship.
Application to
District Court
Section 4. Upon securing such certificate as provided
by sections two (2) and three (3) of this act properly
signed in ink, the applicant shall forward the same to-
gether with an oath duly acknowledged to the effect that
such applicant forever renounces all tribal customs and
relationships, to the United States District Court for the
Division in which the applicant resides praying for the
granting of a certificate of citizenship.
Hearing
Section 5. Upon receiving such application the Judge
of the District Court shall set a day of hearing on such
application which shall not be less than sixty (60) days
from the date of receipt of such application, whereupon
the Clerk of the District Court shall post a notice in his
office containing the name of the applicant and the facts
set forth in his application, and the date set for the hear-
ing upon the application, and shall immediately for-
ward a copy of such notice to the applicant, whereupon
the applicant shall post such notice or a copy thereof in
conspicuous place at the Post Office nearest to his or
her residence.
Final certificate
Section 6. Upon approval of such application by the
Judge of the United States District Court for the Divi-
sion in which the applicant resides, the said Judge shall
issue a certificate, certifying that due proof has been
made to him that the said applicant is "an Indian born
within the Territorial limits of the United States, and
that he has voluntarily taken up, within said limits, his
residence separate and apart from any tribe of Indians
therein, and has adopted the
habits of civilized life."
Said certificate, when presented in court or otherwise,
shall be taken and considered as prima facie evidence of
the truth of the statements therein contained.
Approved, April 27, 1915.
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