In a historic moment for Ahtna, Inc. and its shareholders, the corporation has successfully reacquired the land that was once home to the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) near Gakona. This achievement, which took place on October 23, 2024, marks the culmination of nearly four decades of dedication and perseverance by Ahtna’s leadership and staff.
Forced to Sell Ancestral Lands Under Threat of Eminent Domain
The story began in 1986, when Ahtna, Inc. entered into discussions with the U.S. Air Force regarding a proposed Over-the-Horizon Backscatter (OTH-B) radar site north of Gakona. Although the radar site was never developed, the focus shifted to the establishment of HAARP, a research facility designed to study the Earth’s ionosphere.
Despite objections from Ahtna and the Gakona Tribe, the U.S. Government invoked the threat of eminent domain, compelling Ahtna to sell 5,408 acres of culturally and traditionally significant land to the Air Force in 1989. This land, deeply valued by the Gakona Tribe and Ahtna shareholders, became the site of the HAARP facility.
Establishing the Ahtna Land Fund
Following the HAARP land sale, Ahtna, Inc. made a strategic decision to use the proceeds to establish the Ahtna Land Fund. The purpose of this fund was clear: to eventually reacquire the HAARP land and purchase other private properties within the Ahtna region that held cultural, environmental, or economic value.
A Path to Reacquisition
In 2016, a significant milestone was reached when President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This Act contained a provision that allowed Ahtna, Inc. to repurchase the HAARP land. Under this agreement, Ahtna regained ownership of the original lands sold to the government, while the developed infrastructure was transferred to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) for ongoing research work. This includes the HAARP facility which is used for “campaigns” or research.
For eight years, Ahtna staff worked tirelessly to reacquire the former Gakona Village Corporation lands surrounding HAARP. Their efforts finally paid off in October 2024, securing the land’s return to Ahtna ownership and fulfilling a long-held goal of the corporation. Ahtna paid fair market value for the property in the amount of $1.2 million.
What This Means for Shareholders
The reacquisition of the HAARP land represents more than just a land deal; it is a return of a culturally and historically important area to Ahtna ownership. The land’s traditional and cultural significance to the Gakona Tribe and shareholders cannot be overstated, and its return opens doors for future stewardship that aligns with Ahtna’s values and vision for the region.
This accomplishment is a testament to the brilliant forethought, dedication and resilience of Ahtna’s past leadership in establishing the Ahtna Land Fund. It also serves as a reminder of the corporation’s ongoing commitment to protecting and enhancing our lands.
The reacquisition of the HAARP land is a victory not only for Ahtna, Inc. but for all shareholders who cherish the traditional lands and heritage of the Ahtna region. This achievement is one of many steps Ahtna has taken to preserve our traditional land base for the cultural, economic, and environmental benefit of future generations.