William Seward’s Vision of Native American Rights in Alaska: An Evolving Legal Perspective

All too often, accounts of Mr. Seward’s Alaska Purchase consign the Native Alaskan peoples effected by the 1867 Treaty of Cession to the background of a dramatic saga involving Russia and the United States, a late-night chess match between William Seward and Baron Eduard de Stoeckl. But, in many ways, the story of Alaskan Native American legal rights begins with the document these men forged. Legal expert Roger Manning traces the century of Native Alaskan policy and politics that followed. Starting with the language established in Seward’s Treaty of Cession, Manning explores the long and winding path leading towards the landmark passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971. On this Seward Day, learn about Alaska like never before.  

Roger S. Manning is a New York native who lived in and practiced law in Alaska during his distinguished career. Roger served as a law clerk for the Native American Rights Fund in Anchorage and was a Director of the United Crow Band of Athabascan Indians.

Admission is free for museum members, $5 for the general public. Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. This event will be held at the Seward House Museum.