1. (a) If more than one entity is determined by the commissioner to be eligible under the standards for recognition in 3 AAC 190.120, then, as a general rule, the commissioner will give preference among eligible entities according to the following, in descending order of priority:

   1. (1) a traditional village council, as defined in 3 AAC 190.990;
   2. (2) a village council organized under the Indian Reorganization Act (Act of June 13, 1934, 48 Stat. 984, as amended);
   3. (3) a joint village entity consisting of representatives of more than one existing local entity or group for the specific purpose of functioning as a recognized village entity under this chapter;
   4. (4) any other entity meeting the minimum eligibility requirements of 3 AAC 190.120.
2. (b) If no entity listed in (a) of this section has been recognized under 3 AAC 190.110 then the commissioner will hold a meeting or referendum of village residents, to ascertain the views of the residents under 3 AAC 190.210 - 3 AAC 190.290.

(Eff. 9/21/79, Register 71; am 11/19/88, Register 108)

Authority: AS 44.33.755