The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on December 18, 1971. Senator Stevens was a strong supporter of settlement and worked to ensure the law resolved long-standing issues surrounding aboriginal land claims in Alaska, as well as to stimulate future economic development throughout Alaska. Rather than perpetuate the failed reservation policy in other states, this law provided 44 million acres and nearly $1 billion to thirteen regional and 200 village corporations.
Amateur Sports Act became law. This act developed from Stevens’ service on the Commerce Committee and a presidential commission. The Act restructured amateur sports by establishing the United States Olympic Committee as the lead entity for Olympics and providing for national governing bodies for each Olympic sport. The Act also provides important legal protection for individual athletes.