(a)
The purpose of this article is to set aside funds for assisting American Indians and Alaskan Natives residing in off-reservation and reservation areas of this state to achieve a greater degree of self-sufficiency through the principles of community self-help.
(b)
Allocation of funds under this article shall be consistent with the sovereign legal status of federally recognized tribes as dependent nations within the United States, consistent with the specific rights accorded other tribes and tribal
organizations by the federal government and consistent with the fiduciary responsibilities of the United States government for Indian people.
Tribes shall be entitled to receive a share of the total funds made available pursuant to this article which is commensurate with the number of low-income American Indians and Alaskan Natives residing in their reservation areas.
(c)
Off-reservation American Indian programs shall be entitled to receive a share of the total funds made available pursuant to this article which is commensurate with the number of low-income American Indians and Alaskan Natives residing in the off-reservation areas and shall be consistent with and cognizant of the needs of off-reservation American Indians and Alaskan Natives residing in this state.