News and Events Navigation - TAP TO OPEN

News and Events

Please log in to see all available services

Log In

Sealaska News

September 2023

Celebrating the Moananuiākea a Voyage for Earth: Navigating the traditional waters of Southeast

Sealaska believes that a better future for people and the planet is within reach. Join us for a four-part video series exploring ocean health, navigating the waters of Southeast Alaska and the ways in which the ocean connects us to our relatives across the Pacific. Byron Mallott at the 2019 Empowering our Traditions of Exploration ConferenceIn June, Southeast Alaska was honored to ...

(Read More)

Celebrating the Moananuiākea Voyage for Earth: Navigating the traditional waters of Southeast

Sealaska believes that a better future for people and planet is within reach. Join us for a four-part video series exploring ocean health, navigating the waters of Southeast Alaska and the ways in which the ocean connects us to our relatives across the Pacific. A young navigator explores supports the crew of the Hōkūleʻa. The Hōkūleʻa is a Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe.In...

(Read More)

‘Intern’-generational intern buddy program sees priceless impacts from program alumni

by Shareholder Development Intern Evan Roberts Pictured left to right: Interns Shaelene Moler and Muriel Reid along with Bethany Goodrich and Kaylah Duncan of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership. Duncan served as an “intern buddy” for both Moler and Reid, along with Chet Russell (not pictured). Se...

(Read More)

August 2023

Shareholder Participation Committee members provide virtual update

In 2019, Sealaska established three Shareholder Participation Committees (SPC), with a goal of increasing communication and collaboration between the board of directors and the shareholders they serve. Now in their fourth year, these committees offer an opportunity for Sealaska to strengthen engagement between shareholders and the board and build relationships between communities and those who serve them. The committees are made up of shareholders representing the interests of three regions — So...

(Read More)

Sealaska board provides third quarter update, shareholder Q&A session

Sealaska’s quarterly Board Q&A sessions offer shareholders and directors a chance to connect in a casual online environment, empowering shareholders to ask questions directly to the board and providing directors a chance to hear shareholder voices on the issues that are important to them. Sealaska directors were pleased to provide an update from the July board meeting and offer space for questions at the th...

(Read More)

Quarterly Board Meeting Recap – Third Quarter 2023

The Sealaska board of directors met for its quarterly committee and board meeting on July 27-28. All Sealaska’s actions and efforts are driven by our mission to strengthen people, culture and traditional homelands and inspired by shareholder voices and priorities — something which is honored and remembered each time the board convenes. In the most recent shareholder survey, we heard from shareholders that advocating for Native rights is a top priority. Based on this feedback, the board continue...

(Read More)

Sealaska supports landless legislation recently introduced in 118th Congress

Over the summer, Alaska’s congressional delegation introduced new Landless bills to the 118th Congress: S. 1889 (introduced by Sens. Murkowski and Sullivan) and H.R. 4748 (Introduced by Rep. Peltola and Rep. Pete Stauber (R-MN). Sealaska continues to support the effort, providing funding to Alaska Natives Without Land and advocating for progress with both Alaska and Lower 48 representatives. “We are closer than ever to legislation being approved in Congress,” said Director Nicole Hallingstad, w...

(Read More)

Our people, our stories: documentary “Indigenous Resistance: Now and Then” explores resistance and resilience in Alaska Native communities

“Indigenous Resistance: Now & Then” is a powerful telling of stories of resistance from Indigenous perspectives, sharing recent history and the impacts of colonialism on culture – and the ways in which our communities continue to stand up against it. Sealaska shareholders canpreview it hereuntil August 8. This award-winning short documentary by Haida director ‘Wáats’asdiyei Joe Yates stands in direct contrast to the way many narratives of Alaska Native history, cultur...

(Read More)

July 2023

Sealaska Way of Life – Capture our core values, win prizes!

It’s that time of year again! Bring OUR VALUES to life during the 2023 #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest for a chance to win prizes. The contest begins Monday, July 17 and submissions will be accepted through Friday, August 11.Storytelling is at the heart of who we are at Sealaska. We want to continue to tell our story from your vantage point. Introduced in 2020 as a way to foster connection and engagement amid the pandemic, Sealaska Way of Life is now an annual tradition that brings our communit...

(Read More)

Q&A with Board Youth Advisor Breylan Martin

by Communications Intern Tara Moreno-Goodwin Each year, Sealaska’s board of directors appoints a young adult shareholder or shareholder descendant to the position of Board Youth Advisor (BYA). By serving in this role, young shareholders and descendants can share their perspectives and insight with the board, creating powerful impact while learning the ins and outs of the board room and leadership role. In 2023, changes to the term length were implemented thanks to ...

(Read More)

Special KISFP crew member serves as important reminder that anything is paws-ible when we work together

by Communications Intern Alana Walkush Forest and stream restoration is hard work. And one Klawock Indigenous Stewards Forest Partnership (KISFP) participant in particular has been working his tail off this season. Ziggy the dog has found his calling with the KISFP crew and their restoration work this summer, making himself right at home at the job site each day. Sealaska Director of Shareholder Development ...

(Read More)

Sealaska interns witness, participate in community-driven work on Prince of Wales Island

by Evan Roberts, Shareholder Development Intern In the week leading up to Sealaska’s 2023 annual meeting of shareholders in Klawock, a group of seven interns traveled to Prince of Wales to learn about Sealaska’s community-driven work. 2023 celebrates the launch of Sealaska Abroad — Sealaska’s international internship program. The three students who will be working with Sealaska subsidiary New England Seafoods International (NESI) this summer were joined by Natural Resources, Shareholder De...

(Read More)

Sealaska welcomes a record-breaking 35 interns to Juneau with Sealaska Connect Week

by Evan Roberts, Shareholder Development Intern In early June, Sealaska welcomed 35 students from across Alaska and the rest of the country to Juneau for the 2023 Sealaska Intern Connect Week — five days full of learning and bonding for Sealaska’s 2023 intern class. For the next few months, Sealaska’s interns will embark on different projects across the country — and globe — spanning diverse fields, from fin...

(Read More)

June 2023

Shareholders elect four directors at Sealaska’s 50th annual meeting, held in Klawock

Sealaska’s 50th annual meeting of shareholders concluded Saturday in Klawock with the results of Sealaska’s annual election to fill available seats on the company’s board of directors. Over 300 shareholders attended the in-person meeting in Klawock, with nearly 1,500 shareholders joining via the online livestream on MySealaska. This year, four seats were available, and four board-endorsed candidates, X’agatkeen Morgan Howard, Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang, Saa Doo ou Angela Michaud and Gunaa Shaa Karen T...

(Read More)

Mariculture field trip showcases growing kelp, oysters and possibilities for POW students

As a part of the Sealaska Shareholder Development department’s newly expanded curriculum in mariculture, Klawock students recently ventured out to Seagrove Kelp at Port St. Nicholas on Prince of Wales Island (POW). The visit offered students a chance to learn more about the mariculture business and the growing possibilities — and growing workforce needs — of the mariculture industry. Sealaska believes starting with youth and guiding them on their unique educational journeys while exposing...

(Read More)

Surf and Turf course cooks up survival skills for POW students

The Prince of Wales Surf and Turf camp doesn’t serve up steak and lobster. Instead, something much more valuable is on the menu for students on the island: survival skills. The course, offered through a partnership between the school districts and Sealaska’s Natural Resources department, provides all students in the Prince of Wales (POW) school district — including many shareholder and descendant students — an opportunity to learn both water- and land-based survival skills, experience esse...

(Read More)

Hawaiian voyage Moananuiākea kicks off in Juneau – ‘The time is now to protect our oceans’

Hundreds of people had gathered on the University of Alaska Southeast Campus on Thursday, June 15 to wish the crew of the Hōkūleʻa farewell as they embark on a remarkable journey over the next four years. The event marked the Global Launch Ceremony for Moananuiākea, a voyage that will circumnavigate the Pacific using traditional methods of wayfinding as they visit 36 countries and archipelagoes, nearly 100 indigenous territories and 345 ports. ...

(Read More)

New Sealaska-Codefy partnership creates impact, builds skills in tech for young shareholders

Taylor Natkong wanted to learn to code, but without having to leave her culture and homeland behind. Before participating in a new software programming opportunity made possible through Sealaska’s partnership with Codefy, she might have felt forced to choose. But now, she says, through this program, she has found the best of both worlds. Natkong, originally from Hydaburg, recently moved to Anchorage, juggling a full-time job while learning the language of programming. “I’d always thought that if...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s 2023 community meetings offered culture, connection and answers to common questions

At Sealaska, shareholders are at the center of everything we do. We cherish every opportunity we have to meet with each of you, learning more about your values, priorities and vision for our shared future. This May, we were grateful to host meetings in 10 communities — the first time we have been able to host a full community meeting rotation since 2019. Sealaska shareholders were invited to join us to learn more about Sealaska business operations, upcoming opportunities and visit with fellow s...

(Read More)

Klawock Indigenous Stewards Forest Partnership unites community partners in search of solutions for local forests and watersheds

The community of Klawock, located on Prince of Wales Island, is surrounded by water, rivers and streams that are home to salmon runs that have nourished the community for thousands of years. Over the past two decades, salmon returns have dramatically decreased, motivating the community to investigate the root causes and find potential solutions to help improve fish habitat in the area, restoring local streams and fish populations along with them. At the heart of the restoration work is the Klaw...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s Haa Aaní Board meets in Klawock, tours local stream restoration project

Sealaska’s Haa Aaní Board of Directors held its quarterly board meeting in Klawock on Thursday, June 1 to discuss land management strategies and review operational goals for the year. Haa Aaní is responsible for Sealaska’s land holdings in Southeast Alaska, including land management activities such as ensuring access for hunting and fishing through road maintenance and other infrastructure, and the selective harvest of trees and bark for cultural purposes. The board meeting included a tour of ...

(Read More)

Sealaska welcomes the Moananuiākea

Join Sealaska as we welcome and bid farewell to Hōkūle’a and our Hawaiian relatives of the Polynesian Voyage Society (PVS) while they embark on the Moananuiākea Voyage, a four-year journey across the pacific, from the stores of our ancestral homelands. A tribal welcome ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 10 from 3-7 p.m. at the Auke Rec Raven Shelter, kicking off a week-long series of events and festivities in Juneau that will culminate the Global Launch of the Moananuiākea on Thurs...

(Read More)

Sealaska contributes to renovation of ANB/ANS Halls in Angoon and Hoonah

Sealaska recently made two significant donations to support the renovation of the Alaska Native Brotherhood/Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANB/ANS) halls in Angoon and Hoonah. The ANB/ANS halls have been a fixture throughout Southeast Alaska for decades. This funding helps to preserve and revitalize these historic gathering places while helping to ensure the legacy of the ANB/ANS lives on in these two communities.“Sealaska and all Alaska Native Corporations owe our existence to the tremendous work of...

(Read More)

May 2023

Sealaska Announces $1.1 million in 2023-2024 Scholarship Awards

2023 Angoon High School graduate and Sealaska scholarship recipient Cheyenne Kookesh, pictured here with her dad. Sealaska is invested in education. We are proud to announce that over $1.1 million in scholarships will be awarded to 462 recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year. Scholarships will support shareholders and descendants pursuing degrees on either a full- or part-time basis, as well as those enrolled in voca...

(Read More)

2023 Community Meetings – Business Presentation

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oya̱xsut ‘nüüsm to all the shareholders who participated our California and Anchorage and Seattle community meetings, as well as those who tuned into the webcast of the Anchorage meeting and our virtual business update. We appreciate your engagement and participation. We look forward to connecting with more shareholders at upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings and events throughout the month of May and beyond. If you are unable to join us at one of our i...

(Read More)

Anchorage Meeting Webcast Recap

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oya̱xsut ‘nüüsm to the more than 500 shareholders who joined us last night at the webcast of the Anchorage community meeting. We appreciated your patience with our technical issues along with your continued good humor and engagement. Sealaska looks forward to connecting with more shareholders at upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings and events throughout the month of May and beyond. All participants in the livestream on MySealaska were automatically enter...

(Read More)

Sealaska Candidates Forum Recap

Sealaska hosted a virtual candidate’s forum on Monday, May 8 to introduce shareholders to the seven candidates running for four open seats on the Sealaska Board of Directors. The candidates answered a series of questions related to the company’s business performance and the priorities each candidate will focus on if elected. If you were not able to join the virtual event, you can view a recording of the forum here.Learn more about the seven shareholders that applied for the board at Election Connection on MySealaska. There you will find biographical information about each candidate and remember to VOTE your proxy.

(Read More)

Full Spring 2023 Community Meeting Schedule

Shareholders, let’s meet at upcoming in-person community meetings! In the most recent shareholder survey, shareholders across the nation expressed the want to connect in-person and virtually. We heard you, and plan on visiting a community near you this spring! Connect with fellow shareholders at Sealaska’s community meetings. Sealaska shareholders are invited to join us to learn more about Sealaska business operations, upcoming opportunities, and connect with fellow shareholders and descendants....

(Read More)

Virtual Business Update – Recap

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oya̱xsut ‘nüüsm to the more than 300 shareholders who joined us today for a business update. We appreciate your questions and engagement, and look forward to connecting with more shareholders at upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings and events throughout the month of May and beyond. All participants in today’s livestream on MySealaska were automatically entered to win one of eleven cash prizes. The winners are as follows:All payments will go out nex...

(Read More)

2022 Annual Report in Review

At Sealaska, our work creates possibility for generations to come. This year’s annual report was centered around the endless possibilities to come in our next 50 years — and beyond. No matter the challenges our people may face, Sealaska remains dedicated to serving you and future generations of our descendants. We are committed to providing shareholder benefits and continue to focus on shareholder priorities even as we grow our businesses around a vision of healthy oceans, restoring much-needed ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Board Expands SHI Board of Trustees

Additions to Board of Trustees will help support vision to make Juneau the world’s Northwest Coast arts capital. In a recent meeting, the Sealaska Board of Directors appointed Karen Taug, Vicki Soboleff, ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake and Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang to serve alongside Chair Marlene Johnson, La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow, ...

(Read More)

2nd Quarter Board Q&A and Survey Results Recap

Sealaska’s quarterly Board Q&A sessions offer shareholders and directors a chance to connect in a casual online environment, empowering shareholders to ask questions directly to the board and providing directors a chance to hear shareholder voices on the issues that are important to them. In a recent virtual Q&A session, directors provided information on their work from the recent board meeting towards shareholder priorities and...

(Read More)

April 2023

Sealaska Shareholder Participation Committee Offers New Opportunity for Youth

At Sealaska, we believe that youth are the future. That’s why we’re introducing a new opportunity for young people to get involved in what we do and make an impact for our businesses, communities, and the lands and waters we call home.Sealaska is now accepting applications for youth members of the Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC). The SPC was established in 2019 as a way to strengthen shareholder engagement with Sealaska, and is made up of shareholders representing the interests of thre...

(Read More)

April 14 Board Meeting Report to Shareholders

The Sealaska Board supports the LGBTQIA2S+ community, language grants and community donations through board action at the April board meeting. The Sealaska Board of Directors approved several important resolutions at a board meeting on Friday, April 14. The meeting was held on Sheet’ka Kwaan(Sitka) in a gesture of support for the critical work being done by the Herring Protectors to defend their ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces Spring 2023 Distribution

Sealaska’s spring distribution of $37.7 million is part of Sealaska’s continued investment in our shareholders and communities. The distribution includes dividends totaling $6.8 million from Sealaska’s ocean-health focused operations businesses, $2.9 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund and an additional $28.0 million in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Section 7(j) natural resource revenue sharing funds. Please note that shareholders with class B or C sha...

(Read More)

March 2023

Traditional Lands of A’akw and Taku Kwáan to host global launch of Moananuiākea Voyage

The voyage aims to circumnavigate the Pacific over the course of four years, bringing attention to the role of Pacific peoples in stewarding our oceans and inspiring future navigators. Sealaska is proud to welcome the Moananuiākea Voyage to the traditional lands of the A’akw and Taku Kwaan people this summer. The Moananuiākea Voyage is a four-year journey by the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) to c...

(Read More)

Spring 2023 Distribution Date Announced

The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, April 14 to approve the amount for Sealaska’s 2023 spring distribution. The distribution will take place on Friday, April 21. Shareholders are encouraged to complete and/or update any enrollment or stock transfer paperwork by the official record date of 4 p.m. Alaska time on Monday, April 17. “Sealaska is committed to providing stable dividend payments to shareholders, regardless of what is happening in the wider economic climate,” said Seala...

(Read More)

Sealaska hosts virtual forum for shareholders interested in independent candidacy

For shareholders interested in running for Sealaska’s board as an independent candidate, a March 9 virtual event provided the perfectopportunity to learn more. Shareholders were able to ask questions and find out more about the process, requirements and associated deadlines for independent candidacy in Sealaska’s annual shareholder elections. Shareholders tuned in from across Alaska and around the country to learn more about running as an independent candidate. The event was h...

(Read More)

Sealaska Survey Prize Winners

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oyaxsut ‘nüüsm to the record-breaking 5,437 shareholders who shared their perspective with Sealaska in this year’s survey. About 22% of our total shareholder base participated in this survey, representing key demographics across the nation. At Sealaska, we’re committed to discovering new ways to best serve our communities. This shareholder communications survey was designed to help us honor the voices of all shareholders and ensure that our shared future ...

(Read More)

February 2023

Film is a mirror: Sealaska shareholder descendant Miciana Hutcherson reflects on Black History Month

On Monday, Jan. 20, ‘Fancy Dance’—a film about matrilineal love and the complexities of familyand care in Indigenous communities—premiered at Eccles Theater at the Sundance FilmFestival in Park City, Utah.Sealaska shareholder and descendant Miciana Áak’w Ta Sháa Alise co-wrote the film alongsideSeneca–Cayuga filmmaker Erica Tremblay, who recently worked as a writer and executivestory editor on Reservation Dogs at FX.‘Fancy Dance’ confronts real and painful issues facing Indigenous women and fami...

(Read More)

The 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held in Klawock, AK

The 2023 Sealaska Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the Klawock High School Gymnasium in Klawock, Alaska. Sealaska will share a webcast of the annual meeting through the MySealaska.com shareholder portal for those unable to attend in person. About the Annual Meeting When: Saturday, June 24, 2023 at 1 p.m. Alaska Time Location: Klawock High School Gymnasium, 715 Bayview Blvd, Klawock, AK or streamed via webcast on MySealaska.comKey Deadlines Friday, Feb. 24...

(Read More)

Save the Date for the Portland Informational Fair

Join Sealaska in Portland this spring! Connect with fellow shareholders, learn more about Sealaska and enjoy Alaska Native art workshops at Sealaska’s Portland Informational Fair this spring. Shareholders, bring your families and join us Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the DoubleTree Portland for food, festivities and fun, including live arts workshops and door prizes! This event offers a great opportunity to connect with Sealaska, our board of directors and our shareholder community in ...

(Read More)

January 2023

Sealaska Board of Directors Approves Increase in Language Funding at First Meeting of 2023

Language efforts and the Board Youth Advisor program took center stage at the first board meeting of the year. At a board meeting held on Friday, Jan. 27, Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved a one-time $250,000 increase in funding for language programming from the Sealaska language fund, bringing this year’s contribution to $750,000. The fund, which was established by Sealaska in 2019, was created with a...

(Read More)

Take the Sealaska Engagement Survey Today!

As part of our ongoing efforts to connect with shareholders like you on important issues, Sealaska invites you to complete our 2023 Shareholder Engagement Survey. This survey is vital to understanding your priorities and meeting your expectations for how Sealaska engages with shareholders. To take the survey, please visit www.sealaskasurvey.com to complete the survey online. You can also call to schedule a time to complete the survey by phone. If you are calling from Alaska: 949-341-4669 If y...

(Read More)

Sealaska Welcomes New Shareholders With Virtual Orientation Session

Since the elimination of the blood quantum requirement in June 2022, Sealaska has welcomed over 2,100 new shareholders. Sealaska hosted a virtual shareholder orientation to provide our new shareholders with more information on Sealaska, as well as what to expect as a shareholder moving forward. Board Chair Joe Nelson served as the host and was joined by President and CEO Anthony Mallott, Enrollment Team Lead Vanessa Allen and Senior Director of Shareholder Development Tesla Cox. After a warm we...

(Read More)

1099 Tax Forms are available now on MySealaska!

Sealaska shareholders are now able to view and download their IRS Form 1099-DIV for 2022. Printed 1099 tax forms will be mailed on or before Jan. 27.

(Read More)

Shareholders Nominated for Work on “Molly of Denali” at the Emmys

“Molly of Denali” is one of the biggest shows on PBS — so big that it was recently nominated for the Children’s and Family Emmys in two categories: Outstanding Preschool Animated Series and Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program. The team behind that outstanding writing includes four Sealaska shareholders: Frank Henry Kaash Katasse, Vera Starbard, X̱’unei Lance Twitchell and ‘Wáats’asdíyei Joe Yates. Sealaska helped sponsor the team’s travel to Los Angeles to attend the Emmys...

(Read More)

2022 Year in Review

Happy New Year! As we greet 2023, we at Sealaska also invite you to join us in reflecting on the 2022 year. In 2022, we celebrated 50 years; made strides toward our goal of ocean health; and continued on the path of financial stability despite continued investment market challenges. There is much to be thankful for: our hardworking employees, our creative, collaborative partners and our inspiring community of shareholders, all of whom help shape our collective future and chart the course o...

(Read More)

Community Event Connects Alaska Native Youth To Ski And Snowboard Opportunities

Partnership between local organizations and volunteers leads to snow sports celebration, connecting families with community resources. An evening of winter sports festivities on Jan. 6 will kick off a partnership offering unique opportunities for Alaska Native children and teens to access low-cost and free ski and snowboard rentals, lessons and passes to Eaglecrest Ski Area. The event, which will run from 6-9 p.m. at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, is made possible through the collaborative efforts ...

(Read More)

December 2022

Record number of shareholders participate in virtual holiday party

More than 2,300 shareholders — nearly 10 percent of Sealaska’s shareholder base! — participated in Sealaska’s virtual holiday party held on Wednesday, Dec. 14. Shareholders and their families gathered from their homes and phones to celebrate the magic of the season and learn more about the past year’s achievements. The event included door prizes, seasonal greetings from Sealaska’s board of directors and management team and holiday messages from shareholders spreading the joy of the season, as we...

(Read More)

November 2022

T’oyaxsut ‘nüüsm, Háw’aa, Gunalchéesh, Thank You Veteran Sylvester Peele

Sealaska Recognizes Navy Veteran Sylvester "Sonny" Peele III In celebration of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, Sealaska recognizes just a few of our many shareholders who have served in the Armed Forces as part of our #RecognitionMatters Veterans Campaign. American Indian and Alaska Native people have a longstanding tradition of service and sacrifice, as they serve at a higher rate than any other demographic in the entire country. As a country, w...

(Read More)

2023 Summer Internship Information Session Held on Nov. 28

Applications are now open for the 2023 summer internship program! Sealaska hosted a virtual internship information session on Nov. 28 to help prospective interns and their families learn more about exciting internship opportunities offered next summer at Sealaska and partner organizations. Shareholder Development Program Manager Kayla Roberts provided information about the internship program, types of internships available and the benefits of participating in Sealaska’s internship program. Othe...

(Read More)

Memorial totem pole honors MMIW, Judylee Guthrie of Hydaburg

A memorial totem pole honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirits (MMIWG2S) was recently raised near Klawock. This beautiful, heartbreaking tribute is the result of a sensitive collaboration, and was dedicated to Judylee Guthrie, who was murdered by her partner in 2016. The pole was carved in recognition of the crisis of violence facing Indigenous communities. The totem pole is carved from a western red cedar log, and features several inlaid designs that are symbolic of...

(Read More)

T’oyaxsut ‘nüüsm, Háw’aa, Gunalchéesh, Thank You Veteran Fred Peratrovich

Sealaska Recognizes Combat Veteran Fred Peratrovich In celebration of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we are recognizing shareholders who have served in the Armed Forces as part of our #RecognitionMatters Veterans Campaign. Today, we recognize U.S. Army combat veteran Fred Peratrovich. Peratrovich was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service in the Vietnam war in 1968-1969. This honor is bestowed upon those who distinguish themselves ...

(Read More)

Codefy Training and Internship Creates New Opportunities for Rural Workforce Entrants

Applications are now open for the Codefy program, a new training and internship program offered by Sealaska. Sealaska is partnering with Codefy to empower young adults with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand technology careers – without a college education. The program features a twelve-week course of remote training classes beginning in February. Upon completion of the training, successful participants will take part in a 10-week remote internship beginning in June. “This program is u...

(Read More)

Sealaska Celebrates Dr. Walter Soboleff Day 2022

Happy Dr. Walter Soboleff Day! Today, we recognize the remarkable life and tremendous legacy of Kaajaakwtí Dr. Walter Soboleff, reflecting on one of his most important guiding principles: Sh yáa.awudanéiyi a kwáan – respect people; respect yourself; and other people will respect you. A lifelong Lingít speaker, minister and public servant, Soboleff served on the Sealaska board for nine years. He was Tlingit of the Raven, L’eeneidí (Dog Salmon) clan. A quietly powerful advocate for Al...

(Read More)

Sealaska Remembers Ethel Lund

Sealaska mourns the profound loss of former director Aanwoogex’ Ethel Lund, who walked into the forest in the early morning of November 11. She was Tlingit, Yéil (Raven), Teeyhíttaan, born to Carl Lund of Sweden and Martha Ukas of Wrangell and raised by grandparents Tom and Josephine Ukas. Lund was a pioneer of tribal healthcare, using her steadfast determination and gift for healing to lead in the creation of the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC). She served on the Sea...

(Read More)

T’oyaxsut ‘nüüsm, Háw’aa, Gunalchéesh, Thank You Veteran Aaron Isaacs

Sealaska Recognizes Veteran Aaron Isaacs In celebration of Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we will be recognizing a handful of shareholders that have served in the Armed Forces as part of our #RecognitionMatters Veterans Campaign. The first piece will be published today, in honor of Veterans Day. This story features former Sealaska founding director Aaron Isaacs who served i...

(Read More)

Sealaska Distribution Overview Recap – Fall 2022

Sealaska shareholders tuned in from locations around Alaska and the country yesterday to hear an overview of the fall distribution from Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott. The distribution, which was issued to those with direct deposit today, is the third made through the Sealaska Settlement Trust, which was established by shareholder vote in 2021. Mallott was joined by Director Morgan Howard, who serves as chair of the finance committee and provided background and a board perspec...

(Read More)

Shareholder Newsletter Special Edition Descendants

(Read More)

Update About Ineligible Descendants

Sealaska published a special edition Shareholder Newsletter. The following was included. Following the June 25 approval of a shareholder resolution to eliminate the one-quarter blood quantum requirement from the eligibility criteria for Sealaska’s Class D (Descendant) shares, Sealaska is now pursuing justice on behalf of another group of disenfranchised descendants — those who were born befor...

(Read More)

Letter from the Board Youth Advisor Connor Ulmer

Sealaska published a special edition Shareholder Newsletter. The following was included. Hello shareholders,I would like to welcome our new descendant shareholders to Sealaska and thank all of those who supported removing the blood quantum requirement for descendant stock. It is so important for all our people, no matter their blood quantum, to have a connection to our traditional homelands through ownership in our Alaska Native corporation.I didn’t learn a lot ab...

(Read More)

Allen Sisters Celebrate Increased Voting Rights with Class D Shares

Tracy and Penny are among Sealaska’s newest shareholders, who have enrolled since the one-quarter blood quantum requirement was removed from enrollment criteria for Class D (Descendant) stock.Tracy Allen welcomes the change.“I think that eventually our blood quantum would have run out as a lot of us are mixed ethnicities,” she said. “The change has been great for me and Penny, and all our children. But not for my older siblings, Gary Allen and Lynn Allen. They are still left out due to the date ...

(Read More)

She Speaks for Desendants: Shyla Germain

Sealaska published a special edition Shareholder Newsletter. The following was included. In 2019, Shyla Germain, who works in Shareholder Relations at Sealaska, was sitting in the lobby of the company headquarters talking to people about enrolling to become a Sealaska shareholder. It was during Celebration, and many Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people filled the streets of downtown Juneau. ...

(Read More)

New Class D Shareholders by the Numbers

Sealaska published a special edition Shareholder Newsletter. The following was included. Count as of October 10, 2022 Michaud family L-R: Bernadette, Mike, Michael, Lily, Angela and Kahlan Michaud Click on image to view in real time.

(Read More)

October 2022

Internship Applications Now Open for 2023 Program

Applications are now open for summer 2023 internships at Sealaska and partner organizations like Sealaska Heritage Institute, Spruce Root, Barnacle Foods, McKinley Capital and Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Sealaska internships are in a class of their own — they are whole-person experiences designed to provide cultural, social and professional development; are full-time, paid positions; include cohort and team-building activities with fellow interns; and are ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces Fall 2022 Distribution

The Sealaska Board of Directors approved a distribution totaling $15.4 million to be issued to shareholders on Nov. 9. This includes $2.8 million in earnings from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund, $7.6 in operations income and $5.1 million in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Section 7(j) natural resource revenue sharing funds. Through a balanced, sustainable approach and deliberate reinvestment back into our businesses, Sealaska provides benefits to shareholders through ...

(Read More)

Six Shareholders Selected to Join Shareholder Participation Committees

Sealaska has selected six shareholders to fill open seats on two of its three Shareholder Participation Committees. The following shareholders were selected for their strong applications, diverse backgrounds and the balance they bring to the current composition of the committees: Alexis Paige Blake, Bethesda, MD – Outside of Alaska Shareholder Participation Committee Cheryl K. Blanchard, Parker, CO – Outside of Alaska Shareholder Participation Committee Kristin Marie John, Ketchikan, AK – South...

(Read More)

Jon Rowan Honored for 30 Years of Teaching

Jon Rowan has spent the last 30 years at Klawock City School District leading the Native Arts department. After a long and successful teaching career, he retires this fall, leaving a legacy of community pride. A renowned Tlingit master carver and artist, Rowan was honored at the 2022 STEAM Conference held in Juneau on Friday, Oct. 14. Klawock City School District is a model of incorporating Native arts into the school, setting the bar for other communities.“These values that our teacher’s model ...

(Read More)

September 2022

An Update for Ineligible Descendants

Sealaska cannot issue stock to descendants who were born before December 18, 1971 and are less than one-quarter Alaska Native unless the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) is amended to authorize a new class of shares and another shareholder vote. We would need the support of other ANCSA regional corporations to make this happen. That is highly unlikely, as half of them have not authorized descendant stock at all. For the foreseeable future, descendants born before December 18, 1971 whose blood quantum is less than one quarter will need to rely on the gifting program and inheritance of original shares.

(Read More)

Externship Participant Explores, Advocates Through ICWA Role

Barbara Belk's life - and career - took a different direction through language learning and connection with community Seeking meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sealaska shareholder Barbara Belk shifted the path of her life in the past couple of years. A few big changes include learning Sm’algya̱x, returning to school to pursue a degree in social welfare and exploring a new career pa...

(Read More)

Sukteeneidí Clan Raise Totem Pole

First Tlingit Totem to Stand in Craig, Alaska Hundreds gathered and traveled to Prince of Wales Island last weekend to witness the raising of the first Tlingit totem that now stands in the community of Craig.The Sukteeneidí Honor Totem Pole recognizes and holds up uncles of the dog salmon clan. Ed Thomas commissioned Tlingit master carver Jon Rowan to help bring to life the story behind the ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shares Advocacy Update in Policy Forum

Sealaska hosted a lunchtime policy update on Tuesday, September 13, to provide shareholders with up-to-date information about Sealaska’s public policy efforts. The policy committee, Naxtoo.aat / Wayi Wah / Hágwsdaa – each of which translates loosely to “Let’s Go!” – works to bring forth and advocate for state and federal policies that align with Sealaska’s vision and shareholder priorities. Sealaska director and policy committee chair ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake provided viewers with update...

(Read More)

Sealaska Celebrates, Continues Support as Peltola is Sworn In

Sealaska applauds historic milestone while encouraging voters to choose Peltola again in November’s race Sealaska celebrates as Alaska’s new – and sole – member of Congress Mary Peltola is sworn in today to serve out the remainder of former Congressman Don Young’s term. Sealaska endorsed Peltola ahead of the special–election primary and continues to encourage Alaskans to rank her first in November’s general election for a full two-year term be...

(Read More)

From the Sealaska Shareholder Newsletter: Representation Matters

“Nothing about us without us” is a widely recognized saying that describes why effective public policy cannot be created without the full participation of the people impacted by it. Alaska Natives make up 18 percent of the population in Alaska but are extremely underrepresented in the Alaska Legislature, local government and positions of power and authority throughout the state. Sealaska believes Alaska will be a better place for all its residents when its leadership better reflects our population. We recognize and thank our shareholders serving in public office at all levels of government in Alaska and beyond. Previous Next

(Read More)

From the Sealaska Shareholder Newsletter: Comparing Native Corporations and Public Companies

(Read More)

From the Sealaska Shareholder Newsletter: Management Report from President and CEO Anthony Mallott

Last May, the shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway gathered in Omaha, Nebraska to hear from the company’s legendary CEO, Warren Buffett, about the economic climate of 2022. Market swings, supply-chain bottlenecks, fears over inflation, rising interest rates and a possible recession make many investors wish for a crystal ball, and Buffett is known as the “Oracle of Omaha.” But what he had to say was incredibly practical and — even though Berkshire Hathaway and Sealaska have little in common — offer...

(Read More)

Landless Legislation to Receive Senate Hearing in September, Shareholder Support Needed Now

For 50 years, Sealaska and others have worked tirelessly to correct a major flaw in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). ANCSA created regional and village corporations for communities with historical populations of Alaska Natives, but in Southeast, five communities — Ketchikan, Wrangell, Tenakee, Petersburg and Haines — were inexplicably left out of ANCSA.Without village corporations representing their communities, Alaska Natives from the five communities have no land ownership of t...

(Read More)

August 2022

Sealaska Reaches 24,000 Shareholders

Sealaska warmly welcomes new shareholders while maintaining commitment to original shareholder base Sealaska reached an important milestone on Tuesday, August 23: 24,000 shareholders. In June, a majority of Sealaska shareholders approved a resolution to eliminate the blood quantum requirement for shareholder enrollment, enabling lineal descendants of original shareholders – regardless of their bloo...

(Read More)

Sealaska Enrollment Overview Recap

The enrollment process can seem overwhelming and confusing. To help ease those feelings Sealaska held a virtual enrollment overview on August 16. The event was hosted by Tesla Cox, Senior Director of Shareholder Development. Sealaska Shareholder Relations provided a walkthrough of the online application for Class D (Descendant) stock. Other information presented in the one-hour s...

(Read More)

Alaska Voters Head to the Polls for Primary and Special Election

Alaska's special election and primary election held Tuesday, August 16 Do you have a plan to vote yet? Think about when, where, and how you’ll get there. Alaska polls are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Reach out to family and friends about the importance of voting.If all Native people vote during a normal turnout year, the Native vote has the ability to influence the direction of our s...

(Read More)

Q&A with 2022 Board Youth Advisor: Connor Ulmer

Each year Sealaska selects one shareholder descendant to be the Board Youth Advisor (BYA) for a one-year term. The Board Youth Advisor provides valuable input to the Sealaska Board and gains understanding of Sealaska’s operations and mission. The 2022-2023 BYA is Connor Ulmer. Ulmer wasborn and raised inDzantik’i Héeni (Juneau). His Tlingit name is Deikeenaak’w (Little Haida), which was passed down to Ulmer from his grandfather George Obert. His mother is Annette Steven...

(Read More)

Report to Shareholders: Sealaska Board of Directors Meeting July 28-29

The Sealaska Board of Directors met on July 28 and 29 to discuss investments, business momentum and review financial statements. The board continues to meet via a hybrid model, with some board members appearing in person and others via video call.Global and US economies face many difficult issues this year – most importantly, high inflation, rising interest rates, and declining consumer confidence. While Services businesses are on track to report the division’s highest net income on record at ne...

(Read More)

Doctoral Student in Alaskan Native Studies Wins Judson Brown Scholarship

Program Honors Students with Academic Achievement and Leadership Skills Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has chosen a Ph.D. student with a focus on Alaska Native sovereignty as the recipient of its 2021 Judson L. Brown Leadership Award.The honor was given to Tlingit scholar Breylan Náajeyistláa Martin, who holds a master’s degree from Brown University and is pursuing her doctorate in ethnic studies with a focus on Native American studies at the Universit...

(Read More)

July 2022

Sealaska Board Endorses Murkowski, Peltola, Walker-Drygas; Opposes Constitutional Convention

Shows support for proven leaders with a history of advocating for Alaska Native people The Sealaska Board of Directors today endorsed Bill Walker and Heidi Drygas for Alaska Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Sen. Lisa Murkowski in the race for U.S. Senate and will oppose the ballot measure that would initiate a constitutional convention in Alaska. The actions follow the board’s decision a we...

(Read More)

Celebrating Alaska’s Tribal Recognition

Today, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 123, the Alaska Tribal Recognition Act – legislation that generations of Alaska Native advocates have worked tirelessly to bring about. This specific piece of legislation was sponsored by Representative Tiffany Zulkosky of Bethel and championed by Alaska Native leaders from around the state, including Sealaska’s board of directors. The bill will now pass into law, officially recognizing Alaska’s 229 tribes in a significant first step in buil...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient Follows her Dreams

“It’s never too late to follow your dreams!” This summer, look for stories from some of Sealaska’s scholarship recipients. Each student is on a different path, with diverse personal, academic and professional goals. Sealaska believes in their dreams. By helping to further the education of these future leaders, we are investing in our people’s shared future. Heather Davis, 2022 Sealaska Scholarship recipientHeather Davis graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor of Business Administratio...

(Read More)

Apply for Student Sponsorship to the AISES National Conference 2022

Sealaska is providing the opportunity for students to experience education enhancement and career development outside of the classroom! Apply to be a Sealaska-sponsored student to attend events that give access to career paths and inspiring networks. The next sponsorship opportunity is for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference in Palm Springs, CA, October 6-8, 2022. The AISES National Conference is an annual three-day event that focuses on educational, p...

(Read More)

Seacoast Trust Reaches First Major Fundraising Milestone of $20 Million

Sealaska and its partners in the Seacoast Trust gathered last week in Juneau to celebrate meeting the first major fundraising milestone — $20 million — for the newly created trust.In September of 2021, Sealaska and its partners in the Sustainable Southeast Partnership announced the creation of the trust as a long-term, sustainable and sovereign funding vehicle for SSP. Sealaska’s initial $10 million commitment was matched by $7 million from The Nature Conservancy. The SSP team immediately went a...

(Read More)

‘How to Enroll’ Guide Makes Descendant Application Easy

In June, Sealaska shareholders voted to extend eligibility for Class D (Descendant) stock to descendants with less than one-quarter blood quantum. Sealaska will no longer ask for or collect blood quantum information from applicants for Class D shares. Filling out the application for Class D stock is easy and can be done entirely online. If you need assistance, Sealaska created this step-by-step guide to Class D enrollment. We are excited to welcome new descendant shareholders to the company.

(Read More)

Alaska Special Election Virtual Information Session Recap

Sealaska aims to help provide shareholders with useful information on how to vote for the upcoming Primary Election in Alaska. Regardless of whom you vote for, Sealaska seeks to deliver all shareholders with needed materials to make voting accessible. A virtual information session hosted by Sealaska provided a information on the upcoming Alaska special election and the primary for November’s general election, both of which will take place on August 16. Executive Director Michelle Sparck of...

(Read More)

New Youth Opportunity

Discover a Fulfilling Career! Are you a student starting to think about what to do after high school?Are you between secondary and post-secondary school right now and not sure what is the best next step?Are you a post-secondary or college student who isn’t sure what to major in yet?Join fellow Alaska Native students to learn practical ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Encourages Get Out the Vote

Alaska’s special election – along with the regular primary election – will be held in person on August 16. This is an important year for Alaska’s elections, with the opportunity to impact our state’s leadership at every level. Sealaska encourages shareholders to seek information on every candidate and ensure that you are up to date on voting information and your voter registration.Vote In Person on August 16Alaskans can vote in person on the day of the election at their polling place. Ballots fo...

(Read More)

Sealaska Encourages Support for Mary Peltola for Congress

On August 16, Alaska will hold a special election to fill out the remainder of former Congressman Don Young’s term in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alaskans will have three choices to rank in order of preference on the August 16 ballot: Nick Begich, Sarah Palin and Mary Peltola. Sealaska encourages Alaskans to choose Mary Peltola first as they rank the special election candidates. If elected, she would be the first Alaska Native to hold a Congressional-level post representing Alaska. Each v...

(Read More)

June 2022

Causeway Geotech to Join Sealaska’s Ocean Health Business Platform

Irish company will expand global geosciences capabilities Roto-sonic drilling at Scapa Flow, Orkney – January 2022 June 28, 2022 (Seattle, WA)—Sealaska and Causeway Geotech Limited, one of the leading independent ground-investigation contractors in Ireland and the United Kingdom, today announced Causew...

(Read More)

Causeway Geotech Brings Skill and Passion for People and Planet to Sealaska’s Ocean Health Work

The Causeway team mobilizes out of Stornoway Harbour in November 2018, with jack-up barge OCM 80 to commence drilling operations at Smooth Point. A deep appreciation for the outdoors, for people and for problem-solving united Darren O’Mahony, Paul Dunlop and Ciaran Doherty when they were colleagues at Glover Site Investigations in Northern Ireland. So when Glover liquidated in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2011, their strong w...

(Read More)

Blood Quantum Resolution Passes, Incumbents Retained in Sealaska Election

Sealaska shareholders gave strong support to a resolution that will extend eligibility for Class D (Descendant) stock in Sealaska to lineal descendants of original shareholders without respect to their documented Alaska Native blood quantum. Sealaska joins Calista and Arctic Slope Regional Corporation in rejecting the practice of quantifying degree of Indian blood in order to be a shareholder. “I want to thank our shareholders for having the difficult conversations and doing the soul searching t...

(Read More)

Q&A: Enrollment for Class D (Descendant) Stock

Q: What did the blood quantum resolution do? A: When it was approved by shareholders, the resolution on this year’s proxy eliminated the requirement for applicants for Class D (Descendant) stock to prove they have at least one-quarter Alaska Native blood quantum. Q: Who is eligible for Class D stock? A: Lineal descendants of original shareholders who were born after Dec. 18, 1971 and who were previously ineligible because their blood quantum was either too low or couldn’t be verified are ...

(Read More)

New Language Award Honors Founding Sealaska Director Clarence Jackson Sr.

New Language Award Honors Founding Director Clarence Jackson, Sr. Sealaska directors sign the Sealaska articles of incorporation in 1972 with Assistant Secretary of the Interior Harrison Loesch. Pictured L to R: Clarence Jackson, Jon Borbridge Jr., Marlene Johnson, Harrison Loesch, Dick Kito, Leonard KatoThe inaugural Clarence Jackson Sr. Language Awards were presented at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The award recognizes individuals for the tremendous impact on Lingít, Xaad Kíl and S...

(Read More)

Alaska Native Brotherhood, Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp Support Elimination of Blood Quantum Requirement for Sealaska Enrollment

The Alaska Native Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood Grand Camp approved a resolution on Thursday, June 16 to support Sealaska’s proposal to remove as a criteria for eligibility for Class D stock the requirement that applicants have at least one-quarter Alaska Native blood quantum. The issue is currently in front of Sealaska shareholders, who have until this Friday, June 24 at 5 p.m. to vote in the company’s annual election, which also features four open seats on the board of directors. T...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Gives Confidence Boost to Shareholder Recipient

“I know they believe in me and they want to continue to see me succeed.”This spring, look for stories from some of Sealaska’s scholarship recipients. Each student is on a different path, with diverse personal, academic and professional goals. Sealaska believes in their dreams. By helping to further the education of these future leaders, we are investing in our people’s shared future.Nirvana Ramos is pursing a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership with a strategic and organizational communi...

(Read More)

Shareholder Participation Committee Approves Resolution to Support Blood Quantum Measure

Sealaska’s Shareholder Participation Committee overwhelmingly approved a resolution in support of the removal of blood quantum from Sealaska’s eligibility requirements when it met the week of June 6 in Juneau. Sealaska shareholders will decide this month whether applicants should have to prove they have at least one-quarter Alaska Native blood quantum to qualify for Class D (Descendant) stock. The Sealaska Shareholder Participation Committee was established in 2019 to help better connect Seala...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be Held Saturday, June 25

Sealaska’s more than 23,000 shareholders are invited to join us in person and virtually on Saturday, June 25 for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders at Centennial Hall in Juneau and streaming live on MySealaska.com. The meeting will include the results of this year’s election for four open seats on the Sealaska board as well as the resolution on this year’s proxy to eliminate the blood quantum requirement for Class D (Descendant) stock. The meeting will also feature: A celebration of Sealas...

(Read More)

Law Student Finds Support, Connection with Sealaska

Jess Johnson, 2022 Sealaska Scholarship recipient.“Knowing Sealaska is rooting for me is much more meaningful than just the money.” This spring, look for stories from some of Sealaska’s scholarship recipients. Each student is on a different path, with diverse personal, academic and professional goals. Sealaska believes in their dreams. By helping to further the education of these future leaders, we are investing in our people’s shared future. Jess Johnson is currently finishing up her second ye...

(Read More)

Celebration’s Return Highlights the Achievements of Sealaska Heritage Institute

Sealaska Heritage Institute’s famed Celebration kicked off Wednesday, June 8 in Juneau after four long years and the community is abuzz with the energy of dancers and singers assembling from around Southeast Alaska and beyond.Celebration began in 1982 as an opportunity to celebrate the cultural survival of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian and to share those cultures with the public. This year’s event will feature more than 1,200 dancers from 28 dance groups and thousands more attendees during th...

(Read More)

Ancestor Energy Helps Edwell John Jr. in Pursuit of Doctorate Degree

This summer, look for stories from some of Sealaska’s scholarship recipients. Each student is on a different path, with diverse personal, academic and professional goals. Sealaska believes in their dreams. By helping to further the education of these future leaders, we are investing in our people’s shared future. For the 2022-2023 school year, Sealaska proudly granted scholarships totaling $1,166,227 to 426 awardees. “My ancestors are watching and cheer...

(Read More)

Early Bird Prize Winners Announced

Thank you, Early Birds, for submitting your proxy by the early bird deadline! Your vote is vitally important. Participating in Sealaska elections and remaining engaged keeps us connected, allowing Sealaska to better serve you. Early Bird voters are qualified to win cash prizes of up to $5,000. The winners of Early Bird prizes are randomly selected by Sealaska’s Independent Inspector of Elections, Elgee Rehfeld in Juneau. Please join us in congratulating the winners of this year’s early bird pri...

(Read More)

May 2022

Sealaska Board Adds $25 Million to Shareholder Permanent Fund

In April, the Sealaska board approved a resolution to add $25 million in earnings from Sealaska’s carbon sequestration program to the Marjorie V. Young Shareholder Permanent Fund. The $25 million addition brings the balance of the fund to more than $175 million. The addition will help provide stability to distributions from the fund if shareholders approve the 2022 proxy resolution to eliminate the blood quantum requirement for enrollment, which will result in thousands of newly eligible shareho...

(Read More)

#NativeEnough Discussion Guide

Discussing blood quantum with friends and family can be challenging because no matter how you feel about the issue, it often strikes at the very core of who you are or how you would like to be perceived. We believe shareholder-to-shareholder conversations about this issue are critical to deepening understanding.The following questions are provided to help shareholders discuss the issue. For answers to frequently asked questions about blood quantum and the 2022 Sealaska proxy resolution, please c...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces $1.2 Million in Scholarship Awards

Sealaska announced today that it will award $1.2 million in scholarships to 426 recipients for the 2022-2023 school year. Scholarships were awarded to full- and part-time degree-seeking students as well as students enrolled in vocational-technical programs. Sealaska prioritizes investing in education and is dedicated to supporting Indigenous students seeking to further their education. Sealaska partners with Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) to provide scholarships and other educational program...

(Read More)

In-Person Juneau Community Meeting Canceled, Event to be Held Virtually Instead

Sealaska announced Monday, May 23 that the Juneau Community Meeting scheduled to be held Wednesday, May 25 at Centennial Hall in Juneau will now take place as a virtual event only due to rising cases of COVID-19 in Juneau. The City and Borough of Juneau recently updated its recommendations to include indoor masking in Juneau among other precautions as cases doubled from the previous week’s case count. The Community Case Rate in Juneau is now more than 774 per 100,000 residents, putting it in th...

(Read More)

Sealaska Voting Action Alert: Special Election by Mail

Alaska’s primary for the special election to fill our open Congressional seat has begun. This seat was held by the late Congressman Don Young for nearly fifty years – and now, forty-eight candidates are running to fill it. This election will be the first to utilize Alaska’s new voting system.The June primary, for which ballots have already been sent, will be conducted primarily by mail. Voters will select one out of the 48 candidates – their top choice – then mail back their ballot using t...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholders, Descendants Discuss Blood Quantum Resolution

Sealaska shareholders and descendants gathered online for a person-to-person discussion of the company’s resolution on the 2022 proxy that would eliminate the requirement to document blood quantum in order to be eligible to apply for Sealaska descendant shares. The event, held the evening of Monday, May 9, was designed to allow shareholders and descendants to discuss amongst themselves the implications and considerations associated with the vote. More than 100 shareholders participated. Strippin...

(Read More)

Sealaska Achieves $60.7 Million Net Income in 2021

Successful businesses helping to benefit people and planet Sealaska released its official annual report and financial statements to shareholders on Friday, May 6, 2022, and reported $60.7 million in net income for the year ending Dec. 31, 2021.The survival of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people has long depended on a balanced view of the ecosystem inclusive of all living things. Sealaska ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Partners with Red Cross to Provide Community Emergency Vehicle

Vehicle will allow the Red Cross to assist more families in Southeast communities Sealaska has sponsored a Community Emergency Vehicle (CEV) to be based in Juneau. This vehicle will enable Red Cross staff and volunteers to provide support and relief to southeast Alaska communities.“The Dodge Promaster van will be used to serve communities efficiently and effectively. Having this additional re...

(Read More)

April 2022

New System, Multiple Elections: Key Information for Alaska Voters in 2022

Alaska voters will face a series of elections between now and November — a special primary and general election to fill the seat left vacant when Congressman Don Young passed in March, and a regularly scheduled primary and general election in August and November.The special election, which is already underway, will be the first time Alaskan voters choose a candidate using the state’s new open primary and ranked-choice voting system.“The Alaska Native vote is powerful in Alaska, and we have an im...

(Read More)

Upcoming Events – Spring/Summer 2022

After two years of meeting virtually, Sealaska is excited to welcome shareholders back to in-person events this spring! Shareholders and descendants are invited to join Sealaska – including representatives from Shareholder Relations, Shareholder Development, board and leadership, Corporate Communications and more – at one or more of the many upcoming events. Each event will offer participants the chance to learn about business priorities and recent developments, Sealaska’s ocean health vision ...

(Read More)

Three-Sided Pole Speaks to Community, Collaboration and Kinship

Pictured left to right: Joe Young, Andrea Cook, TJ Young, David R. Boxley and Greg Frisby. Photo credit: Connor Meyer Haida carver TJ Young (Sgwaayaans) is hard at work creating the first 360-degree totem pole to be raised in Alaska. The Sealaska Cultural Values Pole will stand guard over Heritage Square at the center of the new Sealaska Heritage Arts Campus in downtown Juneau. Young is carving the pole with assistance from his brother, Joe...

(Read More)

Ellen Bradley Brings Indigenous Perspective to Climate Science, Outdoor Industry

Ellen Bradley is at home in the rainforest and snow-covered peaks of Lingít Aaní — literally. A skier, scientist and passionate Indigenous advocate fighting both colonialism and climate change in the outdoor industry, Bradley returned to her ancestral homeland to ski for the first time this winter, deepening her connection with the land and her Indigenous identity through time spent in the backcountry.“As a Tlingit woman who grew up separated from my traditional homelands, I developed my relatio...

(Read More)

Sealaska Language Priorities Reflected in Seven Recent Grants

Sealaska’s board of directors approved $558,000 in funding for language preservation programs at a meeting held on April 8, pledging grants to seven different language preservation and language learning projects. Sealaska shareholders consistently rank language preservation and revitalization as a top priority, an urgency shared by Sealaska leadership. “Fostering our Indigenous languages, building them up and growing the number of fluent speakers is a critical priority for Sealaska,” said Seal...

(Read More)

Shareholders Will Determine Fate of Blood Quantum Requirement in 2022

Over the past six months, Sealaska reached out to shareholders and descendants to ask a seemingly simple yet profoundly personal question: How does blood quantum impact you? Through a variety of mechanisms, including an open-ended questionnaire, a formal survey and virtual events, we heard from thousands of you. To ensure we obtained a statistically valid view of shareholders’ thoughts on the issue, Sealaska hired an independent professional research firm to survey shareholders in November of 20...

(Read More)

Sealaska Distribution Overview Recap – Spring 2022

Shareholders from across Alaska and around the country joined Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott virtually for an overview of the spring distribution, which totals $21.3 million and will be issued to shareholders on April 22. The benefits that Sealaska provides to shareholders are not limited to just distributions, Mallott explained. Sealaska values investing in shareholder priorities, and those priorities are reflected in the benefit programs that Sealaska provided in 2021 in addition ...

(Read More)

Report to Shareholders: Sealaska Board of Directors Meeting April 7-8, 2022

Sealaska directors and management, April 8, with the new Sealaska carved icon created by Tsimshian artist David R. Boxley (Gyibaawm Laxha). Learn more about Sealaska’s story at https://ourstory.sealaska.com/. The Sealaska Board of Directors met on April 7 and 8 to review financial statements and declare a spring distribution to shareholders. Following a thorough review, the board of directors approved the consolidated 2021 financial statements, in addition to the ANCSA Section 7(i) report ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Unifies Businesses Around Ocean Health & Working Together

For several years, Sealaska has been building a business platform that revolves around fostering healthy oceans. Now, with global expertise in geotechnical services, data sciences, marine construction, sustainable seafood and more, it’s time for Sealaska’s businesses to share an ocean-health identity. Part of that identity involves giving the platform a name.Woocheen is a name that was carefully chosen for the deep meaning of the Tlingit word – Wooch.éen – that inspired it, a word that speaks to...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces Spring 2022 Distribution

Sealaska’s board of directors approved a $21.3 million distribution to shareholders when it met Friday, April 8. The spring distribution is made up of $7.5 million from Sealaska’s business operations, $2.6 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund and $11.2 million in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Section 7(j) natural-resource revenues. The distribution will be issued to shareholders on Friday, April 22.   The distribution demonstrates Sealaska’s fin...

(Read More)

Workforce Development at Sealaska

Sealaska’s financial success allows for increased investment in workforce and career development, a priority consistently reflected in shareholder surveys. Sealaska seeks shareholder input and invests in areas highlighted by shareholders. Through increased support for workforce development, Sealaska helps shareholders and descendants advance professionally, grow into leadership roles and give back to their communities.Sealaska’s communications team recently had the opportunity to sit down with S...

(Read More)

Sealaska Policy Efforts Highlighted in Lunch Hour Forum

One of the important ways Sealaska serves shareholders and communities is advocating for Native rights and issues. The work takes place at the local, state, and federal level on behalf of shareholders, Indigenous people nationwide and traditional communities. Sealaska leadership provided an overview of current policy and advocacy efforts during a virtual Policy Forum held Tuesday, April 5, 2022.Sealaska director and policy committee chair, Wáahlaal Gíidaak (Barbara Blake) provided an overview of...

(Read More)

Your Questions – Answered! Spring 2022 Distribution

Sealaska’s spring 2022 distribution will be announced on Friday, April 8. Distributions are just one of many benefits Sealaska provides to shareholders and descendants, including educational and professional development programs like shareholder and workforce development opportunities; vocational training, scholarships and internships; and donations to community and cultural programs.Answers to frequently asked questions about the distribution process and timeline are below. Don’t see the answer...

(Read More)

Sealaska Settlement Trust FAQs

Sealaska shareholders approved a resolution to establish the Sealaska Settlement Trust by a margin greater than three to one during the 2021 shareholder election.The trust frees Sealaska shareholders from paying federal income tax on their dividends. It will also reduce Sealaska’s tax obligation to the federal government in the future.Sealaska will work to ensure the trust is accountable to shareholders and has created processes and policies that aim to maximize the benefits we can offer shareho...

(Read More)

March 2022

Sealaska Announces Spring 2022 Distribution Schedule

Sealaska’s deep connection to Southeast Alaska and to Indigenous wisdom informs its choices as a business to strive for balance and well-being in its operations and on behalf of its shareholders. Sealaska’s focus on ocean health businesses has led to another successful year. The Sealaska board of directors is scheduled to meet Friday, April 8, and will approve the spring distribution amount. An announcement of the distribution date and amount will be published Friday afternoon on MySealas...

(Read More)

Sealaska Mourns the Passing of Rep. Don Young

Sealaska was saddened to learn of the passing of Alaska U.S. Representative Don Young, and would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Congressman Young served our state since 1973 and has been a staunch and loyal supporter of Sealaska and our Alaska Native community over the years. Congressman Young was a tireless advocate on behalf of Sealaska’s “landless” communities over many decades. Five southeast communities were left out of the A...

(Read More)

Running as an Independent Nominee for the Sealaska Board

Sealaska shareholders who are interested in running as an independent candidate for the board of directors have until Friday, March 25, 2022, to complete the nominee’s application. In the videos below, Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson discusses the application and what type of experience Sealaska needs around the boardroom table. ...

(Read More)

February 2022

Sealaska Student Sponsorship Opportunity

Sealaska is providing opportunity for students to experience education enhancement and career development outside of the classroom! Apply to be a Sealaska-sponsored student to attend events that give access to career paths and inspiring networks.Our sponsorship criteria vary by opportunity. In general, sponsorship stipulation includes:Must be a Sealaska shareholder or descendant of a shareholderMust be a current studentMust be at least 18 years oldBe prepared to provide a resume, unofficial tran...

(Read More)

Sealaska Hosts Protected Species Observer Training

Sealaska’s first Protected Species Observer training program, held Feb. 17-18, resulted in successful completion by 23 Sealaska shareholders and descendants, who are now ready to work on construction sites, on fishing and weather vessels and elsewhere to monitor impacts on federally protected species like walrus, orcas and humpback whales. A unique profession in the marine industry, Protected Species Observers (PSOs) are certified professionals trained in protected species monitoring and mitiga...

(Read More)

Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich

The Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) and Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) Grand Camp organizations brought Alaska Native leaders together to celebrate the life and legacy of Elizabeth Kaaxgal.aat Peratrovich during a virtual event held Wednesday, February 16.Peratrovich is remembered as a powerful Tlingit civil rights leader who served in the ANS alongside her husband Roy who served in the ANB. Elizabeth is honored for her work that helped pass the nation’s first anti-discrimination law. The State ...

(Read More)

About Sealaska Policy Priorities and Advocacy Efforts

Thank you to all those who joined the Sealaska Public Policy Forum today. We appreciate your engagement and willingness to take the time to learn about Sealaska policy initiatives and advocacy efforts. The Sealaska Policy Committee is also known as Naxtoo.aat/Wayi Wah/Hágwsdaa – a phrase that translates to “Let’s Go!” in Lingít, Sm’algyax and Xaad Kíl, respectively – and was formed to help facilitate change and ensure shareholder priorities are realized on all levels, from local to global issues...

(Read More)

AP&T and Sealaska Team Up to Promote Clean Energy in Rural Southeast Communities

Sealaska and Alaska Power & Telephone (AP&T) have teamed up to offer AP&T customers on Prince of Wales Island and in Haines, Skagway and Gustavus a significant incentive to upgrade their home heating to a more sustainable, less expensive alternative.Sealaska is expanding on an existing offer from AP&T that provides a $500 incentive to any customer who switches to a heat pump for home heating versus home heating oil or diesel. Sealaska shareholder households in the impacted commun...

(Read More)

Notice of 2022 Annual Meeting of Sealaska Shareholders

The 2022 virtual annual meeting of shareholders will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022. Sealaska will hold a webcast of the annual meeting, which will be available to shareholders through the MySealaska.com shareholder portal. In addition to the webcast, if circumstances allow, the meeting will be held in person at Centennial Hall in Juneau.About the Annual Meeting When: Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 1 p.m. Alaska Time Location: Join the virtual Annual Meeting* via MySealaska.com*In addition to the w...

(Read More)

About Sealaska Elder Benefits

As Sealaska celebrates its first 50 years of history, we can look back with great pride in the knowledge that the early leaders of our company sought to ensure Elders are recognized and cared for through additional shareholder benefits. The Elders’ Settlement Trust was established at the same time, which provides a one-time payment to shareholders when they turn 65. (To qualify, you must have owned stock in Sealaska in 1991.) Today, about 5,000 shareholders are 65 years of age or older and make ...

(Read More)

January 2022

Report to Shareholders: Sealaska Board of Directors Meeting Jan. 20-21

Jason Gubatayao, general manager of Haa AaníThe Sealaska Board of Directors elevated shareholder Jason Gubatayao to the position of general manager of Haa Aaní, Sealaska’s land-management company, when it met Jan. 20-21. The board also decided to continue holding most Sealaska meetings virtually while pandemic circumstances remain uncertain—including the annual meeting of shareholders on June 25. Haa Aaní is responsible for Sealaska’s land holdings in Southeast Alaska, including many land mana...

(Read More)

Shareholder Opportunities Event: Free Training, Scholarship Info and More for STEM and Technical Career Fields

A virtual event for shareholders and descendants on Wednesday, Jan. 26 highlighted several immediate, jobs-ready educational and training opportunities for shareholders at low or no cost. “We’re excited to be providing a wide range of career and training opportunities that align with the lifestyles and preferences of our shareholders,” said Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott. “Many of our shareholders aren’t looking for a 9-5 job. They might be a traditional harvester or have other respo...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder 1099 Tax Forms Now Available

Sealaska shareholders will be able to view and download their IRS Form 1099-DIV for 2021 beginning Monday, Jan. 24.View and download 1099 form on MySealaska.com Monday, Jan. 24Printed 1099 tax forms will be mailed on or before Jan. 26.Q: Why am I getting a 1099? I thought my distributions were tax free now that we have the Sealaska Settlement Trust?A: The Sealaska Settlement Trust was created by a vote of shareholders in June of 2021. Dividend payments that occurred in 2021 prior to the creation...

(Read More)

Sealaska Native Rights Advocacy Update

Every two years, Sealaska conducts a shareholder survey to identify your priorities. Those priorities are the road map to our public policy work and help guide the shareholder benefits we are grateful to be able to provide through the success of our businesses.In 2021, Sealaska’s board and executive leadership launched what will be a multiyear effort to hold leadership meetings in communities where our shareholders live in high concentrations. That means meetings in nearly every community in our...

(Read More)

December 2021

Sealaska 2021 Year in Review

As we welcome 2022, we at Sealaska have much to be grateful for. We end the year safe and successful, despite facing continued challenges and disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Sealaska continues to prioritize the health of our employees and deeply appreciates their tireless efforts to maintain COVID precautions while working to achieve business growth and enhance shareholder benefits. We also give thanks to our shareholders for helping shape the future of Sealaska, allowing us to engage wi...

(Read More)

Former director, longtime Native leader Gil Gunderson passes away

Sealaska is saddened to learn that Gilbert “Gil” Gunderson passed away, Dec. 22. Sealaska sends its heartfelt condolences to the Gunderson family and all those who so dearly loved Gil, for their loss. Gil served as a director on Sealaska’s board from 1972 to 1987. He was a known throughout Southeast Alaska as a commercial fisherman and a fierce advocate for our people through his service as a Sealaska director. Originally from Wrangell, Gil was one of the original members of Sealaska’s inaugural...

(Read More)

2021 Shareholder Virtual Holiday Party Prize Winners

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oya̱xsut ‘nüüsm for joining us today! This year, Sealaska had two opportunities for shareholders to win cash prizes: All shareholders who attended the virtual event via MySealaska.com were automatically entered to win $15,000 in cash prizes. All voting shareholders whether in attendance at the virtual event or not were eligible for $20,000 in cash prizes. All cash prizes will be delivered in the manner you receive your deposits via MySealaska.com.Over 1,000 of you th...

(Read More)

Juneau Police Chief Recognized with 2021 AFN Presidents’ Award

Chief Ed Mercer presented Public Service AwardAs Police Chief, Ed Mercer is the highest-ranking member of the Juneau Police Department. He has served as Juneau Police Chief since 2017. On December 14, 2021, Chief Mercer was presented the 2021 AFN President’s Award for Public Service. The award recognizes an Alaska Native who demonstrates dedication, competence, and sensitivity in public service. “Sealaska is proud of Chief Mercer’s dedication to community and people for the past 28 years, begi...

(Read More)

Kéex Kwaan Cultural Icon Recognized with 2021 AFN President’s Award

Ruth Demmert (Kaanak) presented with Dr. Walter Soboleff “Warriors of Light award. Ruth Demmert Kaanak of Kake, Alaska is well known for her dedication and inspiration to the Tlingit language and culture. At this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives convention, Demmert was presented with the AFN President’s Award, Dr. Walter Soboleff “Warriors of Light”. The aw...

(Read More)

Foundations Direct $2 Million to Southeast Alaska Collaboration

The Hoonah Indian Association created the Hoonah Native Forest Partnership to restore the forest and watershed, gather and share data with land managers, and generate jobs through the Sustainable Southeast Partnership. (Photo by Bethany Goodrich for the Sustainable Southeast Partnership)A new fund that aims to support a prosperous, post-timber economy in Southeast Alaska has gotten a boost with twin $1 million investments from two private family foundations: Rasmuson Foundation in Alaska and the...

(Read More)

Celebrating 50 Years of ANCSA and Working Together

December 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which was signed into law on December 18, 1971. ANCSA is the largest land settlement in U.S. history between aboriginal people and the federal government. ANCSA created Sealaska and 11 other regional Native corporations in Alaska, along with 229 village and urban corporations. In June 2022, Sealaska will mark its own 50-year milestone. During the next several months, we’ll be celebrating our journey ove...

(Read More)

Sealaska Heritage Institute Board of Trustee Vacancy Notice

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) invites interested candidates to apply for a vacancy on the SHI Board of Trustees (BOT).Sealaska Heritage Institute is governed by a nine-member Board of Trustees, who are members of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian tribes and who provide policy direction and fiscal and programmatic oversight to ensure that SHI carries out its mission efficiently and responsibly.Interested applicants shall provide a letter of interest outlining the following: Reasons why candidate is interested in serving on the BOT; Cultural affiliation and identification (Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian); Expertise and experience; andInclude a resume no longer than two pages.Please submit all materials to Kaylin.Anderson@sealaska.com.

(Read More)

November 2021

Landless Legislation Bills Introduced by Alaska’s Congressional Delegation

Today, Alaska Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan introduced a companion bill to Rep. Don Young’s House Bill 3231, which, if adopted would resolve 50 years of injustice for five landless communities in Southeast Alaska. The bills, which will work their way through committee assignments and hearings in the coming weeks and months, would amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to create urban corporations in Haines, Wrangell, Petersburg, Ketchikan and Tenakee. The fi...

(Read More)

Sealaska Supports Ballot Initiative to Formally Recognize All 229 Alaska Native Tribes

Sealaska recently joined Alaskans for Better Government in support of a proposed ballot measure to institute formal legal recognition of all 229 Alaska Native Tribes by the State of Alaska. This ballot initiative would provide Alaskans – rather than the Legislature – a chance to vote on the matter directly and finally ensure an equal, government-to-government relationship between Tribes and the state. All Alaska Tribes have been federally recognized since 1994.“This isn’t about tribal authority ...

(Read More)

Iceland: Committed to Sustainability for the Whole Marine Ecosystem

Sealaska announced in October that it has plans to acquire equity in two leading Icelandic seafood companies – IceMar and AG Seafood. Some might wonder why an Alaska Native Corporation in Southeast Alaska would invest in Iceland. The reality is that fisheries in Alaska and Iceland share important qualities when it comes to seafood. Their shared approach to responsible fisheries management aligns with Sealaska’s work to foster ocean health by growing global demand for delicious, sustainably...

(Read More)

Decoding Sealaska’s Financial Results

Unless you are an accountant or regularly study your copy of “How to Read Financials for Beginners,” it can be hard to understand financial statements. Financial statements provide a look into the health and profitability of a company. The document available by clicking the button below walks you through Sealaska’s most recent (2020) audited financial results and offers insights on each of the major components of our financial reports. This will help you interpret future annual repor...

(Read More)

Sealaska Issues Shareholder Survey About Blood Quantum

Sealaska is continuing its effort to understand our shareholders’ views and priorities about the current eligibility requirements to enroll as a shareholder. Beginning today, Thursday, Nov. 4, Sealaska shareholders are invited to take a 15-minute survey online or over the phone about blood quantum and eligibility. Shareholders will receive a unique PIN number via email and on a print postcard that will arrive sometime in the next several days. Once you have your PIN, you can login to www.sealas...

(Read More)

October 2021

Fall 2021 Distribution Builds on COVID Relief, Other Benefits

Sealaska shareholders’ 2021 dividend distribution will add to numerous other shareholder benefits and supports, including the $4.2 million in CARES Act funding Sealaska is distributing to eligible shareholders, in partnership with the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. On Friday, Oct. 29, Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved the company’s 2021 fall distribution totaling $16.0 million to be issued on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021. For the full year 2021 the total of th...

(Read More)

Inside Look: EBITDA at Sealaska

Sealaska measures the success of our businesses through operating EBITDA growth. EBITDA – Earnings before Interest Expense, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization – gives us insight into how our businesses are performing financially before accounting adjustments or expenses that are unrelated to the running of those operations.As shown in the chart above, EBITDA from our business operations has grown steadily since 2015. New England Seafood Ltd and CS Marine Constructors joined Sealaska last year,...

(Read More)

#NativeEnough Discussion Series Dives Deep on Blood Quantum

Sealaska hosted its second in the “#NativeEnough” series of virtual events centered on the issue of blood quantum Tuesday night, Oct. 26.The purpose of the event was to provide background on blood quantum – how it was incorporated into the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, its history related to enrollment requirements at Sealaska, what tribes and other Alaska Native Corporations require, cultural values related to the issue, a glimpse into what the population of Sealaska shareholders and des...

(Read More)

Fall Distribution to be First from Shareholder-Approved Sealaska Settlement Trust

Sealaska shareholders will receive their first distribution via the Sealaska Settlement Trust when the fall distribution is paid out on November 12. The trust was created by a vote of shareholders in June, and will benefit shareholders by exempting distributions from the trust from federal tax. Many shareholders will not notice any difference between how past distributions have occurred, particularly those who are signed up for direct deposit. But there are a few subtle differences, addressed in...

(Read More)

Your Questions, Answered: Fall 2021 Sealaska Distribution

Sealaska’s fall 2021 distribution will be announced on Friday, Oct. 29. Distributions are just one of many benefits Sealaska provides to shareholders and descendants, including educational and professional development programs like scholarships and internships, semiannual distributions to shareholders, and donating to cultural programs. In 2020, Sealaska paid out more than $28.5 million in shareholder benefits. Answers to frequently asked questions about the distribution process and timeline a...

(Read More)

Ocean Health: What Does it Mean to Sealaska Businesses?

Five years ago, when Sealaska began to embrace the idea of businesses revolving around ocean health, the concept was just an aspiration, COO Terry Downes said at this year’s annual meeting. It was an idea inspired by Sealaska’s owners, rooted in the collective wisdom, heritage and knowledge of thousands of people, cultivated over thousands of years in Southeast Alaska. Sealaska’s deep connection to Southeast Alaska and to indigenous wisdom informs its choices as a business to strive for balance ...

(Read More)

Your Stories About Blood Quantum: Subsistence Hunting and the Marine Mammal Protection Act

In early September, Sealaska asked shareholders to tell us how blood quantum impacts their lives. So far more than 600 people have responded. We are sharing a selection of quotes and perspectives in social media and on our website to help advance the discussion around blood quantum, and to better understand how it impacts shareholders and descendants. Sealaska is exploring the possibility of changing the eligibility requirements associated with enrolling for Class D (Descendant) stock, which cur...

(Read More)

Sealaska Partners with AWARE

Support for Healing of Domestic Violence Sealaska’s board of directors recently approved a $25,000 contribution in support of the creation of a totem pole that will serve as a monument and acknowledgement of the healing journey undertaken by women and children as they move from abusive family circumstances to healthier ones.Tlingit master carver Wayne PriceThe totem is being carved by master carver Wayne Price of Haines, and will be erected at the Kaasei Totem Pla...

(Read More)

#NativeEnough Discussion Series Shares Shareholder Perspectives on Blood Quantum

Sealaska shareholders and followers of Sealaska social media channels were asked a simple question about a month ago: “Tell us how blood quantum impacts you.” During a lunch-hour Zoom and Facebook Live event on Wednesday, Oct. 13, Sealaska shared some of those answers. The event also provided background information on the different classes of stock currently available in Sealaska, and the eligibility requirements, rights and privileges associated with each; company history related to eligibility...

(Read More)

UK Retailers Recognize New England Seafood’s Sustainability Practices with Prestigious MSC Award

NESI also won Retail Supplier of the Year honor in 2018 and 2020 Sealaska company New England Seafood International (NESI) has been honored with the prestigious Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Retail Supplier of the Year award, which recognizes outstanding achievement and performance in sustainable fishing and seafood. It’s the third time the MSC has named NESI as the recipient.MSC 2021 Awar...

(Read More)

Q&A on Sealaska’s CARES Act Distribution in Partnership with Tlingit & Haida

Sealaska will begin accepting applications for its CARES Act distribution in partnership with the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska on Monday, Oct. 4. We have compiled the following answers to questions we’ve received so far. Do you have a question that isn’t addressed here? Email us at sealaskacares@ccthita-nsn.gov. We’ll update this Q&A throughout the application period. APPLICATION DETAILS How do I apply? Shareholders can apply online at https://m...

(Read More)

CARES Act Application Update – 11:10 a.m. Alaska Time

Sealaska and Tlingit & Haida have received thousands of applications already today for the $500 benefit available through our joint CARES Act distribution program. There was a period of time this morning when the online application was down. It has been fixed now, so if you tried unsuccessfully to apply earlier and received an “error” message, please try again. We have published a comprehensive list of Q&A to respond to the questions we’re seeing in email. If your question isn’t addresse...

(Read More)

Sealaska Refines Ocean-Based Foods Portfolio to Focus on Consumer-Centric, Chilled Seafood

Investments bring access to Iceland’s quality and rigor Oct. 1, 2021 (Juneau, AK)—Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 23,000 Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian shareholders, today announced it has plans to acquire equity in two leading Icelandic seafood companies as part of its work to foster ocean health by growing demand for delicious, sustainably sourced seafood.Sealaska’s...

(Read More)

September 2021

Sealaska to Partner with Tlingit & Haida to Distribute CARES Act Funds

Sealaska is teaming up with the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to distribute its $4.2 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funding from the federal government to eligible shareholders. The application will be live beginning Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Tlingit & Haida has generously contributed an additional $1.8 million to make the total benefit available to Sealaska shareholders $6 million. Up to 12,000 shareholders will be e...

(Read More)

Sealaska Marks National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools with Juneau Event

Sealaska will mark September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, with its support for a day of events on Thursday, Sept. 30 in Juneau to raise awareness of the legacy and trauma of the boarding and residential school systems in the United States and Canada. Also known as “Orange Shirt Day,” the day originated in Canada in 2013, and has since been formally adopted by First Nations, cities and provinces throughout Canada. Canada’s federal government is recognizing the ...

(Read More)

ICYMI Watch | Tlatsini Journey of the Taku Kwan

Sealaska held a special showing of the documentary Tlatsini – Journey of the Taku Kwaan on Monday, Sept. 27. If you missed this opportunity, Sealaska shareholders can watch at their convenience before Thursday, Sept. 30. AboutTlatsini – Journey of the Taku Kwaan The documentaryis about a canoe journey on the Taku River. The Taku River runs between Briti...

(Read More)

#SealaskaWayOfLife Photo Contest Winners Announced

#SealaskaWayofLife photo submission by Sandra Rose Sealaska is proud to share the winners of our 2021 #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest!We created the #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest in 2020 because we want to see what the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian way of life looks like through your lens, celebrate our culture and heritage and foster connection within our communities and beyond—especially amid the pandemic.This year, we created more opp...

(Read More)

Sealaska Joins Partners in Announcing New Funding Source for Community Economic Development in Southeast

Last summer, Sealaska worked with partners mobilized through the Sustainable Southeast Partnership to distribute nearly 50,000 pounds of salmon to 11 Southeast communities in response to historically low salmon returns threatening the food security of thousands of shareholders during the pandemic.Today, Sealaska joins with several other organizations committed to the long-term health and success of our region in announcing a new vision and funding model for community economic development in Sout...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder Retires After 23-Year Law Enforcement Career in Alaska

Trooper Granda on assignment in the Kuskokwim region After 23 years of law enforcement service, Alaska State Trooper Mark Granda retired on Aug. 31, 2021. Like his family, Sealaska is proud of Trooper Granda and his honorable service to the people of Alaska. Granda’s career in law enforcement began in 1997 with the Sitka Police Department, where he served for nearly four years. In 2001, Granda began his career with the Alaska State Trooper...

(Read More)

August 2021

Sealaska’s $4.2 Million CARES Act Allocation: Part of a Larger Pool of Funding to Benefit Southeast Alaska Natives

Many shareholders are asking about Sealaska’s CARES Act funding, and how the $4.2 million amount of its allocation was determined.The U.S. Department of the Treasury created the formula for how CARES Act money was allocated to tribes and Alaska Native corporations (ANCs). The most important thing is that Alaska Natives in Southeast Alaska are receiving additional support at a crucial time.Sealaska is working out the details of how the $4.2 million allocation will be distributed to benefit our sh...

(Read More)

Land Management Training for Youth

Pictured from left to right: Isabella (Bella) Hoppe of Klawock, Priscilla Trudeau of Craig, Gonzolo Sanchez (G) of Klawock, Crew Leader-Reuben Schafir, and Joel Delacruz of Klawock Sealaska invests and works with partners to provide opportunities for youth. One such opportunity is through Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP). SSP’s Alaskan Youth Stewards program gives youth in rural Southeast Alaska the opportunity for hands–on lea...

(Read More)

Sealaska Mourns the Loss of Xaad kíl Birth Speaker Jane Kristovich (K’ujúuhl)

One of the few remaining birth speakers of the Northern Haida dialect of Xaad kíl, Jane Kristovich (K’ujúuhl), joined her ancestors on August 18, 2021 at the age of 93.Kristovich was a treasured speaker of Xaad kíl who gave her time and knowledge generously to generations of her people through her involvement with language and dance groups, community events and even on film.Kristovich was born in Massett, B.C. in 1927. Her maiden English name was Adams. She is the older sister of Haida Elder Dol...

(Read More)

Sealaska Pledges Full Support to Federal Indian Boarding School Investigation

Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson | KaaxúxguOn Friday, July 23, Sealaska’s board of directors approved a resolution to give full support and cooperation to the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, which was announced by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) in late June. The resolution calls on landowners, religious and governmental officials, and others to support the investigation, was passed unanimously by Sealaska’s thirteen-member board. Sec. Haaland’s Federal Indian Boa...

(Read More)

First Distribution from Settlement Trust Slated for Fall 2021

Sealaska shareholders approved a resolution to establish a settlement trust for Sealaska by a margin greater than three to one during the election that concluded Saturday, June 26.The trust, which is similar to those established by dozens of other Alaska Native regional and village corporations, will free Sealaska shareholders from paying federal income tax on their dividends. It will also reduce Sealaska’s tax obligation to the federal government in the future. This benefits all of us.The trust...

(Read More)

The #SealaskaWayofLife Photo Contest is BACK! Share Your Way of Life – Win Prizes!

2021 Board Youth Advisor, Tia Silva-Martin, showing of her #SealaskaWayofLife What does the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian way of life look like through your lens? Show us in a snapshot during this year’s #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest! Sealaska is dedicated to doing our part to improve ocean health and protect our way of life. Over the past six years, we’ve advanced our twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection by inve...

(Read More)

Sealaska Releases 2021 Shareholder Survey Results

Sealaska shareholders are overwhelmingly favorable toward the company’s business platform focused on ocean health and environmental stewardship, according to the company’s 2021 shareholder survey. The survey, conducted by an independent research firm in April and May, was completed by nearly 5,000 of Sealaska’s 23,000 Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian shareholders in Southeast Alaska and beyond. More than 85% said they were very or fairly supportive of Sealaska’s business vision. The survey also sho...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient Shares Her Commitment to Education with Her Family, Community

Educator and Sealaska shareholder Karen Lauth Elliott has been celebrating a lot of graduations over the past few years, culminating on June 12 this year, when she and her youngest son, Emad Al-Shamasawi, both received diplomas on the same day. Elliott earned her master’s in education policy from the University of Washington (UW) that day while her son graduated from Ingraham High School in Seattle. Other graduations in her family in recent years include her bachelor’s degree in American Indian...

(Read More)

July 2021

Sealaska Awards Grants to Fund Indigenous Language Education and Social Services for Alaska

On Friday, July 23, 2021, Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved $450,000 in donations to fund language-preservation programs and a social service project spearheaded by organizations in Southeast. Three of the grants, totaling to $400,000, will go toward invigorating all three of Southeast Alaska’s Indigenous languages: Lingít(Tlingit),X̱aadKíl(Haida), andSm’algyax(Tsimshian).The fourth grant, for $50,000, will go to support development of Juneau’s Teal...

(Read More)

Sealaska Welcomes USDA Funding for Local Priorities In, Around the Tongass

Sealaska welcomes the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement last week that it is dedicating $25 million toward sustainable opportunities for economic growth and community well-being in and around the Tongass National Forest – the traditional homelands of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. The announcement of the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy, as the funding initiative is being called, came paired with news that the USDA will end all large-scale logging of old-growth timb...

(Read More)

Meet the Newly Elected Directors to Sealaska’s Board

On Saturday, June 26, Sealaska shareholders elected the following candidates to serve three-year terms on the company’s board of directors. We asked each of these newly elected directors the following question. Their answers follow.Sealaska is focused on teamwork – on the board and staff levels and within our larger community of tribes, shareholders, descendants and partner organizations. How do you hope to use the next three years to contribute to continuing success for Sealaska both from a bus...

(Read More)

Q&A with Sealaska’s New Board Youth Advisor Tiadola Silva

Every year, Sealaska directors select a shareholder descendant to serve a one-year term as the Board Youth Advisor (BYA). Tiadola Silva was selected as the 2021-2022 BYA. In this position, Silva will provide input and gain board membership training and knowledge of Sealaska’s operations.Silva is originally from Angoon and now lives in Juneau. Her parents are Jeremy Martin and Juanita Silva. Silva is Tlingit, of the Eagle moiety, and from the Thunderbird Clan. Her Tlingit name is Glúdas. Silva gr...

(Read More)

June 2021

Sealaska’s Board Now Features Strong Female Majority

Saturday’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders Included Election Results, New Logo, Shareholder Survey Data and Report on 2020 Financial Performance Sealaska’s 48th annual meeting of shareholders closed Saturday with the announcement of shareholders’ selections to fill the five available seats on the company’s board of directors and the green light for the company to move forward with e...

(Read More)

Q&A on the Supreme Court’s CARES Act Ruling

Sealaska issued a statement expressing its position on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Friday, June 25 that settled litigation over whether Alaska Native Corporations qualify for federal CARES Act funding. Click here to read Sealaska’s statement. Answers to additional questions shareholders and tribal citizens may have on the decision and Sealaska’s role are below. Volunteers delivered Orca Bay salmon to residents of several Southeast communities through a partnership with the Alaska Longlin...

(Read More)

U.S. Supreme Court upholds federal promise to Alaska Natives

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today affirms the critical importance of our nation’s support for Alaska Natives, many of whom live in remote, rugged environments with limited infrastructure and services, including healthcare. Alaska Native communities face longstanding vulnerabilities that worsen their coronavirus risk, and Alaska Native Corporations are uniquely positioned to assist them. At Sealaska, we have been working in close coordination with our tribes to support our Alaska Nati...

(Read More)

More Q&A on the Proposed Settlement Trust

Throughout the election period, shareholders have asked questions about the proposed settlement trust on this year’s Sealaska proxy. A Q&A story was published in May addressing many of these questions, and answers to a few more than have come in since then are below. You can read the original story here, or click here to watch videos about the Settlement Trust for additional detail.How does the Trust Agreement protect beneficiaries? The Trust Agreement is created to protect the benefic...

(Read More)

Join Sealaska Online for Our Annual Meeting of Shareholders

Sealaska’s annual meeting of shareholders will be held online on Saturday, June 26, 2021. In addition to the annual business presentation, updates on key initiatives and election results this year’s meeting will include the unveiling of Sealaska’s newly updated brand and logo mark.Directors and management will share updates about Sealaska activity, successes and key investments. They will also answer questions from shareholders about Sealaska’s business and initiatives. Questions can be submitte...

(Read More)

Sealaska Early Bird Prize Winners Announced

Here it is, shareholders – the moment you’ve been waiting for! (That is, if you voted your proxy by the early-bird deadline of Friday, June 4.) Winners of the early-bird voting incentive prizes are listed below.It’s not too late to get in on the twin benefits of being involved and active in your company and being eligible for prizes. Each shareholder who returns a valid proxy by 5 p.m. AKDT on June 25, 2021 (online, in the mail, delivery in person to the Independent Inspector of Elections, Elgee...

(Read More)

Memorial for Tlingit Leader and Sealaska Director Albert Kookesh to be Live Streamed

Sealaska and Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will offer a live web stream from Angoon to share the memorial service for the late Tlingit leader Kaasháan, Albert Kookesh.The ceremony is scheduled at 6 pm (AKDT), Friday, June 4. The service will be available through the MySealaska website and open to the public via YouTube. All loved ones, friends, acquaintances and well-wishers are welcome to tune in.Kookesh Walked Into The Forest on May 28 at his home in Angoon surrounded by family at the age ...

(Read More)

May 2021

Sealaska Director Albert Kookesh Leaves a Lasting Legacy of Service and Cultural Revitalization

Hearts are heavy at Sealaska after the passing of Sealaska director Albert Kookesh, Tlingit leader, former senator, business owner and fierce advocate for Alaska Natives. Albert died at his home in Angoon, surrounded by family, his children and grandchildren.Sealaska Director, Senator Albert Kookesh 1948-2021“Today, we mourn the loss of a colleague, a friend, a champion of Alaska Native people,” said Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson. “Although the void felt at Sealaska will be profound, we can all cele...

(Read More)

Congratulations, High School Graduates!

Alexandra Kirby is graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in civil engineering this spring. Kirby received scholarships from Sealaska to help finance her education.High school graduations are taking place this month, with many students receiving their hard-earned diplomas. High school can be hard to navigate, and learning during a global pandemic has been a new challenge for our young students. The class of 2021 has shown what true perseverance is.“This past year has seen tremendo...

(Read More)

Gregg Drilling cleans up groundwater with new injection technology

At Vandenberg Air Force base in 2019, Air Force staff and partners were focused on cleansing groundwater that had been polluted with chlorinated hydrocarbons, runoff from solvents that were used to spray down missile engines prior to launch. But the challenge was bigger than toxins in the water. Threatened vernal pool fairy shrimp, red-legged frogs and other endemic species in a nearby stream had to be protected from both the pollutants and their treatment. A Gregg Drilling employee works with s...

(Read More)

Sealaska Settlement Trust – Your Questions, Answered!

Why does Sealaska want to establish a new settlement trust? It’s a great opportunity for Sealaska, and for our shareholders! An Alaska Native Corporation Settlement Trust provides Sealaska and its shareholders with significant tax advantages. Distributions to shareholders (referred to as “beneficiaries” under the trust) will not be subject to federal tax. Changes to federal tax law in 2017 allow Native corporations to make contributions to a settlement trust using pre-tax dollars. This change re...

(Read More)

Q&A with Sealaska President & CEO Anthony Mallott – 2020 Annual Report

Sealaska President & CEO Anthony MallottThe 2020 Sealaska annual report was sent to shareholders on May 5, 2021. Sealaska’s communications team met with President & CEO Anthony Mallott to get his thoughts on last year’s performance and describe how the company’s ocean health businesses are leading to increased shareholder benefits. The full annual report is available online by clicking here.What are the highlights from 2020 from a financial perspective?We were incredibly fortunate to be ...

(Read More)

Recognizing Albert Kookesh (Kaasháan) For His Service and Positive Contributions to Sealaska

Sealaska is deeply grateful for the service of two of its board members who have chosen not to seek another term on the board. These two men have contributed mightily to our company, and their service and commitment to our people has been of incalculable value.Sealaska Director Albert Kookesh at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.Sealaska director Albert Kookesh, formally announced he will not seek another term on the Sealaska Board of Directors. Albert’s term will end at the 2021 annual me...

(Read More)

New Board-Endorsed Candidates Announced as Two Longtime Sealaska Directors Step Down

Two of Sealaska’s long-serving directors, Senator Albert Kookesh and Tate London, have decided not to seek another term on the board this year. L to R — Senator Albert Kookesh and Director Tate London “Both directors have fulfilled the purpose and mission of Sealaska while serving on behalf of our shareholders,” said Joe Nelson, Sealaska Chair. “We are forever indebted for their service.” The decision by Kookesh and London left two board seats open for new candidates on Sealaska’s team of...

(Read More)

Recognizing Tate London (Xein) For His Service and Positive Contributions to Sealaska

Sealaska is deeply grateful for the service of two of its board members who have chosen not to seek another term on the board. These two men have contributed mightily to our company, and their service and commitment to our people has been of incalculable value. Director Tate London and Ernie Hillman Sealaska director Tate London formally announced he will not seek another term on the Sealaska Board of Directors. Tate’s term will end at the 2021 annual meeting in June. Tate has been a member of t...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Payments Benefit Full, Part-time and Vo-Tech Students

Sealaska scholarship recipient Jackie Ohmer.Sealaska announced today that its scholarship program will support 415 full- and part-time students and students enrolled in vocational-technical programs for the 2021-2022 academic year. Sealaska is pleased to support students financially, especially during a year of where many are facing financial uncertainty, and proud to see so many individuals seeking higher education.In partnership with Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI), Sealaska invests in educa...

(Read More)

April 2021

Sealaska Wants Your Feedback

Every few years, Sealaska reaches out to shareholders as part of an ongoing effort to gather shareholder opinions and feedback. Sealaska is launching the most recent shareholder survey the week of April 19. We look forward to hearing from shareholders through the work. Why commission the surveys? Surveys are a great way to engage with shareholders. Since 1981, we’ve been reaching out to shareholders to get a sense of priorities and feelings about Sealaska. It gives us insight into what you care...

(Read More)

Celebrate Earth Day with Sealaska and the Polynesian Voyaging Society!

Join Sealaska and the Polynesian Voyaging Society this Thursday, April 22, at 12 P.M. AKDT for a Special Earth Day Zoom session! At Sealaska, we are committed to finding ways to address the effects of global warming and sustaining healthy oceans. On Earth Day 202...

(Read More)

Chief Science Officer Enriches Ocean-Health Business with Experience & Passion

Jesse is at the U.S. Marine Base in Hawaii on Kaneohe Bay, where he was demonstrating Swift, a stealth radar system that he had designed to quickly locate navigational hazards (e.g. currents, shallow reefs) across the surf zone.The next time you find yourself on a beach, grab a handful of sand and look at it closely, suggests oceanographer Jesse McNinch. That sand is a detective story, he says, encoding the tales of millions of years of natural history.“Geology is like the earth’s stenographer,”...

(Read More)

2021 Q1 Letter from the Chair

The following letter from Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson was published in the Q1 newsletter, which mailed to shareholders in early April. To view the full newsletter, click here. Dear Shareholders,For many of us, the first signs of spring are a welcome change. The increase in daylight lures us outdoors. The fresh air and physical activity improve our state of mind. We start gearing up for our busy summers. The change in the season brings work, but it is good. Sealaska Chair Joe NelsonWe ho...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder Descendant Plans Denali Summit this Summer

Growing up in Juneau, Rain Felkl had no fear of the mountains, she said.Her parents would let her play at the glacier or spend the night on top of Thunder Mountain unsupervised, entrusting XTRATUF boots, hand-me-down outdoor gear and the unwavering confidence that characterizes childhood with her safe return home. “They [my parents] didn’t instill fear in us when it came to the outdoors,” Felkl said.Back then, she “didn’t really do anything extreme,” she said. But, today, Felkl—who describ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces 2021 Spring Distribution and Schedule

A spring 2021 distribution of $21.3 million builds on the many other investments Sealaska is grateful to be able to make to support its shareholders and communities. The distribution includes dividends from the company’s growing ocean-health business operations ($6.8 million) and the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund ($2.5 million). Distributions to shareholders were $46.4 million in 2020. In addition to the spring distribution, Sealaska will be providing the greatest amount of...

(Read More)

Sealaska in 2020 Humbled and grateful for support and successes amid extreme tests

As Sealaska’s board finalizes the spring distribution to Sealaska shareholders in a meeting on Friday, April 2, the company’s business operations continue a trend of increasing profitability. Thanks to the incredible dedication and skill of so many at Sealaska, several of our businesses actually saw record financial results in 2020. Their efforts enabled us to keep our employees safe while supporting our communities and building on our work to strengthen ocean health. Why ocean health? We are s...

(Read More)

March 2021

Shareholder Participation Committee Chairs Included in Selection Process for Board Endorsed Nominees

Laird JonesSealaska’s process for selecting candidates to become endorsed nominees for its board of directors expanded this year to include the chairs of Sealaska’s Shareholder Participation Committees representing Southeast Alaska, the rest of Alaska, and outside Alaska. Shareholder Participation Committees were established two years ago to help Sealaska be more responsive to the needs and priorities of its shareholders through active engagement. The committees are made up of 7-8 members from ...

(Read More)

Women’s History Month Spotlight Amy Hallingstad

Amy Hallingstad was a champion for civil rights causes in Alaska, desegregating schools and other public facilities, advocating for equal pay for women and quality health care for Alaska Natives, and tearing down signs that read “No Natives Allowed.” Amy Yax Yeidí HallingstadShe fought the most serious challenges faced by her people for most of her life, earning the unofficial title of “First Lady for the First People.” And yet Hallingstad’s most powerful weapon in advancing these distinctly hum...

(Read More)

Event Shared the ‘Power of Cold Dips’ with the Sealaska Community

Sealaska’s most recent virtual event invited panelists to share their experiences with cold water dips, an ancient ritual among our people that was designed to fortify the body and spirit against a wide range of difficulties, from weather to warfare.The live virtual event, moderated by Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson, featured Richard Peterson, Sarah Dybdahl, Barbara Blake, Konrad Frank and Mona Evan as panelists. The event was part of a month-long campaign hosted by Sealaska in March that focus...

(Read More)

Path to Prosperity Business Development Competition 2021 Winners Announced

Sealaska invests in Southeast Alaska businesses through a yearly commitment to Spruce Root, Inc. Spruce Root supports businesses through loan capital and support services to promote economic, social, cultural and environmental resiliency. Sealaska economic development partner Spruce Root just announced the winners of its annual Path to Prosperity business competition, with two Sout...

(Read More)

February 2021

San Diego’s Tlingit Mayor Embraces His ‘Firsts’

San Diego’s new mayor, Todd Gloria, is Tlingit, Filipino and has Dutch and Puerto Rican roots. He often describes himself as the proud son of a hotel maid and a gardener. Gloria is San Diego’s first non-white mayor, and also its first LGBTQ mayor. “I’ve been the first of many things in my career,” Gloria said. “The goal is always not to be the last one.” Gloria started volunteering on political campaigns as a high school student. He received Sealaska and Goldbelt scholarships to help get him th...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Survey Reveals Interesting Findings

Hailing from Kansas to Kodiak and pursuing fields of study from pharmaceutical sciences to studio photography, Sealaska scholarship recipients represent diverse backgrounds, interests and career paths.In a recent survey, they shared words of advice and interesting demographic data. And, of course, a lighthearted look at the realities of student life—for example, many respondents said Top Ramen was a staple during college, as well as cafeteria food and coffee.The deadline to apply for a Sealaska ...

(Read More)

Landless legislation to be reintroduced in 117th Congress

Campaign organizers with Alaska Natives Without Land are optimistic that legislation advancing the land claims of Alaska Natives from five Southeast communities will be reintroduced during the 117th Congress, which got underway on Jan. 3, 2021.Haines, Tenakee, Ketchikan, Wrangell and Petersburg were inexplicably left out of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, and were unable to form urban Native corporations. Alaska Natives from these communities have gone 50 years without the econo...

(Read More)

Notice of 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The 2021 Sealaska annual meeting of shareholders will be held virtually on Saturday, June 26, 2021 via a live webcast. Please watch MySealaska.com, your inbox and Sealaska social media platforms for further details. Under Sealaska rules and election procedures, any qualified shareholder may seek a position on the Board of Directors by following the requirements of Sealaska bylaws. The election policies provide any qualified candidate for the Board of Directors the opportunity to include his or ...

(Read More)

Vetting process designed to ensure the best possible candidates serve Sealaska

A lot of shareholders and descendants think becoming a board-endorsed nominee means getting hand selected by an existing board member, said current Sealaska Vice Chair Jodi Mitchell. And she understands why. But Mitchell wants everyone to know that’s not how it works any more. “Full disclosure: I was chosen the old way,” Mitchell, who joined the board in 2006, said. But around 2015 or so, as Sealaska’s financial turnaround was just starting to gain momentum, she said the process completely cha...

(Read More)

Advocating for Environmental Justice through Legislative Action

During the month of February, we are highlighting shareholders who are contributing to policy and advocacy efforts and who positively impact people and communities. Washington State Representative Debra Lekanoff is a champion for environmental policy and protections. She has given her time at the tribal, village, state and national level. Her efforts and professional background le...

(Read More)

Attention Shareholders—1099-DIV tax forms for 2020 are now available!

To access, download or print your forms, please log in or register for an account on MySealaska.com, navigate to ‘About Me’ and click 1099s. If you are receiving your form through the U.S. Mail, please be sure to check your mailbox—all forms have been mailed by Sealaska as of January 25, 2021.Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding 1099-DIV tax forms:1) What is a 1099-DIV tax form and why am I receiving one?Form 1099-DIV is used by banks and other financial institutions to ...

(Read More)

Nominees Needed to Serve as Sealaska Board-Endorsed Candidates

Sealaska is seeking qualified shareholders to become endorsed nominees for the Sealaska Board of Directors. There are three incumbent candidates and two open seats this year.At a meeting of its Governance and Nominations Committee on Thursday, Feb. 4, the committee approved a set of criteria for candidates who choose to participate in the endorsement process.Applicants will be evaluated based on their experience and demonstrated accomplishments in the following areas: business; financial steward...

(Read More)

January 2021

Building an Economy Around Kelp

Lia Heifetz and Matt Kern took the plunge and started Barnacle Foods in 2016, knowing that kelp farming and the mariculture industry was just getting started. But their vision and confidence in a people- and planet-centered business philosophy are bringing others along with them. One of the farms Barnacle Foods sources kelp from today is Seagrove Kelp Co. on Prince of Wales Island. Heifetz says Seagrove Kelp solidified its decision to submit a permit for a kelp farm about five years ago, knowing...

(Read More)

Rural Southeast Entrepreneurs Learn Skills for the New Economy

The summer of 2019 was the most promising yet for Stormy and Bonnie Hamar’s tourism business, Kasaan Arts, Museum and Canoes. They had a big write–up in the local travel guide, fresh brochures to stock in ferry terminals and B&Bs, and a new contract pending with a day-cruise operator that would’ve guaranteed a stream paying customers throughout the summer of 2020. But like so many others, their business took a major hit when the coronavirus pandemic forced the virtual cancellation of ...

(Read More)

Late-Breaking Scholarship Opportunity for Traditional Language Learners

David Russell Jensen, program lead for the Preparing Indigenous Teachers & Administrators for Alaska Schools at the University of Alaska Southeast, teaches a traditional-languages class to a group of young students. Students currently enrolled or interested in signing up to study Sm’algyax, X̱aad Kíl and Lingít through the University of Alaska Southeast this spring h...

(Read More)

2021-2022 BYA Position is Now Open – Hear More from the Current BYA Michaela Demmert

Although the opportunity to serve as a Sealaska Board Youth Advisor (BYA) was on her radar for several years, Michaela Demmert said she waited until the time felt right to apply. For Demmert (Tlingit, Blackfeet, Nez Perce), who is Taakw.aaneidí (Raven/Sea Lion Clan), the right time rolled around last year. Demmert graduated from Dartmouth College in 2018, and plans to begin working on a master’s degree in social work starting this fall. She said she was looking for an opportunity to strengthen ...

(Read More)

The World’s Oldest Living Haida is About to Celebrate a Milestone Birthday

On Feb. 2, Fred (Sḵwaal) Hamilton, Sr. of Craig will mark his 100th birthday. The day has been designated by the Craig City Council as Fred Hamilton, Sr. Day. Hamilton is the son of George (Siigaay) Hamilton, Sr. and Joy (Haana Iwaans) Edenso Hamilton. He is of the Raven moiety and his crests are Owl, Brown Bear and Flicker. Longevity is in his genes. Hamilton’s dad lived to be just shy of 102, and his aunt lived nearly to 103. Despite his advanced age, Hamilton is heading into the century mark...

(Read More)

Sealaska Transitioning Out of Logging Operations

SEALASKA TRANSITIONING OUT OF LOGGING OPERATIONS In Sealaska’s early years, logging was the most viable way for us to create value for our shareholders.Our success harvesting trees has enabled Sealaska to create a business revolving around ocean health that is be...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s Progress with Ocean Health Enables Alternatives to Logging

Shift to new businesses aligns with Alaska Native heritage and creates enduring value for shareholders and communities Jan. 11, 2021 (Juneau, AK)—Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation that owns and manages 362,000 acres of land in Southeast Alaska, pla...

(Read More)

December 2020

Some of our Favorite Videos from 2020

It has been 40 years since Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Elders convened in 1980 to discuss the importance of preserving our culture to benefit future generations. The resulting text of that meeting, “Because We Cherish You,” laid out the Elders’ vision for maintaining our way of life and passing it on to our grandchildren. The anniversary of that momentous gathering gave us renewed cause to reflect the direction they provided, and as a result, “Because We Cherish You” became the theme of much of...

(Read More)

Shop Native-Owned

It is the holiday season, and a great opportunity to support local, Native-owned businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. Sealaska invited its shareholders, descendants and others in the Alaska Native community to share their businesses and artistry with our audiences so we can help promote them during an otherwise very difficult year.We were flooded with submissions from all sorts of artists, crafters and makers in Alaska and beyond. Their business profiles, photos of their work and links to onli...

(Read More)

Application Period for Sealaska Scholarships Open, More Funds Available

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is now accepting applications for Sealaska scholarships for the 2021–2022 academic year, and thanks to a motion by the Sealaska board in October, more funding than ever will be available. In the 2019–2020 academic year, scholarship eligibility was expanded to include both full- and part-time students attending accredited colleges, universities and vocational-technical schools at the undergraduate or post-graduate level. Previously, only full-time students were e...

(Read More)

Emergency Relief and Disaster Preparedness Funds on the Way to Haines and Klukwan

Sealaska has committed $30,000 to assist with emergency relief and disaster preparedness efforts in Haines and Klukwan. The two communities have experienced severe flooding and mudslides in the past 10 days. The search for two Haines residents was called off after they disappeared in a mudslide on December 3, and more than 50 families are still under evacuation orders. Haines received 6.62 inches of rain on December 2 alone, which vastly exceeded the previous record of 1.37 inches. The Sealaska...

(Read More)

Youth Training and Development Program Recognized with Regional Forester’s Award

Courtney James records her grandmother’s headstone on Grave Island after mentorship from USFS archaeologists. Photo by Audrey Clavijo.A partnership between Sealaska, the National Forest Foundation, the USDA Forest Service and Sustainable Southeast Partnership was awarded a USDA Forest Service Regional Forester’s Award last week. Alaskan Youth Stewards – formerly known as TRAYLS, or Training Rural Alaskan Youth Leaders and Students – is a collaborative effort to introduce youth in rural Southeast...

(Read More)

Southeast Alaska Traditional Languages in a Critical State

Sealaska shareholders have told us that investing in traditional languages is a top priority. In 2019, Sealaska set up an endowment to support the revitalization of the Tlingit (Lingít), Haida (X̠aad Kíl) and Tsimshian (Sm’algya̠x) traditional languages.Sealaska hosted an hour-long discussion on traditional languages on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. Sealaska Director Lisa Ka’illjuus Lang hosted the conversation with:Dr. Lance X̠’unei TwitchellDavid R. Gyibaawm La̠xha BoxleyMarit...

(Read More)

Masterman Selected as Native American 40 Under 40

At just 25 years old, Sealaska shareholder descendant Stephanie (Sxhaalghén) Masterman was recognized by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development as a Native American 40 Under 40 award recipient for 2020. The announcement came in November.Masterman is Tlingit. She is Wooshkeetaan (Eagle/Shark Clan), a child of German, English, Irish and Navajo ancestors, and a grandchild of the T’akdeintaan (Raven/Sea Pigeon Clan). She was born and raised in Washington state but traces her ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Board Commits $50,000 to New Glory Hall Location in Juneau

As walls rapidly go up on the new Mendenhall Valley location of the Glory Hall, Sealaska’s board of directors sent a strong message of support for the initiative by committing $50,000 to the project at its December meeting.The Glory Hall is Juneau’s emergency shelter and soup kitchen, providing three meals a day and shelter for those experiencing homelessness or crisis since 1981. The Glory Hall also provides transportation, social-service referrals, mental-health counseling, laundry, showers an...

(Read More)

Calling All Sealaska Veterans

Alaska Natives serve at higher rates in the military than any other ethnic group in the country. We are proud of all veterans who have served in all branches of the United States uniformed services.Are you are veteran of the United States uniformed services?Please consider letting Sealaska know. We have added a new feature to MySealaska.com that allows shareholders to let us know if they are veteran. From time to time, Sealaska has important information for veterans regarding federal or state po...

(Read More)

November 2020

Celebrating Sealaska’s Women’s Week with our Female Board Members

Earlier this year, Sealaska marked an important milestone in its growth and development as a company – following the board election this spring, our board is now majority female, with seven of 13 members who are women. Balance and reciprocity are important values we hold as Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people, and they’re part of our company values at Sealaska, too. Our cultures are matrilineal, and we have always recognized and honored the power and strength of women. It is natural and ap...

(Read More)

Haida Scientist Defies Stereotypes, Encourages Local Kids To Do The Same

Close your eyes. Clear your mind.When you hear the word ‘scientist,’ who do you envision?Is it an ‘old guy,’ with ‘crazy hair’ in a ‘lab coat’ with ‘glasses’? Is he ‘white’?If those are the words you used, you’re just like the kids in Hydaburg City School District used to be. That is, before they met Wendy F. Smythe and learned a new way to think of themselves and to value their traditional knowledge. Smythe is Haida of the Eagle Moiety and of the Sdast’ aas (Fish Egg) House, a Sealaska sharehol...

(Read More)

Entrepreneurialism Provides Catalyst for Growth for Caitlin Way

Caitlin Way never had any intention of being an entrepreneur. Even after becoming a business owner, she had a hard time embracing the identity. When she returned home to Sitka after graduating from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, she didn’t quite know what her next step would be. Way, who is Tlingit, said she was operating under the assumption that she needed a master’s degree to be successful. But in the months following graduation, she cou...

(Read More)

Sealaska shareholder serves as “fairy godmother” of education and culture for thousands of Native students

Her business card says she’s the president and CEO of The CIRI Foundation, but Susan Anderson jokes that her real title ought to be “fairy godmother.” That’s because she says her job is “not even a job” – she oversees the distribution of millions of dollars a year in scholarships and grants to help CIRI shareholders and descendants transform their lives through education while strengthening ties to their culture. Anderson is Tlingit, with roots in Wrangell and Juneau, but grew up in Southcentral...

(Read More)

Healing Hand Foundation Honors the Legacy of Dr. Walter Soboleff

When the Healing Hand Foundation was established, it was designed to fill gaps in the medical and health-care services available to beneficiaries of Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) and to veterans.At the time, that might mean providing travel assistance so Elders could have a companion travel with them to out-of-town medical appointments, or to fund a replacement pair of eyeglasses for a veteran whose Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) coverage wouldn’t provide another. Thi...

(Read More)

Actor Martin Sensmeier Inspires and Gets Candid with Sealaska During Live Virtual Event

A video recording of Sealaska’s interactive Zoom session with Tlingit and Koyukon Athabascan actor Martin Sensmeier is now available at the link below for viewing.The session included more than 100 participants, who were treated to a conversation between Sensmeier and Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson. Nelson asked Sensmeier questions about his path to stardom in feature films including his breakout role in “The Magnificent Seven” alongside Denzel Washington and Vincent Donofrio.Since then, Sensme...

(Read More)

Sealaska Celebrates Introduction of Legislation to Add Five Alaska Native Communities in Southeast Alaska to ANCSA

Sealaska joins with Alaska’s congressional delegation and its 4,400 landless shareholders in the communities of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines and Tenakee Springs in celebrating the introduction today of legislation aimed at righting the historical wrong represented by their exclusion from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.The legislation allows the five communities to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements under ANCSA. This new legislation would grant one t...

(Read More)

2020 Sealaska Interns Give Back to their Communities

Due to COVID-19, Sealaska’s 2020 summer interns worked from home and connected to their teams through video chats, emails, and phone calls. With the pandemic heavily impacting many of our communities across the country, there were opportunities to lend a helping hand. Interns had the chance to participate in a “Give Back Day,” which was a day of community service in the intern’s area with an organization of their choosing. A few interns reflected on their day by writing about their work and the...

(Read More)

Board votes to increase scholarship endowment fund

In a resolution adopted Friday, Oct. 30, Sealaska’s board of directors voted to add an additional $2.5 million to its scholarship endowment fund to meet the increased demand for support from students receiving postsecondary education on a part-time basis.Sealaska just started providing scholarships to part-time students for the 2019–2020 academic year, and the demand was significant.“The part-time track is more realistic for a lot of people. We are happy to meet people where they are at as they ...

(Read More)

October 2020

Sealaska, NESI alliance creates global, sustainable seafood leader

NESI founder Fred Stroyan holds a 60-pound king salmon caught by commercial fisherman in Chignik Bay in 2004. "I kidded my friends back home I had caught it fly fishing!" he said. Companies aim to enhance lives and promote ocean health October 30, 2020 (Juneau, AK)—Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 23,000 Tlingit...

(Read More)

Sealaska Mourns the Loss of Tlingit leader David Katzeek

It is with great sadness, but also reverence, respect and gratitude for his innumerable contributions, that we share the news of the passing of Tlingit Elder and culture bearer Kingeistí David Katzeek.Katzeek was a clan leader for the Eagle moiety, Shangukeidí (Thunderbird Clan) of Klukwan. Katzeek was from Kaawdliyaayi Hít (House Lowered from the Sun), and Shis’g̠i Hít (Tree Bark House) in Chilkat K̠wáan Klukwan, after his mother, the late Anna Klanott Katzeek. He was a child of the G̠aan...

(Read More)

Investment in Language Leads to Cultural Revitalization in Hydaburg

Sealaska established a $10 million language endowment to focus on the revitalization of Tlingit (Lingít), Haida (X̱aad Kíl) and Tsimshian (Sm’algya̠x) languages. In Alaska, very few birth speakers of these traditional languages remain. All are older than 70, and a majority are 80 or older. The group includes four birth speakers of Sm’algya̠x, three birth speakers of X̱aad Kíl, and 63 birth speakers of Lingít. We invite you — all 23,000 of our shareholders — to get involved in this important effo...

(Read More)

Tlingit National Guardsman Presented Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service Award at AFN

Major Walter Hotch-Hill, a Sealaska shareholder descendant, was presented with a President’s Award during the 2020 Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) annual convention. AFN is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska, with members representing more than 250 organizations.Each year AFN hosts an annual convention that includes setting priorities for the advocacy group as well as recognizing Alaska Natives with several awards. Hotch-Hill was presented with the Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Mi...

(Read More)

Early 2020 Fall Distribution to Augment Other Shareholder Benefits

Early 2020 fall distribution to augment other shareholder benefits In recognition of the ongoing economic and health crisis caused by the coronavirus, Sealaska’s Board of Directors is accelerating payment of the 2020 shareholder dividend. Issuing dividends two weeks earlier than usual underscores Sealaska’s commitment to our shareholders during this challenging time.Throughout the p...

(Read More)

Sealaska Nominates Joe Nelson as AFN Co-Chair

Sealaska is pleased to announce the nomination of Joe Nelson as the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) board co-chair. Nelson has served as a Sealaska director since 2003 and has been board chair since 2014. Nelson has a long and distinguished career working as a practicing attorney and advocating for youth while working for the University of Alaska Southeast.Nelson is a tribal member of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and Yakutat Tlingit Tribe. He grew up in...

(Read More)

2020 Q3 Financial Update

Sealaska is committed to building an organization that plays an active role in addressing one of the biggest challenges facing our species: the effects of climate change on our environment. The effects of climate change are drastically increasing, with sea level rise, heat waves, drought, and extreme precipitation events occurring at a rate that is growing the call to action.Our businesses seek to help solve these problems by focusing on producing low-impact foods, providing services that ensure...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder Descendent Serves as Conference Guide at the Elders & Youth Conference

Sealaska shareholder descendant Andrea Ts’aak Ka Juu Cook will serve as one of two conference guides for this year’s First Alaskans Institute Elders & Youth Conference, which starts Sunday, Oct. 11. The three-day event will be held entirely online.Cook, who will turn 21 this month, is Haida from Hydaburg. Cook spent the summer as a virtual intern for First Alaskans Institute (FAI) and Sitka Conservation Society; her work there and connections at FAI are what led to her selection as a guide f...

(Read More)

Sealaska Fall Distribution Date Announced

Sealaska’s fall distribution will occur a few weeks earlier than normal to help provide financial relief to shareholders due to the ongoing pandemic. Shareholders are encouraged to complete and/or update any enrollment or stock transfer paperwork by the official record date for the fall distribution. The record date is 4 p.m. AKDT, Wednesday, October 14, 2020.“We are fortunate to be in a position to provide a fall distribution and make it happen earlier than normal,” said Board Chair Joe Nelson....

(Read More)

Investing in Traditional Languages

(Read More)

September 2020

Collaboration Between Sealaska and Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association Fills Freezers for Subsistence-Based Sealaska Shareholders

(September 25, 2020) – Shareholders from around Southeast Alaska filled their smokehouses, pantries and freezers with the rich red of sockeye salmon this week, courtesy of a unique partnership between Sealaska and the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), in conjunction with tribal leadership in each community. The first of its kind, this salmon distribution netted a total of 51,000 pounds of salmon for shareholder families throughout Southeast. Most deliveries were made over the...

(Read More)

Building Leaders and Supporting Community Through TRAYLS Program

This summer, the TRAYLS (Training Rural Alaskan Youth Leaders and Students) crew in Kake continued a solemn but purposeful task — improving trails on Grave Island.The work started in 2019, when the death of a local resident who was to be interred on the island prompted a request of the TRAYLS crew to clear overgrowth and level walking paths to ensure that Elders could more easily walk from shore to gravesite.The project was in many ways not unlike the trail maintenance work TRAYLS crews have be...

(Read More)

American Indian Science and Engineering Society National Conference Goes Virtual!

Sealaska intern team at 2019 AISES national conference in Milwaukee, WI For the second year in a row, Sealaska is a Native Circle sponsor for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) national conference. Sealaska is very excited to support this one-of-a-kind, three-day event focused on educational, professional, and workforce development!AISES is a ...

(Read More)

Southeast Families Receive 49,000 Pounds of Salmon to Help with Difficult Season

Image courtesy of Chenara Johnson, #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest participantThis month, a partnership between Sealaska and the Alaska Longline Fisheries Association (ALFA) will result in the distribution of 49,000 pounds of salmon to families reliant on subsistence fishing from Yakutat to Hydaburg.ALFA received a $250,000 grant from the Alaska Community Foundation and Catch Together, a Massachusetts-based nonprofit that helps small-scale fishing communities ensure long-term, sustainable fishe...

(Read More)

Seafood at Sealaska

Feeding people while healing the planet for future generations In the next 50 years, the world’s population will grow by nearly 3 billion to a total of 10.5 billion people, according to the United Nations. Most of these billions of people will be born into poverty. How will our planet, which is not growing, support these children and families? Access to healthy food and clean water ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Support Brings Joy, Growth and Connection Through Yakutat Surf Camp

Late this summer, a series of happy coincidences led 40 Yakutat kids out of the doldrums of the pandemic and into the icy waters of the North Pacific for a series of surf camps in Yakutat’s legendary waves.Their time in the water brought welcome joy, healthy connection to the ocean, and an opportunity to open minds and overcome fears.“I’ve been so used to everything being sad this year, so to get to Cannon Beach and walk out over the hill and see 40 people all in wetsuits, laughing and playing t...

(Read More)

Community of Kake Shares Culture Through Distance Learning

2018 Kake Culture Camp image courtesy of The Sustainable Southeast Partnership In Kake, the Keex’ Kwaan Culture Camp is a rite of passage. Held annually for more than three decades, the week-long event pulls in just about every school-age kid in Kake and marks a transition during the long summers of childhood — before Culture Camp, and after.As with just about everyt...

(Read More)

Get to Know Sealaska Shareholder and CCFR Captain Jayme Johns

Capital City Fire Rescue (CCFR) and the Juneau Unity Group partnered to incorporate formline art onto a refurbished ambulance. The Unity Group is a collaborative partnership between Juneau’s Native organizations: Sealaska, Sealaska Heritage Institute, Douglas Indian Association, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Goldbelt Inc., Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Huna Totem Corp., Kootznoowoo Inc., and Tlingit and Haida Regional Housing Authority. The refu...

(Read More)

August 2020

Interns Share Perspective on Summer Experience

Jessica Marshall, accounting internThe 2020 summer interns have proven to be resilient and adaptive, as their anticipated work experiences shifted from in-person employment to remote work due to the coronavirus pandemic.Sealaska welcomed 18 summer interns this year for its first ever remote internship program. This year’s interns — like so many people across the country — worked entirely from home, exchanging office time for video chats to stay connected to their teams.To wrap up the season, sev...

(Read More)

#SealaskaWayOfLife Contest a HUGE Success Because of YOU!

2020 #SealaskaWayOfLife Grand Prize Winner - Avery! Sealaska hosted an inaugural #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest, inviting our social media audience to showcase their Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian way of life. Overwhelmingly, it was clear that “our way of life” revolves around our children, traditional foods, communities, and land, oceans and waterways. At Sealaska, w...

(Read More)

It’s Up to You! #2020Census

IT IS UP TO YOU TO MAKE SURE YOUR COMMUNITY GETS A FAIR SHARE OF FEDERAL FUNDING – FILL OUT THE 2020 CENSUSEvery 10 years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a count of every person living in the United States. The data collected through the census count determines a variety of federal funding and programs. An accurate count determines federal funding directed to tribal governments in Southeast Alaska and beyond. The results also determine how many seats in Congress each state gets.The September 30 ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Gives Hope to Prince of Wales Nonprofit Organization

The coronavirus pandemic brought twin disasters to organizations like HOPE (Helping Ourselves Prevent Emergencies), a nonprofit provider of support and advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Craig.First, as has been well documented around the world, the pandemic brought a sharp uptick in rates of domestic violence. Sheltering in place with family members who are violent created an urgent crisis for people of all genders and ages.At the same time, HOPE’s most important sou...

(Read More)

Get to Know Sealaska’s New Board Youth Advisor Michaela Demmert

Each year, Sealaska directors select a shareholder descendant to participate as a board youth advisor to the board for a one-year term. Michaela Demmert from Juneau was selected for the board youth advisor position for the coming year. In her role as board youth advisor (BYA), Michaela serves as a non-voting member on the board and will be asked to provide input, while learning about the company’s business and operations.2020-2021 BYA Michaela DememrtMichaela is the daughter of Sarah and Travis ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient Kendra Kloster’s Journey to Becoming an Advocate for Native Peoples

Sealaska shareholder Kendra Kloster joined two other Alaska Native women as appointees to Anchorage’s Public Safety Advisory Commission in June. Kloster was born in Wrangell, Alaska, and is Tlingit, Raven, Kiks.ádi (Frog Clan), Gagaan Hít (Sun House).Kloster said she and her fellow appointees — along with friends and colleagues from other organizations working on behalf of Alaska Natives — are sisters in the cause of bringing visibility and accountability to the issue of missing and murdered Ind...

(Read More)

July 2020

Young Sealaska Shareholder Descendants Bring Value (and Strength) to Barnacle

Barnacle employee Aaliyah Starr Sealaska shareholder descendants like Isaac Mazon and Aaliyah Starr are finding employment and training in an up-and-coming line of business with one of Sealaska’s latest investments in the regional economy, Barnacle Foods.Barnacle Foods harvests bull kelp from the waters around Southeast Alaska and turns it into tasty hot sauce, salsas...

(Read More)

Sealaska Awards Grants to Invigorate Indigenous Language and Culture

JUNEAU, Alaska – On Friday, July 24, 2020, the Sealaska board of directors approved $300,000 in grants to support the revitalization of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian traditional languages. This is the first major investment made possible by the $10 million language endowment that was authorized by the board in November 2019.Ben Young teaches Xaad kil (Haida language)immersion classes in Hydaburg, Alaska.“Our indigenous languages hold our people’s ancient ingenuity,” said Chairman Joe (Kaaxúxg...

(Read More)

Sealaska Deploys $1.28 Million for COVID-19 Relief

Sealaska’s emergency allocation of $1.28 million to assist tribes and other organizations serving shareholders and descendants in Southeast Alaska and beyond is at work in communities, providing groceries and assistance with utilities and other expenses for Elders, feeding schoolchildren and vulnerable families, providing jobs and much more.The Sealaska board of directors approved the COVID-19 emergency relief and recovery funding in early April. About $600,000 was distributed immediately to org...

(Read More)

Tribal Sovereignty Leads to Food Security for Community of Kake

In early April 2020, Joel Jackson was taking action to ensure his community of 550 people had access to food and basic essentials. This past spring as the pandemic began to escalate, the availability of food and goods became limited across America. The challenge of getting goods to the stores in rural Alaska was unreliable. Jackson and the federally recognized tribe for Kake began to examine what options were available.Joel Jackson attends Sealaska 2016 Kake community meetingJoel Jackson is the ...

(Read More)

Statement on CARES Act Injunction & Appeal Process

The coronavirus is exposing longstanding vulnerabilities that our Alaska Native communities have faced for years. Many of our people are more at risk because of factors related to high rates of diabetes and heart disease. These conditions faced by Alaska Natives — many living in remote, rugged environments with limited infrastructure and services, including healthcare — further exacerbate the risk exposure to the virus.The ongoing litigation delay in CARES Act funding for Alaska Native people do...

(Read More)

Six Successful Years Investing in Land, Food and Water

More than 1,500 shareholders gathered virtually for the 47th annual meeting of shareholders on June 27, 2020. Due to health mandates, this year’s annual meeting took place virtually allowing shareholders to participate from wherever they were located. Main presenters joined the live webcast from the Walter Soboleff Building, Shuká Hít (Ancestors' House), while most directors joined online. The annual meeting official business included electing four directors, hearing a business update from manag...

(Read More)

JDHS Graduate to Law Student – Highlighting Scholarship Recipient Marissa Brakes

Sealaska shareholders have told us that education and vocational scholarships are a top priority. Sealaska is proud to recognize our scholarship recipients. Marissa Brakes has many different interests when it comes to her future career in law. Through internships at Sealaska and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boise, Idaho, three years of work at a civil litigation firm, and her role ...

(Read More)

Our Way of Life – PHOTO CONTEST

“Our way of life!” Visual storytelling is at the heart of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people. We want to continue to tell the story from the eyes of your experience and journey. Sealaska wants to see what the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian way of life looks like through YOUR lens, and we invite you to participate in the “Our Way of Life” photo contest! This is an opportunity for Sealaska to n...

(Read More)

Sealaska Welcomes New Summer Interns

On June 15, 2020, Sealaska welcomed 18 summer interns to our first ever entirely remote internship program. This year’s interns, like so many people across the country, are working from home, exchanging office time for video chats to stay connected to their teams.In a year defined by a global pandemic, everyone has experienced its uncertainty and stress in different ways. For students, campuses suddenly closed across the country in March. They were quickly making housing and travel plans and fac...

(Read More)

June 2020

Annual Meeting and Webcast Prize Winners

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient Highlight – Brian James

Sealaska shareholders have told us that education and vocational scholarships are a top priority. Sealaska is proud to recognize our scholarship recipients. Brian James is among the first class of Sealaska scholarship recipients who are attending college part time, and the expanded eligibility offered by Sealaska, “is honestly life changing,” he said.James is 51 and will technically...

(Read More)

Sealaska Board Crosses Gender Threshold, Reports Record Performance

Shareholders receive news at 2020 annual meeting Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott speaking at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholdersThe 47th annual meeting of Sealaska shareholders featured record-breaking news for the company. The election of three women to the board of directors means that, for the first time ever, women make up the majority of board members. The company also ann...

(Read More)

Inspiration and Action: Part 2 with Sealaska Board Youth Advisor Maka Monture

After discussing where Maka came from and how she was taking on her current projects on climate change and social injustice, we asked her flat out, “why?” Why youth, why now? Her answer… “My people are resilient people. I remember, as a child, sitting at our old wooden kitchen table after dinner while my grandfather spoke about how the Tlingit people trained to stay strong and healthy. When h...

(Read More)

Inspiration in Action: Part 1 with Sealaska Board Youth Advisor Maka Monture

We had a chance to connect with Sealaska Board Youth Advisor Maka Monture, a Tlingit and Mohawk from Yakutat, Alaska. She currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska, and is working on a few different projects at the time of this interview. We wanted to catch up on what she has been doing and, more importantly, learn more about why she is so dedicated to leading a youth charge on climate change and Native women’s rights issues.When asked what motivates and inspires her, she answered simply, “My ances...

(Read More)

Please Join Us for the Virtual 2020 Annual Meeting

Sealaska’s 2020 annual meeting of shareholders will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2020. Due to the current health mandates, this year’s annual meeting will take place virtually allowing shareholders to participate from wherever they are located. Shareholders are encouraged to log on to MySealaska.com to view the webcast.The live webcast will begin at 12:30 p.m. AKDT featuring footage of Celebration from previous years. The 2020 annual meeting will gavel in at 1 p.m. AKDT. When: Satur...

(Read More)

Summer Harvest Update with Barnacle Co-Founder Lia Heifetz

June is upon us, and it has brought endless daylight, warmth, and an explosion of life. The spring was cool — snow lingered on the beaches into late May — and in what feels like a blink, skunk cabbage is waist high and devil’s club’s leaves have unfurled. The reawakening of plants and animals happens quickly, and along with summer comes the busiest season for us.At Barnacle, we strive to share the essence of the coast’s foods at their peak in taste and quality, preserving pantry staples th...

(Read More)

Because We Cherish You

When our Elders came together for the ﬁrst Sealaska Elders Conference 40 years ago, a single theme emerged: preserving the past and passing it on to future generations. We hear this loud and clear in the “Because We Cherish You” text: “Even from long ago, our grandchildren — we placed high above ourselves. Yes. We cherish them.” Our Elders’ beautiful words inspire Sealaska to be a better company. We live by — and lead with — our Southeast Alaska Native values, knowing our work will beneﬁt our gr...

(Read More)

We Stand with Black Lives Matter

Graphic by Miciana Hutcherson, Áak’w Ta Sháa. Her clan is raven dogsalmon (from the Log Jam House in Angoon), and her ethnicity is Black/Tlingit/Welsh.Letter from Board Chair Joe Nelson:#JusticeforGeorgeFloydOutraged.Yes.Outraged after watching Officer Derek Chauvin murder George Floyd.Outraged after watching Officers Tou Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng aid in Chauvin’s murder of Mr. Floyd, an unarmed black man accused of spending a fake $20 bill.Outraged because our “civili...

(Read More)

Working together, keeping people safe

Several shareholders have asked how the coronavirus pandemic has affected our business. It’s important you know that our business is on track, despite COVID-19’s considerable challenges. Sealaska businesses had a record year last year, and we’re on course for another successful year.Our priority has been to keep our people safe and, if possible, to enable them to continue working. We have been able to keep all of our people employed and, to our knowledge, have avoided serious illness.Pat Connor,...

(Read More)

Candidate Profile: Morgan Howard

It is natural that Morgan Howard sees the future of Sealaska – as well as its challenges – through the lens of communications.As founder of Morgan Howard Productions, a communications company specializing in video, web, and social media, he has been telling the stories of Alaska Native people and Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) since the mid-1990s.Howard said he believes that Sealaska’s identity – the narrative link connecting culture, tradition and place with its various business enterprises ...

(Read More)

CS Marine brings coastal engineering, skilled problem-solving to Sealaska portfolio

Acquisition advances corporation’s work to build strong teams and ocean health. CS Marine Constructors, Inc., brings an ideal set of values and capabilities to Sealaska’s broad effort to improve ocean health and build a culture of respect, transparency, focus and drive.The Vallejo, California-based marine-construction company is well-positioned to help Sealaska address the inevitabl...

(Read More)

Turning Relief Into Results

Capital City Fire/Rescue uses Sealaska’s donation to ensure communal safety while protecting first responders in the process. Fire Chief Rich Etheridge has been working as a first responder for almost 30 years. From volunteering in the early 90s to working full-time since 2002 at Capital City Fire/Rescue in Juneau, firefighting has held a profound and substantial place in his life.“...

(Read More)

May 2020

Candidate profile: Dr. Angela Michaud

Dr. Angela Michaud and FamilyFor 12 years, Angela Michaud’s dual-track career in health care and executive leadership has prepared her to serve on the Sealaska Board of Directors. Her lifetime connection to her Tlingit culture and deep connections to Southeast Alaska, especially Ketchikan and Hoonah, have prepared her to serve her people.Michaud was born and raised in Ketchikan. She is Tlingit Chookendei and T’dakdeintan Yeti, the daughter of Bill and Mary Pfeifer of Ketchikan, and granddaughter...

(Read More)

Candidate profile: Lisa Lang

As a Sealaska Board of Directors endorsed candidate, Lisa Lang brings her understanding of the profound changes that Alaska, its lands, people, economies and cultures are and will be experiencing in the future. She is dedicated to revitalizing cultural values and communities as the pillars of a strong region. While she brings strength, vision and skills to the board, it is her humility that is most noticeable.“It’s more about what an individual can do for a community,” She explained. “Sealask...

(Read More)

Candidate profile: Mike Roberts

Mike Roberts – President & CEO of First Nations Development InstituteMike Roberts’ motivation for running for the Sealaska board is straightforward: “Shareholders need to be heard and not just listened to.”Roberts draws the distinction between holding annual elections and community meetings, which he considers listening, versus truly hearing the deep needs of shareholders, particularly those in communities outside Juneau.“People outside of Juneau feel that their voices need to be inclu...

(Read More)

Board Chair Letter | 2019 Annual Report

Sealaska published the 2019 Annual Report on May 1, 2020. Shareholders can view at MySealaska.com. We are sharing excerpts from the document.Sealaska Board Chair Joe NelsonSealaska leaders created the Sealaska Heritage Foundation in 1980 after hearing from a cross-section of Elders at a gathering held in Sitka. The Elders spoke of their hands growing weary as they clutched on to our culture.Forty years later, the Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) is stronger than ever, but the team at SHI is not...

(Read More)

Sealaska Holds Virtual Community Meeting for Shareholders

Board Youth Advisor, Maka Monture-Paki, giving closing remarks at the virtual community meeting. A record number of shareholders tuned into a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, May 20, to learn more about Sealaska’s increasing success with its focus on building the long-term health of land, food, water and communities.Shareholders had the opportunity to ask ques...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces More Than $1.3 Million in Scholarships for Shareholders and Descendants

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient Morgan LoveSealaska shareholders and descendants who applied for scholarships for the 2020–2021 academic year received their award letters this month, marking an all-time high in the level of scholarship support provided by Sealaska.The year 2020 was significant for the program. It marked the largest number of students ever awarded, the most Sealaska scholarship money ever distributed, and the highest award amounts to recipients. The corporation awarded $1.34 milli...

(Read More)

2019 Annual Report Financial Overview

Sealaska published the 2019 annual report on May 1, 2020. Shareholders can view it at MySealaska.com. We are sharing excerpts from the document. FINANCIAL OVERVIEWSealaska achieved another year of record ﬁnancial performance in 2019 with $77.8 million in net income. Every operating business delivered signiﬁcant year-over-year growth. Government and Commercial Services tripled operating EBITD...

(Read More)

Seattle shareholder descendant lends a hand to Hydaburg

MCQ donates supplies to the community of Hydaburg.As the primary caretaker for her mother, working from home, and now an at-home-educator for her son and foster daughter, Candice Cook is navigating the many obstacles of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cook is a Sealaska shareholder descendant from Hydaburg who lives in the Seattle area. As she saw the effects of the pandemic over the course of the past month, her thoughts kept going back to her hometown. “Hydaburg is special to me because this is where ...

(Read More)

Cancellation of May 9 Virtual Community Meeting

The sudden passing of Byron Mallott today forces us to cancel the virtual community meeting that was planned for Saturday, May 9. Byron left an indelible mark on the history of Sealaska Corporation serving as a director, chairman, and president and chief executive officer over the course of four decades.Gathering together as a Sealaska community to hear and learn is also important, and we will be in touch later about how to address the May 9 community meeting. Currently, the May 20 meeting will proceed as scheduled. Shareholders are encouraged to visit Sealaska.com and MySealaska.com for updates.Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time for the Sealaska board, leadership and staff.

(Read More)

Sealaska community mourns the passing of Tlingit leader Byron Mallott

The sudden passing of Byron Mallott — Elder, leader, mentor and tireless advocate for indigenous people across the globe — is a devastating loss for our people and our communities. Byron brought a profound belief in fairness and inclusion to our communities, our corporation, our state and the world. As a business executive, public servant and elected leader, Byron fought every day for unity, equity and for a better life for all.Byron leaves a legacy of leadership and deep love for Alaska and its...

(Read More)

Announcement from Sealaska Director David Goade

Director – David GoadeI wanted to take a moment to thank all of you, the shareholders of Sealaska, for the opportunity to serve you this past year as a director. I was extremely honored to represent you and learned a tremendous amount about the important role the corporation plays in the lives of our shareholders. It’s long been a goal of mine to serve our people and I’m thankful I was able to do that.Over the past year, I’ve had a chance to reflect on my long-term plans. I’m at a point in...

(Read More)

Sealaska helps Southeast Alaska Independent Living to get Alaskans the care they need

As we strive to heed the words of our Elders, we also strive to ensure their health and well-being, even more so during these unprecedented times.With the help of Sealaska’s COVID-19 relief and recovery package, a nonprofit organization is using its funding to continue supporting our most vulnerable populations.Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide variety of services throughout the region to help Elders and people with disabilities of all a...

(Read More)

Letter from Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott

Sealaska published the 2019 Annual Report on May 1, 2020. Shareholders can view at MySealaska.com. We are sharing excerpts from the document. CEO of Sealaska Anthony MallottWhen our Elders came together for the ﬁrst Sealaska Elders Conference 40 years ago, a single theme emerged: preserving the past and passing it on to future generations. We hear this loud and clear in the “Because We Che...

(Read More)

Food Bank of Alaska tackles food security in the region with help from Sealaska

In light of COVID-19, food banks all over the country have seen an onslaught of demand as store shelves have gone bare, and unemployment rates have climbed.Mike Reusser, director of operations for the Food Bank of Alaska , says it hasn’t been any different in Alaska, with distribution numbers up 50 percent since the crisis ensued in mid-March, totaling in at approximately 1 million pounds of food and counting.“We’ve had to purchase a lot more food,” Reusser says. “Fortunately, we’ve received a g...

(Read More)

Good Governance Drives Performance

Consistent Strong Financial Performance is Underpinned by Governance Improvements Initiated Years Ago Sealaska’s board of directors set out to improve its own performance a number of years ago through training, self-assessment and a gap analysis. Purposeful change often takes time and discipline. The board has experienced dramatic and intentional change over the last six years. Strong perfor...

(Read More)

Sealaska Invests in People and Planet While Achieving Record Financial Performance in 2019

JUNEAU, Alaska – Sealaska topped its 2018 results with another record year in 2019, reporting net income of $77.8 million, $12.6 million over the previous year. Revenue of $700 million in 2019 was the largest in Sealaska’s nearly 50-year history. Its 2019 Annual Report features financial successes, as well as achievements in community impact, ocean health, land protection and sustainable seafood operations.CEO of Sealaska Anthony Mallott“Committing to care for our oceans and lands while instilli...

(Read More)

April 2020

Sealaska and local food bank team up to combat hunger

For the last two weeks, the @Southeast Alaska Food Bank and Sealaska transformed the parking lot of the Sealaska Plaza in Juneau into the Food Bank’s first-ever mobile food pantry. The Food Bank staff provided people in need with more than 5,400 pounds of food—including shelf staples, fresh produce and milk—in just over one hour at each event.“It’s a new thing. We were trying to find out how much need there is and obviously the need is great,” said Chris Schapp, manager of Southeast Alaska Food ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Supports Crime Victim Shelter Safe House in Yakutat

Image by Bethany Goodrich courtesy of Sustainable Southeast PartnershipIn early April 2020, Sealaska’s board of directors approved a $55,000 donation to the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe (YTT) to support the construction of a crime victim shelter in Yakutat. The funding builds on a 2019 Safe Shelter grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which allowed YTT to utilize $691,768 of grant funds set aside for tribal entities from the DOJ Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The shelter funding complem...

(Read More)

Sealaska Statement on the CARES Act

The coronavirus is exposing longstanding vulnerabilities that our Alaska Native communities have faced for years. Many of our people are more at risk because of factors related to high rates of diabetes and heart disease. These conditions faced by Alaska Natives — many living in remote, rugged environments with limited infrastructure and services, including healthcare — further exacerbate the risk exposure to the virus. Sealaska, like other Alaska Native corporations, is included in the $8 billi...

(Read More)

Barnacle, Sealaska Partnership Drives Strong Communities and Ocean Health

An investment in Alaska-based food company Barnacle is Sealaska’s latest step toward building a business portfolio that aligns with the twin goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection.Barnacle, the first food business to manufacture and create products with bull kelp, celebrates local ingredients, creates markets and jobs, and invites customers into what makes Alaska magical. By manufacturing products close to where ingredients are sourced, the company uses fewer resources and kee...

(Read More)

At Sealaska, We All Want to Help Our Communities

Bill Bennett keeps a bentwood box in his office containing dozens of handwritten thank you notes. He also displays many of the notes on his office wall.Thank you notes hang in Bill Bennett’s office, Klawock, AlaskaBennett is the general manager for Alaska Coastal Aggregates, a Sealaska subsidiary. He also manages the Sealaska Carving and Bark Program.The team — Frank Peratrovich, Gary Mills and Bill Bennett — take great pride in the work to make the program possible. Last year was the first year...

(Read More)

Community Commitment Runs in the Family for Scholarship Recipients

Applications for Sealaska’s scholarships are due today! A scholarship can be a tremendous source of support. For more information on scholarships and how to apply, go to the shareholder portal MySealaska.com or Sealaska Heritage Institute.Rick Brock, Dino Brock, and Archie Young are fierce competitors but they’re also family. This set of two brothers and a cousin are well-known and respected high school basketball coaches in Petersburg and Mt. Edgecumbe. All three are working hard to encourage, ...

(Read More)

A MESSAGE FROM BOARD CHAIR – JOE NELSON

Sealaska’s board of directors recently approved a $1 million COVID-19 relief and recovery package to help Alaska Native communities respond to the impact from the coronavirus. We all have a role to play in helping our shareholder families and neighbors, and we are all in this together.#OneSealaska

(Read More)

Sealaska Scholarship Recipient on Coaching,Leading and the Importance of Education

Applications for Sealaska’s scholarships close on April 15th! A scholarship can be a tremendous source of support. For more information on scholarships and how to apply, go to the shareholder portal MySealaska.com or Sealaska Heritage Institute.How does a child from the small village of Angoon end up coaching college basketball all over the country?It’s not a straight line, that’s for sure.Jamestown is a Sealaska scholarship recipient who works as the assistant basketball coach at Western Oregon...

(Read More)

Former Scholarship Recipient Inspires Girls to Win On and Off the Court

Applications for Sealaska’s scholarships close on April 15th! A scholarship can be a tremendous source of support. Over the course of the next week, we’ll bring you stories of former scholarship recipients who are pursuing great careers and making a difference in our communities. For more information on scholarships and how to apply, go to the shareholder portal MySealaska.com or Sealaska Heritage Institute.Karli Brakes Sealaska scholarship recipientFrom her first season playing basketball at a...

(Read More)

Letter from Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson

Sealaska Chair Joe NelsonThese are extraordinary times, as we hunker down across the globe. Extraordinary, but not unprecedented. One hundred years ago, a flu pandemic swept the globe taking up to 50 million lives, including many lives in Alaska. But as indigenous people, we are survivors.“Social distancing” is not our thing. As a collectivist people, we live and socialize in multi-generational groups at a higher rate than most in the western world. But our community leaders can and should encou...

(Read More)

SEALASKA PLEDGES $1 MILLION TO COVID-19 RELIEF AND RECOVERY

Sealaska’s board of directors has approved a $1 million COVID-19 relief and recovery package to help Alaska Native communities respond to the impact from the coronavirus. This pledge provides emergency response funding for several nonprofit organizations delivering urgent recovery services. The donation will also bolster the efforts of tribes throughout Southeast Alaska and other support agencies across the state that are working to meet emergency needs.Several of the organizations being funded ...

(Read More)

2020 Q1 Financial Update

Sealaska will show another year of record net income for 2019. In December we told shareholders that we estimate 2019 net income to be nearly $77.6 million based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections and feel we will be very close to that estimate as we close our annual financial audit over the next few weeks. Please note, Sealaska’s 2019 audited financials will be published in May 2020.While we are not yet at the end of our first quarter of 2020, we do know that the current CO...

(Read More)

March 2020

SEALASKA SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE EXTENDED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Sealaska scholarship deadline has been extended to April 15.The decision was precipitated by a number of shareholders and descendants who have lost their jobs due to the virus and who now want to go to school, according to Joe Nelson, Sealaska board chair and ex-officio trustee of Sealaska Heritage Institute.“We are living in a time when we have to be nimble and respond wherever we can to people who are experiencing financial hardship because of the virus. This...

(Read More)

Latest Information from SEARHC on COVID-19

We are working with our partners on the shared priority of keeping our people and communities safe. SEARHC offers some timely medical information for our shareholders. Thank you, SEARHC!Dear Sealaska Shareholders:As the healthcare provider of choice in our communities, SEARHC has gone to great lengths in response to the arrival of COVID-19 in Southeast Alaska. Our mission of providing the highest quality healthcare to our patients and communities continues to be our focus. This outbreak is unlik...

(Read More)

SEALASKA RESPONDS TO IMMEDIATE COMMUNITY NEEDS

Sealaska cares deeply about our shareholders, our employees, and our people. We know that the coming weeks and months will be hard for many communities in Southeast Alaska as they feel the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. We will do all we can to support our communities during this difficult time.We’re starting by addressing the needs of our most vulnerable shareholders and neighbors as quickly as possible, Sealaska is partnering with the Food Bank of Alaska and the Southeast Food Bank t...

(Read More)

Sealaska announces changes to shareholder community meetings and annual meeting

After careful consideration of the guidelines from health authorities in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we have made the decision to offer the May 2020 shareholder community meetings via webcast. Cancelling the in-person community meetings was a difficult but necessary decision as we continue to assess the risks of the pandemic. The safety and well-being of our employees and shareholders, especially our Elders, remains our top priority. The community meetings serve as an...

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces Spring 2020 Shareholder Distribution and changes to 2020 Community and Annual Meeting Schedules

Sealaska’s board of directors approved a distribution totaling $23.71 million to be issued on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The distribution includes payments from operations ($5.9 million) and the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund ($2.4 million).The board also made the decision to hold community meetings online in May 2020. This decision is based on guidance from health authorities asking everyone to demonstrate social distancing. The safety and well-being of our employees and share...

(Read More)

Sealaska Construction Solutions Expanding Work at Air Force Base in Montana

Sealaska Construction Solutions, LLC (SCS) is a recent recipient of the Malmstrom Air Force Base multiple award task order contract (MATOC). One of eight awardees, SCS will compete for design-build, bid-build construction projects under the contract vehicle, which has a $90M ceiling value. Work will take place at the air base and Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base near Great Falls, Montana. Potential services specified by task order include maintenance, repair, alteration, mechanical, elec...

(Read More)

Sealaska Board of Directors Calls Special Meeting to Announce Early Spring Distribution

The Sealaska board of directors will meet on Friday, March 20, 2020, to decide on this year’s spring distribution. The board was originally scheduled to meet on April 3, but directors are calling this special meeting in order to address the economic crisis facing our communities as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19).“We listened to shareholders who expressed concerns about the impact the pandemic is having on our economy,” said Joe Nelson, Sealaska board chair. “These are unprecedented times...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s response to COVID-19: We’re in this together

We are living in extraordinary times and the world is collectively responding to the impacts associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Like many of you, we are learning by the hour about the impacts of this pandemic. The situation is evolving rapidly and we want to share some of the steps we’re taking as a company to respond. We also want to highlight how important simple actions can be by individuals and communities.As part of Sealaska’s efforts to limit our team’s exposure to COVID-19,...

(Read More)

Thank You For Making the Change and Opting in for Go Green!

Sealaska created an option for shareholders to receive information electronically. We announced the new option to Make the Change in January 2020. To encourage participation, Sealaska is offering prizes in 2020 to shareholders who opt-in to Go Green.The first round of prizes encouraged shareholders to make the change by an early bird deadline of March 13, 2020. Sealaska shareholders who made the change by the early bird deadline were eligible for cash prizes including$1000 cash prize (1 winner)$...

(Read More)

Longtime Sealaska Director Marge Young Walks into the Forest

Sealaska is sad to announce the passing of longtime director Marjorie (Marge) V. Young from Craig, Alaska. Marge served on the board from 1979 to 2009 and held positions as chair and vice chair during her years of service.Marge was a successful business owner in her hometown of Craig. She operated AC Thompson House Grocery Store and the Hill Bar & Liquor Store for nearly five decades. She was a kind, generous and community-minded leader who supported the local schools and personally donated ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Closing Juneau Offices to the Public

Sealaska offices in Juneau, Alaska will be closed to the public beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. On Thursday, March 12, 2020, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced the first case of COVID-19 in the state. In a statement published Thursday March 12, Alaska Governor Dunleavy said the patient is a foreign national who developed a fever and respiratory symptoms shortly after arriving in Anchorage, Alaska. There are no other reported cases but ensuring the health and safety of our Sealaska team is...

(Read More)

Message to Sealaska Shareholders COVID-19 Update

For the past several weeks, Sealaska has been monitoring the news about the spread of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19). To date, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Alaska but we know that this could change at any time. Our team is closely following the situation and we have contingency plans in place to ensure the safety of our employees and the continuity of our business. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is consid...

(Read More)

March Madness Shareholder Spotlight

After 30 years as the boys varsity basketball coach at Petersburg High School, Rick Brock has seen a lot: several regional titles, a couple state titles, and countless nights when the Petersburg High School gymnasium has echoed with a boisterous home-team crowd. But he says the most meaningful part of his tenure with the team hasn’t been the victories, cheering fans or highlight-reel moments.Petersburg High School Boys Coach Rick Brock with his siblings, Lovey Brock and Petersburg High School Gi...

(Read More)

Sealaska Invests in Future Alaska Native Scientists and Engineers Through ANSEP

Sealaska is increasing its involvement in the education of shareholders and descendants long before they are eligible for a college scholarship. One example is our sponsorship of the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) Middle School Academy.ANSEP, as the program is known, is based at the University of Alaska. Over the past 20-plus years, the program has evolved into a pipeline of programming for Alaska Native students, beginning in middle school all the way through the post-gra...

(Read More)

Sealaska partners to support education equity in Alaska

Educational leaders and members from the business community from across the state gathered in Anchorage Feb. 27–28 for the Alaska CAN! Conference. Their goal was to come together and discuss issues related to post secondary education and barriers to supporting the state’s economy.Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson participated on a panel titled “Language Revitalization, Equity and Systemic Barriers in Southeast Alaska” and was joined by Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Kristy Dillingham and Anya Nelso...

(Read More)

Sealaska Invests in Southeast Regenerative Tourism

Sealaska is partnering with the Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP) and Allen Marine to support a new position within SSP, a regional catalyst for regenerative tourism, which will focus on:Supporting Southeast Alaska small communities around visitor industry opportunitiesGuiding the development of the visitor industry in rural areasSupporting new tourism business opportunities in smaller communitiesMary Goddard serves as the regional catalyst for regenerative tourism for the Sustainable Sout...

(Read More)

February 2020

Sealaska Shareholder Honored as Top 40 Under 40

Alana Peterson learned the value of hard work at a very early age. When she was just 10 years old, she worked alongside her father, who was an artist, selling hand-painted wood trinkets to tourists.Throughout her life, Peterson has grabbed every opportunity to work, to help others fulfill their dreams, and to improve the local economy. Her resume includes several unique experiences that has brought her all the way from the southern coast of Peru, to the Eastern Seaboard of the Lower 48, and now ...

(Read More)

Scholarship Recipient Connects Back to Her Alaska Native Roots from Southern California

Morgan Love is one of 359 students who were awarded Sealaska scholarships in 2019.Did you know that approximately 1,000 Sealaska shareholders and their families live in California? This is a story about a young shareholder from Southern California on a journey to understand her own Native identity. And she is serving others as she navigates her way.Introducing shareholder Morgan Love, a Sealaska scholarship recipient studying psychology and global health in her first year at UCLA (University of ...

(Read More)

Southeast Communities Rally for Their Neighbors

Communities up and down Southeast Alaska are feeling the impacts of loss of ferry service. Southeast Alaska is made up of thousands of islands that are home to more than 21 communities. Living in rural Southeast Alaska depends on a reliable ferry service that delivers people and goods and supplies. The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) provides ferry service in Southeast Alaska and connects people and communities like Interstate 5 (I-5) does for the Pacific Northwest. Members of the Sitka AN...

(Read More)

Board-Endorsed Candidate Deadline: February 28, 2020

Next Friday, February 28 is the deadline to submit your name for consideration as a board-endorsed candidate in 2020. Great teamwork is generating great results. Sealaska is continuing to achieve record-breaking financial performance because of our commitment to continuous improvement and teamwork. In 2016, the board adjusted its nomination process for incumbents as part of its own continuous improvement and teamwork strategy. Since then, a number of new directors have joined the team both as in...

(Read More)

Answering the Call of the United Nations

Sealaska is answering the call of the United Nations. In December 2019, the United Nations concluded its year of focus on indigenous languages around the world. But now there is a call for a decade of focus! Currently, a critical situation exists with the disappearance of indigenous languages around the world. Sealaska is committing $10 million over the next decade to focus on the revitalization of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian languages.So much can be accomplished in a decade of dreams. We dream...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s 2020 Vision and Message from Leadership

As Sealaska enters 2020, we will be looking back at another record year in profitability. We will also be looking forward to the next 100 years as we speed toward our 50th anniversary. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is by no means perfect or final. The act has been amended many times. It will continue to be amended for technical changes and for substantive changes, like the inclusion of Wrangell, Petersburg, Tenakee, Haines, and Ketchikan. Our subsistence way of life will be a top pol...

(Read More)

Sealaska Partners with JEDC for Innovation Summit

Like Sealaska’s core values, the basis of the upcoming 2020 Innovation Summit, Feb. 26-27, at Centennial Hall in Juneau is working together to address business challenges. One of the challenges we face today is a changing climate. In fact, out of any state, Alaska’s economy is predicted to be the most impacted by climate shifts.That’s why this year’s summit will feature Alaska scientists sharing not only how the changing climate impacts the economy, but also the adaptations businesses, communit...

(Read More)

Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

The 2020 annual meeting of shareholders will be held in Angoon, AK Saturday, June 27, 2020.The meeting will be held at the Angoon High School Gymnasium. Live webcast will be available.Independent Candidates and Shareholder Resolutions InformationShareholders who wish to submit a resolution to Sealaska for a shareholder vote, the deadline for receipt of resolutions is on or before Friday, February 28, 2020. Please contact the corporate secretary’s office if you are an interested independent candi...

(Read More)

Part-time scholarship recipient dreams big for career in the outdoors

Kellen London is one of 62 part-time students who were awarded Sealaska scholarships in 2019. Last year was the first year the scholarship program included part-time students.Some might think that being a part-time student means going back to school while raising kids or pursuing a second career. Or maybe it means finishing the degree you always wanted to. Not always so.Meet Kellen London, part-time Sealaska scholarship recipient studying at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Kellen gradua...

(Read More)

January 2020

Sealaska Seeking Shareholders to Run as Board-Endorsed Candidates

Every year, four or five directors are elected to the board for a three-year term. In the last couple of years independent candidates have been elected along with board-endorsed candidates. The board of directors is encouraging qualified shareholders to run as board-endorsed candidates or independently. Shareholders who would like to be considered for a board endorsement will go through a rigorous vetting process, similar to any other executive-level job application. Interested shareholders mus...

(Read More)

Part-Time Scholarships opens doors to Tlingit culture and identity

Stephanie Jenkins is one of 62 part-time students who were awarded Sealaska scholarships in 2019. Last year was the first year the scholarship program included part-time students. Stephanie Jenkins, part-time scholarship recipient finishes master’s program in nursing; opens door to Tlingit culture and identity When Stephanie Jenkins first applied for a Sealaska scholarship in 1998, she had no idea she was opening a door to her Tlingit culture and identity. This identity ultimately allowed her to...

(Read More)

Go Green, Make the Change

We have created an option for shareholders to receive information electronically from Sealaska.If you choose this option, the following information will be sent to your inbox rather than your mailbox!● Newsletters● Meeting notices● Annual reports● Proxy statements ● Other important shareholder communications, information and announcementsHOW TO GO GREEN To opt-in for electronic delivery of information (Go Green) you need a MySealaska.com account. If you already have an account, click here to log...

(Read More)

Find Sealaska Shareholder Relations Team at Anchorage Event

Shyla Germain with Sealaska Shareholder Relations teamSealaska would like to connect with Southcentral Alaska area shareholders. Members of the Shareholder Relations Department will be at 23rd Annual Southcentral Foundation Gathering on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Dena’ina Civic Center. Please stop by our Sealaska booth to learn about:Go Green, Make the ChangeSealaska shareholder portal | MySealaska.comCompleting your Shareholder Stock WillGet an updated Sealaska ID CardAbout Event23rd Annual Gathering, hosted by Southcentral FoundationSaturday, February 8, 202010:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center600 W 7th AveAnchorage, AK

(Read More)

Sealaska Carving and Bark Program | Washington Cedar Hat Classes

Message from Shareholder Vicki Soboleff ...

(Read More)

Northern California Event Helps Shareholders Get Closer to Identity

Katu Allen enjoys the Jan. 12, 2020 Northern California event.Katu Allen is Tlingit but she grew up separated from her traditional homelands in Southeast Alaska. Over the last few years, she has found what she calls a flotation device and beacon of knowledge that helps her reconnect with her identity.DonnaRae (Klinklia) James, president of the San Francisco Tlingit and Haida Community Council, and founder of CAlaska CultureHelping Katu and many others is DonnaRae (Klinklia) James, president of t...

(Read More)

Attention Sealaska students! Applications open for scholarships!

Attention Sealaska students!Scholarship applications for the 2020–2021 academic year are now open to Sealaska shareholder and descendant students. Every year Sealaska awards hundreds of full-time and part-time merit-based scholarships to our student leaders.Since 1981, Sealaska has been funding scholarships as part of our long-time commitment to education. Scholarship recipients have gone on to become scholars and leaders in our Sealaska communities and beyond — including board youth advisors, A...

(Read More)

Thank you for your language statements

Dear Shareholders, Sigóowu Yées Táakw! Happy New Year! As we greet 2020, I am most hopeful for the coming decade. I am proud that Sealaska dedicated $10 million last November to support Lingít (Tlingit), Xaad Kíl (Haida) and Sm’algyax (Tsimshian) language revitalization. We anticipate spending $500,000 annually for the next 10 years. In December, I issued a challenge to all shareholders to submit either a short essay or a six-word story highlighting what traditional languages mean to them and w...

(Read More)

Sealaska Seeks Board Youth Advisor

Sealaska seeks the next Board Youth Advisor and is accepting applications for 2019-2020 term. Each year, Sealaska directors select a non-voting youth advisor to the board to provide input, gain board membership training and gain knowledge of Sealaska’s operations. Sealaska Director Morgan Howard and 2019-2020 Board Youth Advisor Maka Monture, both of Yakutat, AK. Key eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years of age but not older than 25 years of age upon date of submission; Be a hold...

(Read More)

December 2019

Sealaska Partners for Northern California Shareholder Event

Sealaska is partnering with Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) and Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) to host a community gathering in Roseville, CA on Saturday, Jan. 11. The event is an opportunity for shareholders and tribal citizens that live away from their traditional homelands to connect with their culture and learn more about the three organizations. The event will be held at the Randy Peters Catering and Event Center, 105 Vernon Street R...

(Read More)

Sealaska to Achieve Third Straight Year of Record Financial Profit

As we near the end of 2019, Sealaska can look back and be proud of another successful year due to our business growth. Sealaska expects to meet and exceed its record net income of $65.2 million in 2018. Please note, Sealaska’s final 2019 audited financials will be published in May 2020.Sealaska achieved a $100 million net income turnaround from 2013-2018, and in 2018 achieved its greatest amount of net income and revenue in company history.Sealaska financial success drives shareholder value, suc...

(Read More)

Sealaska Hires Carrie Rorem as Chief Financial Officer

As the new chief financial officer, Carrie Rorem leads Sealaska’s finance and information technology departments. In this role, she oversees the company’s financial management, its accounting and internal control systems, and the company’s budget and financial matters. Carrie supports the success of the company’s businesses through creative problem-solving, strategic insight, and analysis that supports informed decision-making. She is building systems that scale as Sealaska continues to grow, en...

(Read More)

Sealaska Hires Shareholder to Lead Community Outreach Efforts

Sealaska recently hired shareholder Matt Carle as director of community outreach. In this role, Matt is responsible for managing the company’s engagement with shareholders and Southeast Alaska communities in the areas of education, workforce development, and economic development.Matt is a Sealaska scholarship recipient who grew up in Hydaburg and later graduated from Juneau-Douglas High School. He is a familiar face in the region having played several years in the Gold Medal Basketball Tournamen...

(Read More)

Tlingit Culture Specialist Honored for Work in the Juneau School District

Tlingit cultural icon David Katzeek was honored by the Juneau School District Board of Education and issued a legislative citation from the 31st Alaska State Legislature.David Katzeek receiving an Alaska legislative citation from Rep. Andi Story, December 17, 2019. (Image by Brian Wallace for Sealaska)Representative Andi Story (District 34) presented Katzeek with the legislative citation. Story says members of the Alaska State Legislature commend Katzeek on his dedication to the revival of Tling...

(Read More)

Welcome to Sealaska, New Shareholder Joseph Casulucan

In November 2019, Joseph (Kusataan) Casulucan received his first check as a new enrolled shareholder descendant. Joseph was motivated to enroll because he wanted to learn more about Sealaska’s origins, accomplishments, and lessons learned along the way.“I am so happy to finally be part of our amazing Regional Corporation. The work done by our leadership makes me very proud to be from Southeast – and especially proud to be Lingít!” said Joseph. In November 2019, Joseph (Kusataan) Casulucan receiv...

(Read More)

Update on Alaska Natives Without Land

Landless community meeting and rally in Anchorage in November 2019.Over the summer of 2019, Sealaska pledged $500,000 in support of the Alaska Native landless communities of Southeast and their continued push for their own village corporations in their communities. Those communities include the five southeast communities of Ketchikan, Wrangell, Petersburg, Haines and Tenakee Springs. Together they are home to 4,400 Sealaska shareholders.Southeast Alaska Landless Corporation recently launched a n...

(Read More)

November 2019

Sealaska Invests in Indigenous Languages

Dear Sealaska family,At a recent meeting, we established a fund to support Lingít (Tlingit), Xaad Kíl (Haida) and Shm’algyack (Tsimshian) language revitalization for the next 10 years. We anticipate spending $500,000 annually from the interest earned on this $10 million fund. We have limited time and resources, i.e., speakers and money. We need to use them efficiently and effectively. We are not the first ones to commit to this effort and we cannot be the last. We need you and many others to co...

(Read More)

2019 Intern Spotlight: Database Management Intern

Database Management Intern Combines Love of Technology and the EnvironmentBy Mykalena Sheldon, 2019 Database Management Intern, MBSAmalia Akagi, Veronica James, Heidi Perkins and Mykalena Sheldon give presentations to Sealaska’s Seattle office. Mykalena is a computer science and environmental studies major at the University of Washington.This summer I worked with Managed Business Solutions (MBS), a subsidiary of Sealaska, as their database management intern. MBS provides IT solutions to clients ...

(Read More)

2019 Intern Spotlight: Accounting Intern

Accounting Intern Finds Career Confidence while Connecting with Tlingit HeritageBy: Mikki Moriarty, 2019 Accounting InternL to R | Sealaska CFO Carrie Rorem, Edna Chappel, Mark Poplis, McKenzie Knudson, David Deck, Michael Sergent, Mikki Moriarty, Toni TajonI have found more grounding and confidence in this field. My accounting internship with Sealaska has been amazing! During the work day I have been assisting with quarterly reconciliations, reconciling shareholder liability accounts, creating ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Partners with City of Angoon to Protect Gravesite

For Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people the basis of identity begins with a deep connection to land and water. A recent request from the City of Angoon to help protect a gravesite aligns with Sealaska’s management of traditional homelands.Aerial view of Angoon, AK, courtesy of City of Angoon, Facebook page.The Salvation Army learned that two buildings for the Angoon Corps were built over existing graves. The discovery was made during a survey of the property six years ago. In an agreement, The S...

(Read More)

Investing in our Communities: New Teen Center in Kake

Sealaska is partnering with the village of Kake (Keex’ Kwaan) to help stand up a youth teen center. Community partners include the city of Kake and the federally recognized tribe, the Organized Village of Kake (OVK). As part of these joint efforts, Sealaska approved $50,000 that will help to open a facility that can support a positive space for youth. This is the story of a community coming together and listening to the needs of their teens.It started with asking a simple question, said Damen Be...

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder Honored with 2019 AFN Presidents Award

Congratulations to Benjamin Young of Hydaburg, Alaska, who was recognized as the 2019 Culture Bearer by the Alaska Federation of Natives.Young is Haida Raven of the Yahgw’láanaas Clan and his Haida name is K’uyáang. He has three brothers and one sister. Two of his brothers (TJ and Joe Young) are renowned Haida carvers. The family grew up in a traditional Haida environment, learning from their grandparents the importance of honoring the land and practicing subsistence gathering activities.Young l...

(Read More)

Full Year Dividend is the Largest in Over 20 Years

As part of the great turnaround in income and profits created over the last five years, Sealaska businesses continue to achieve record growth. The 2019 fall distribution to shareholders will include $8 million ($15.6 million for full year 2019) from operations and the Marjorie V. Young Shareholder Permanent Fund (MVY Permanent Fund).“We are proud of Sealaska’s growth in revenue and income and what that means for all shareholder benefits, including the distribution,” said Sealaska President and C...

(Read More)

Hoops 4 Life | Apply Today

Sealaska is partnering with SEARHC (Southeast Regional Health Consortium), and Sitka Tribe of Alaska for instructional basketball, clinic and 3×3 tournament.ATTENTION ATTENDEES: Please bring gym shoes, water bottle & a positive attitude! Lunch & t-shirt are included, and all participants will receive an insulated lunch bag. Anyone can participate, and families are welcome.To volunteer or if you have additional questions, contact Damen Bell-Holter at damen.bell@sealaska.com or Monica Chase at mchase@searhc.orgDownload application here.

(Read More)

October 2019

2019 Intern Spotlight: William L. Paul Sr. Archives

SEALASKA INTERN SPOTLIGHT: Archives Interns Take You on a Tour of William L. Paul Sr. Archives at Sealaska Heritage Institute. By: Alicia Duncan, Breylan Martin and Miranda Worl, 2019 Archives Interns, Sealaska Heritage InstituteWilliam L. Paul Sr. Archives are located at Sealaska Heritage InstituteWilliam L. Paul Sr. ArchivesHello from the William L. Paul Sr. Archives at Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI). Today we’d like to give you all a quick tour to show what resources are open to anyo...

(Read More)

2019 Q3 Financial Update

In 2018, Sealaska businesses continued to achieve record growth that allowed us to make some of the most significant philanthropic and financial investments for our communities in our corporation’s history. All indications from the 2019 performance expect us to see that trend continue (** please see forward-looking statements in the annual report). Now that we are achieving key financial goals and a stable growth path, Sealaska is more clearly able to refine our vision so that a better future fo...

(Read More)

Sealaska Growth Highlighted Among Top Alaska Businesses

Alaska Business magazine ranked Sealaska #11 in the 2019 Alaska Business Top 49ers listing, a 46 percent change in revenue. View the 2019 Top 49ers list here.Each year, Alaska Business recognizes the Top 49 Alaskan-owned and -operated businesses, based on gross revenue. The Top 49ers list is published each October.Sealaska’s consolidated continuing operations earned revenues of $429.3 million in 2018, up from $293.3 million in 2017. Sealaska has highlighted the great turnaround in income or prof...

(Read More)

TRADITIONAL DUGOUT CANOES Transforming a red cedar log into a 30ft canoe

Stormy Hamar is an accomplished Haida artist, who has a passion for dugout canoes. Stormy was recognized as a 2018 Individual Artist award recipient from the Rasmuson Foundation. He shared that his history with canoes goes back to his childhood days, when he paddled to school in a dugout canoe. In 2015, Sealaska Heritage Institute surveyed artists about priorities related to arts in the southeast. Dugout canoe construction was near the top of priorities among the artists. The work and passion by...

(Read More)

Sealaska Board Meets in the Field

HAL board meets in Ketchikan, September 2019The Haa Aaní, LLC (HAL) board convened its quarterly meeting in September in Ketchikan and later traveled to Prince of Wales Island for a closer look at operations there. The board reviewed active timber harvest operations, second-growth forests, and silviculture programs (designed to improve forest health). They also drove through miles of lands within Sealaska’s carbon-offset program, gaining a better understanding of the potential uses and managemen...

(Read More)

Sealaska’s Mitch Haldane Balances Leadership Roles and Receives Alaska Native Fellowship

With temperatures dipping to the low 30s and fog settling in just above the football field, Juneau high school football coach Mitch Haldane paced the sidelines yelling instructions to his players. On this night, his team was playing the first round of the state playoffs against South Anchorage High School. This is Haldane’s first year as a defensive coach for the Juneau Huskies.In his day job, Haldane works in Sealaska’s Natural Resources Department. In the simplest terms, Haldane’s role as the ...

(Read More)

Fall Distribution Information – Are you ready to receive a distribution?

Be on the lookout for a fall 2019 distribution announcement on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, on Sealaska.com, in your email inbox or on our official Facebook page.Prepare to Receive a Distribution Payment Using MySealaska.comThere are two ways to receive a Sealaska distribution payment:1. Via direct deposit2. Via mailed checkThe fastest and most efficient way to receive a distribution is by direct deposit. Not only does it save money in printing and postage, but also ensures your paper check ...

(Read More)

New Shareholder Committee Eager to Get Involved

As part of Sealaska’s commitment to improving the way it communicates with shareholders, the company unveiled its new Shareholder Participation Committee in October. A diverse group of Sealaska shareholders met over the course of three days to help the committee identify goals to help support Sealaska and provide more effective channels to collect feedback from shareholders.“Establishing the Shareholder Participation Committee allows us to expand our reach and engage more effectively with our 22...

(Read More)

September 2019

U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Presents Sealaska a Flag Flown “in the face of the enemy”

Sealaska shareholder and Staff Sergeant Bryant Bearfield Sealaska shareholder and Staff Sergeant Bryant Bearfield has been serving in the U.S. Army for 13 years. Bearfield presented Sealaska with a U.S. flag flown at an American base for one day. Bearfield says he was inspired after watching veterans being honored on Sealaska’s social media channel.The U.S. flag was flown on June 15–16, 2019, in the face o...

(Read More)

August 2019

Sealaska Partners with Southeast Alaska Independent Living Organization

Southeast Alaska Independent Living (SAIL) has been administering a demonstration project over the last three years to increase culturally appropriate independent living services in the region. The project is called Independent Living Services for Alaska Natives with Disabilities (IL STAND) and serves about 100 people, including elders and people with disabilities.Each year SAIL serves approximately 1,200 Elders and people with disabilities across Southeast Alaska.“Federal funding for the IL STA...

(Read More)

Newly formed Shareholder Participation Committee Set to Meet

Sealaska recently formed several Shareholder Participation Committees (SPC) to open another avenue for gathering shareholder feedback and increasing opportunities for engagement. Over the past few months, Sealaska solicited interest from shareholders from various geographic regions to help select members for the three committees. Each committee represents one of three different geographic regions: Southeast Alaska, Alaska excluding southeast, and the lower 48 and Hawaii.The final list of committ...

(Read More)

Sealaska Construction Intern Visits Air Force Base Project

By: Jay Brendible Jr., Construction Management Intern Jay Brendible Jr. and Superintendent Dave Houx examine the gravel layer of the vegetative swale (a channel for water runoff) at the construction site. The project was the new main se...

(Read More)

July 2019

PBS Show “Molly of Denali” Features Tlingit Lead Character

Molly of Denali YouTube channel. Follow the adventures of 10-year-old Molly Mabray. Molly of Denali is a new animated series that follows the adventures of 10-year-old Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl from the Gwich’in/Koyukon/Dena’ina Athabascan tribes in the fictional village of Qyah. The show is produced by Boston public television station WGBH and aired on PBS stations this month. Molly of Denali is the first nationally distribu...

(Read More)

Next Steps Regarding Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Land Allotment Act

On March 12, 2019, the Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Land Allotment Act was approved via the Dingell Act. Alaska Native Vietnam era veterans who served between August 5, 1964, and December 31, 1971, are eligible to apply for a land allotment. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has established a website with additional details and FAQs, found at this link. Before applications can b...

(Read More)

June 2019

First Shareholder Descendant Barbara Blake Elected at 2019 Annual Meeting of Sealaska Shareholders

New Sealaska Director Barbara Blake and her son “It is an incredible moment in Sealaska history to witness the first shareholder descendant elected to the board. It’s been twelve years since we voted in Anchorage to enroll the descendants into Sealaska,” said Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson. ANCHORAGE – Shareholders elected Barbara Blake, the first-ever shareholder descendant to join the boar...

(Read More)

Apply to the Rural Youth Engagement Fellowship with Sealaska

Damen Bell-Holter, Sealaska's Director of Youth and Community Development "This position will give a fellow a special opportunity to engage with rural communities while learning to empower young people and create relationships. Our youth are our future and we have an opportunity to create change but this will require additional passionate and motivated young people!" - Damen Bell-Holter ...

(Read More)

2019 Early Bird Winners!

Thank you for voting your 2019 Sealaska proxy. Here are the list of winners, who will be contacted directly with Sealaska. Those eligible for early bird prizes submitted their proxy on or before June 7, 2019. PrevPrevious NextNext

(Read More)

How to Vote Your Sealaska Proxy

How To Vote Vote online at MySealaska.com or vote your paper proxy.We hear from shareholders every year about questions on how to vote your proxy. Thank you for watching. Sealaska Board Endorsed Candidates PrevPrevious NextNext

(Read More)

May 2019

Juneau Men’s Gathering Will Work to End Violence and Build Community Well-Being

Apply by Friday, May 31, 2019 Damen Bell-Holter at Kake Culture Camp 2018, Photo by Bethany Goodrich courtesy of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership The Men’s Work Gathering from June 28 to 30, 2019, is co-sponsored by Aiding Women in Abuse and Rape Emergencies (AWARE), Alaska Network on Domestic Violenc...

(Read More)

Join New Sealaska Shareholder Participation Committees

2017-18 Board Youth Advisor Nicole George visits with shareholders in Haines, AK. “We are excited for shareholders to dive deep into the history, current business and program activity, and the vision for our future." Sealaska is seeking engaged shareholders to form three shareholder participation committees, providing a new communication channel between Sealaska and its community.The th...

(Read More)

Sealaska Launches New Scholarship Program for Part-Time Students

Sealaska launched another addition to the scholarship program by adding eligibility for part-time students enrolled in colleges or vocational-technical schools. The scholarships, which will be $1,424 per award in the initial year, will help to remove a financial barrier for Sealaska shareholders and descendants who are not able to attend school full time. The program …

(Read More)

Sealaska Supports Alaska Native Students with Record Scholarship Amount

Nicole George, previous Board Youth Advisor, presented Michael Cesar with a scholarship for the 2018-19 school year at Juneau-Douglas High School last year. More than 350 students are receiving a scholarship from Sealaska this year. Sealaska is awarding a record $940,000 in academic scholarships for the 2019-20 school year. This is nearly $175,000 more than …

(Read More)

Shareholder Descendant Added to the 2019 Board Endorsed Candidate Team

Barbara Blake was selected to join the 2019 endorsed candidate team for the Sealaska board of directors. If elected, Barbara would be the first-ever shareholder descendant and youngest member on the board of directors. As a former Sealaska board youth advisor from 2010 to 2011, Barbara brings a strong understanding of Sealaska board structure and …

(Read More)

April 2019

Sealaska Survey Results: Prioritizing Shareholder Voices

At the end of 2018, Sealaska commissioned an online survey for all shareholders to participate. Thank you to everyone who participated! This study is part of an ongoing effort Sealaska has undertaken since 1981 to ask shareholders their opinions. 2,702 Sealaska shareholders opted to participate, with demographics similar to Sealaska’s overall shareholder base. The surveys …

(Read More)

2019 Sealaska Community Meeting Schedule

Please join Sealaska board and management for the 2019 community meeting in May. If we are not coming to your community, don’t worry because you can join via live webcast at MySealaska.com from the Anchorage Community Meeting. Shareholders attend 2018 Sitka Community Meeting Community Date Venue Time Sitka, AK Thursday, May 9 Harrigan Centennial Hall, …

(Read More)

Sealaska Supports Continuation of AMHS Service

One of the top Sealaska policy priorities for this year is continued AMHS funding and services for our communities Sealaska is one of four Alaska Native Regional Corporations who are standing together in support of continuation of service to communities by the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). Leaders from Koniag, Chugach Alaska Corporation, the Aleut …

(Read More)

Sealaska Forests Provide Benefits Through Carbon Project

Sealaska’s current and future shareholders and leaders will have many opportunities from the income we receive from the carbon project. In 2018, Sealaska’s carbon-offset project became the first in Alaska to be issued carbon-offset credits through California’s cap-and-trade program. The project is contributing to Sealaska’s biggest net income year on record. Creating financial, cultural and …

(Read More)

Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Act Update

This news item is an update to our story we published on March 12, 2019. The Klawock, AK community comes together to raise a totem honoring Veterans. WHAT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW? Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) advanced a package of public land bills that included the bill finalizing equitable treatment for …

(Read More)

March 2019

Sealaska Announces Spring 2019 Distribution

Sealaska’s Business Success Results in Record Dividend Payment from Operations The Sealaska Board of Directors approved a spring distribution totaling nearly $32 million on March 29, 2019. Due to Sealaska’s business growth and steady financial success, dividend payments to shareholders from operations and the MVY Permanent Fund is at the highest level in over twenty …

(Read More)

The First We Belong Here Gathering Successful

“We Belong Here” was a free youth leadership and basketball gathering for students grades 4-12. The three-day gathering was hosted by Juneau youth organizations, March 18-20, 2019. Gavin Brown watches Native Youth Olympics presentation @ We Belong Here Our youth are capable of so much more than what we give them credit for. We Belong …

(Read More)

Everyone Deserves Love and Compassion: Sealaska Collaborates with Southeast Senior Services

Sealaska is growing, and that growth is rooted in core businesses that are working to manage healthy lands, create exponential value and demonstrate sustainable stewardship. Our recent financial stability has enabled us to increase investments in what we care most about: our people and communities. This October, Sealaska invested in a local community program that …

(Read More)

Prepare to Receive the Spring 2019 Distribution from Sealaska

On Friday, March 29, Sealaska will announce the 2019 spring distribution. More than 20,000 shareholders will benefit from the dividend payment from operations and the Marjorie V. Young Permanent Fund. Many of our family members are considering enrolling or are in the process. Help us get the word out that enrollment applications must be completed and …

(Read More)

Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotment Bill Signed into Law

“Finally, this long-time need of our Veterans is being addressed. On behalf of the Sealaska board, we thank our Alaska Congressional Delegation for their unwavering support,” said Board Chair Joe Nelson. Alaska Native Vietnam era Veterans who missed the opportunity to apply for Native allotments because of active duty can now apply. Senators Lisa Murkowski …

(Read More)

February 2019

Applications for We Belong Here Gathering

“We Belong Here” is a youth leadership and basketball camp hosted by Juneau youth organizations March 18-20, 2019. We aim to develop leadership through sports, advocacy, art, and culture. CAMP DATES AND TIMEMarch 18-19, 2019Thunder Mountain High SchoolTime 8:00-4:30 (daily)*breakfast provided for participants and family March 18, 2019Elizabeth Peratrovich HallTime: 6:30pm Tonia Hall comedic Special …

(Read More)

Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting

The 2019 Sealaska annual meeting of shareholders is on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, AK. A live webcast will be available. The 2019 Sealaska annual meeting of shareholders is on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 1 p.m. at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, AK. A live webcast will be available. Independent Candidates and …

(Read More)

Protecting Traditional Southeast Native Homelands

Former Sealaska intern now administers Sealaska’s carbon program. “As an intern, I was part of a team that included the U.S. Forest Service and Hoonah Indian Association,” said Mitch. “Together, we conducted stream surveys to identify fish passage obstacles for Coho salmon in areas surrounding Hoonah.” One hundred years from now, Mitch Haldane’s work will …

(Read More)

Sealaska Seeks Qualified Shareholder to Run for Board Election

*PLEASE NOTE THIS APPLICATION IS NOW CLOSED (deadline was February 15, 2019) Sealaska is looking for qualified shareholders to run as board-endorsed nominees for the 2019 board election. There will be four positions up for election during the 2019 Annual Shareholder meeting. The board-endorsed candidates will most likely include a mix of incumbents and non-incumbents. …

(Read More)

January 2019

Online Stock Enrollment and Automatic Elder Benefits

SEALASKA STOCK ENROLLMENT PROCESS IS 100% ONLINE The enrollment process was recently simplified, eliminating notarization requirements. Applicants can now take a picture and upload supporting documents on the MySealaska.com online application. Supporting documents include birth certificate, Certificate of Indian Blood, and potentially parents’ or grandparents’ birth certificates. You may be required to send additional documentation …

(Read More)

2018 Year End Financial Update

Commitment to Carbon-Offset Project Pays Off in 2018 Photo courtesy of the Sustainable Southeast Partnership Sealaska is experiencing unprecedented growth and income, supported by thriving businesses that have a common purpose, connected by a shared goal of working toward healthier oceans and enhancing the natural environment. One project a decade in the making is Sealaska’s …

(Read More)

Shaping Sealaska’s Future through Increased Shareholder Engagement

In January, Sealaska made the board chair position full-time to foster a stronger connection and communication between the board and Sealaska shareholders. Current Board Chair Joe Nelson is now leading an effort to increase opportunities to listen, engage, and inspire participation among Sealaska and shareholders. Dear Sealaska Shareholder, We need you — your perspective, experience …

(Read More)

Sealaska Shareholder 1099 Forms Now Available on MySealaska.com

Sealaska encourages shareholders to register on MySealaska.com so they are able to download and print their 1099 tax forms to include with their tax filing. If you are a new shareholder who is registering with MySealaska, we offer a few tips below. Sealaska 2018 –1099 tax forms are now available On MySealaska.com on January 29, 2019 (must be logged in to view and …

(Read More)

Sealaska’s New Business Partner Leads with Groundwater Cleanup Innovation

Each of Sealaska’s businesses and partners works toward healthier oceans and enhancing the natural environment. Gregg Drilling team treats contaminated groundwater under a biomedical lab in California. This October, Sealaska grew its groundwater testing and cleanup expertise by buying a majority stake in Gregg Drilling, a leading environmental remediation, geotechnical and marine site services company. …

(Read More)

December 2018

Sealaska Supports Sitka Tribe Efforts to Protect Herring Fishery

Image from 2016 herring season. Image by Bethany Goodrich, Sustainable Southeast Partnership Sealaska supports the Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) taking legal action against the Alaska State Fish and Game in response to its recently published 2019 herring harvest guidelines. The tribe filed a lawsuit with the Superior Court citing the state for mismanagement of the …

(Read More)

Thank You For Taking the Time to Enroll for Sealaska Shares

Sealaska recently announced a new online process for enrolling as a descendant or leftout. In an effort to bring awareness to the new process, Sealaska held a small contest. The contest was for anyone who enrolled online and submitted a complete application by December 16, 2018. And the winners are….. Kayla Marie Joplin (Sedro Wooley, …

(Read More)

Connect to Sealaska’s Career Development Opportunities

Sealaska is dedicated to connecting our young shareholders to opportunities that better their future endeavors. Sealaska’s programs focus on career development, helping shareholders and shareholder descendants achieve higher education through scholarships, build professional experience through internships and make valuable connections as Sealaska’s Board Youth Advisor. Above all, Sealaska respects and values young voices throughout its …

(Read More)

Sealaska Seeks the 2019-20 Board Youth Advisor

Sealaska seeks the next Board Youth Advisor and is accepting applications for 2019-2020 term. Each year, Sealaska directors select a non-voting youth advisor to the board to provide input, gain board membership training and gain knowledge of Sealaska’s operations. Key eligibility requirements: Be at least 18 years of age but not older than 25 years …

(Read More)

Sealaska Builds Launch Pads for Data Gathering Balloons in Remote Alaska

All around the world at precisely the same time, weather balloons are released and rise to the top of the earth’s atmosphere. Sensors attached to the 5-feet wide balloons take snapshots of the weather every few seconds – temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind speed – as they rise up to 100,000 feet and drift as …

(Read More)

November 2018

Sealaska Enrollment Application Made Easier and Online Only

Sealaska is now accepting enrollment applications online through the shareholder portal, MySealaska.com. BENEFITS OF ENROLLING ONLINESealaska is proud to announce we have moved to a paperless enrollment process that began mid-October. We have also simplified the application process as well. We have dropped the notarization requirements. Applicants can take a picture and upload supporting documents …

(Read More)

Sealaska Honors Alaska Native Veterans with Financial Support for National Native American Veterans Memorial

Veterans prepare to carry Veterans Totem Pole, representing all branches of the U.S. military. Alaskans and the rest of the nation are taking time this weekend to honor U.S. military veterans. Veterans Day, recognized each November 11, is a time to recognize and honor those who served in the US Armed Forces. According to the US …

(Read More)

Many Have Voted Early You Can Still Vote on Election Day

Alaska Division of Elections workers are anticipating record turnout for early voting. If you prefer early or absentee in person voting, you have until 5pm. Additional details here. Alaskans and the rest of the nation will head to the polls to vote in the 2018 midterm elections. The general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, features …

(Read More)

Sealaska Announces Fall 2018 Distribution

Sealaska’s board of directors approved a fall shareholder distribution totaling nearly $15.5 million, during its board meeting on Nov. 2, 2018. The November distribution is $8.19 per share for urban and at-large shareholders and $3.04 per share for village, descendant and elder shareholders. This distribution reflects strong growth from Sealaska’s businesses as well as investments and …

(Read More)

Sealaska Directors Select David Goade to Fill Board Seat

“I look forward to bringing my extensive and diverse work experience to be an effective and productive director. I have many years of working in several ANSCA corporations in presenting business development, budgets or strategic plans.”David Goade Sealaska’s board of directors is proud to announce the selection of David Goade as a new member joining …

(Read More)

October 2018

Are You Ready to Receive the Fall Distribution?

Be on the lookout for a Fall 2018 distribution announcement on Friday, Nov. 2 on Sealaska.com, your email inbox or on our official Facebook page. Prepare to Receive a Distribution Payment Using MySealaska.com There are two ways to receive a Sealaska distribution payment: Via direct deposit Via mailed check The fastest and most efficient way to receive …

(Read More)

Get Ready to Vote, Recapping Candidate Forums and Ballot Measure 1 Discussion

The 2018 midterm elections are Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 and will feature hundreds of congressional, state and local races across the country. Throughout this election season, Sealaska collaborated with the Get Out The Native Vote (GOTNV) Southeast Alaska Partners to enhance candidate engagement and voter education. Sealaska along with Tlingit & Haida, Goldbelt, Inc., Huna …

(Read More)

Amplify Your Voice: Election Letter from Joe Nelson

The 2018 midterm elections are Tuesday, November 6, 2018, and will feature hundreds of congressional, state and local races across the country. Sealaska has actively engaged in the political process, advocating on behalf of our shareholders and Native communities for decades. It follows a practice begun in 1912 with the formation of the Alaska Native …

(Read More)

Sealaska Awarded Multiple Federal Construction Contracts

Sealaska Constructors was awarded multiple federal construction contracts at the end of September performing installation, design and renovations to government and military facilities across the country. As the prime contractor, Sealaska will oversee the installation of a renewable energy system at a National Weather Forecast Office (WFO) in Virginia, providing solar energy and “clean” power. …

(Read More)

Join Sealaska at Elders & Youth and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention

Ethel Lund, former Sealaska Director, is honored at the 2017 AFN Convention Participation in AFN provides Sealaska with a forum to address statewide issues of concern to the Alaska Native community, as well as to highlight issues specific to Southeast Alaska. Sealaska has been a long-standing member of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN). Participation in AFN provides …

(Read More)

Sealaska Presented 2018 Business Philanthropy Award

Accepting the award for Sealaska Anthony Mallot, Albert Kookesh and Joe Nelson Sealaska was named “Philanthropic Business of the Year” by the Juneau Community Foundation, the foundation’s highest honor awarded to area businesses. Each year, the Juneau Community Foundation celebrates the generosity of an individual, a business and non-profit organization who help make Juneau vibrant …

(Read More)

When It Comes to Protecting Alaskan Salmon, Alaskans Deserve a Voice

Sealaska has been actively engaged in supporting healthy salmon habitat in Alaska for decades by helping develop policies and recommending actions toward ensuring these salmon runs remain healthy and viable into the future. Ballot Measure 1 in the upcoming Alaska general election seeks to eliminate Alaska’s current science-based fish habitat protections and replace them with …

(Read More)

SEARHC Congratulates Sealaska on Tabacco-Free Campus

Sealaska is the first Native Corporation in Southeast to adopt a tobacco-free campus policy This year, Sealaska Corporation headquarters officially became a tobacco-free campus and is the first Alaska Native Corporation in the State of Alaska to implement such a policy.SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium(SEARHC) commends Sealaska for protecting their employees, shareholders, tenants, and visitors …

(Read More)

Board Seat Application Closed, Selection Process Begins Now

Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, ‘Doyckshishm to Each Board Seat Applicant Sealaska recently announced it was accepting applications to fill a vacant seat on its board following the passing of Director Ross Soboleff. After his passing in July, we reflected on what made him a great Sealaska board member. He was thoughtful, deliberate, humble – a gentle and …

(Read More)

Sealaska Makes Major Investment to Expand Environmental and Geotechnical Capabilities

Sealaska Corporation is expanding its groundwater business by buying a majority stake inGregg Drilling, a leading marine drilling and geotechnical services company headquartered in southern California. “Gregg is a terrific business with excellent people who take pride in their work and bring passion and innovation to solving client problems. It is a company that truly …

(Read More)

September 2018

Watch Live GOTNV Southeast Candidate Forums

GOTNV Southeast, is hosting public forums featuring discussions with candidates in upcoming state and local elections over the next few weeks. A complete list is below. GOTNV Southeast, is hosting public forums featuring discussions with candidates in upcoming state and local elections over the next few weeks. A complete list is below. Sealaska is partnering …

(Read More)

Sealaska Accepting Applications to Fill Board Seat Vacancy

Sealaska is recruiting for a seat on its board of directors that became vacant when Director Ross Soboleff passed away in July. Sealaska shareholders who wish to be considered for this board seat should submit a statement of interest and resume by Monday, October 1, 2018 at 5pm AKDT. Sealaska is recruiting for a seat on …

(Read More)

Sealaska Board of Directors Endorse Walker-Mallott in Governor’s Race

The Sealaska board of directors announced its endorsement in support of the re-election of Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. The Sealaska board of directors announced its endorsement in support of the re-election of Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. As part of its endorsement, the board is contributing up to …

(Read More)

Celebration of Life for Ross Soboleff

A Celebration of Life for Ross Soboleff will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Celebration of LifeWednesday, September 12, 2018Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall320 W Willoughby AveJuneau, AK 990813:30 – 5:30 pm Sealaska announced the passing of director Ross Soboleff on July 3, 2018, surrounded by family. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family. He was …

(Read More)

Intern Blog: Courage to Act, Curiosity to Grow, and Kindness to Give

A blog post about intern development week by Andrew Wysocki, 2018 Sealaska communications intern Several times this spring, my grandmother and parents urged me to apply for Sealaska’s ten-week summer internship. They saw it as a great source of experience and told me to take advantage of the opportunity in front of me. I was …

(Read More)

New Totem Pole in Klawock to Honor Veterans

https://youtu.be/Rud5rZq9ToIThe Klawock community came together in late August and stood up a totem pole representing all branches of the U.S. military. The totem now stands in the newly named Veterans Memorial Totem Park. U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, a member of both the Senate Armed Forces and Veterans’ Affairs Committees, was a guest speaker at the event. …

(Read More)

Sealaska Intern Helps Odyssey Seafood Production Lines Go Digital

by Andrew Wysocki, Sealaska 2018 communications summer intern Sealaska intern Janae Vieira prepares salmon during intern development week. Janae Vieira and Jared Littlefield, her supervisor, lead a tour of Odyssey Foods’ fish processing and packaging lines for Sealaska interns. Most internships involve showing up in business casual or professional attire, but not for Odyssey Foods …

(Read More)

August 2018

Sealaska Heritage Institute Interns on Revelations and Cultural Connection

Summer in Juneau, Alaska, means another class of interns gets to experience Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) behind-the-scenes. Celebration, research projects, collections housing and youth summer camps gave Breylan Martin, Miranda Worl, Lyndsey Brollini, Leah Urbanski and Leanna Owen insight into SHI’s mission to perpetuate Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian culture every day. Beyond the day-to-day work experiences, they …

(Read More)

A Summer with My Land: Environmental Stewardship through the Eyes of Sealaska Natural Resources Intern

by McKenna Hunt, Sealaska 2018 communications summer intern Picture this. You’re trekking through the deep brush on Prince of Wales Island, fighting off the mosquitos, basking in the dry Alaskan summer sun, all the while stopping now and then to take comfort in the intrepid silence that comes with setting foot onto the resilient land of …

(Read More)

Sealaska’s Future: For the Good of People and the Planet

A letter from Sealaska board chair Joe Nelson Joe Nelson, Sealaska Board Chair Nearly fifty years ago, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) authorized the creation of Sealaska – and it was all about compensation for taking land. Native land. Since then, ANCSA corporations have become large engines powered by exporting natural resources and …

(Read More)

Sealaska Restores Lena Beach Recreation Area while Improving Juneau Salmon Run

As a public space that fosters a sense of community while sheltering important native plant and wildlife species, Lena Beach has long been known as a place for locals to picnic, swim or just enjoy nature. Sealaska recently completed a substantial renovation of this iconic recreation area, which will also strengthen pink and coho salmon …

(Read More)

Sealaska 2018 Summer Internships: Applying Cultural Knowledge Toward Innovation

This is the first story in a series featuring the 2018 Sealaska summer interns. See the businesses through their eyes, understand their impact on Sealaska and experience the reconnection with their Alaska Native roots. Since the early 1980s, Sealaska’s internship program has been offering shareholders and shareholder descendants paid professional work experience and on-the-job training …

(Read More)

July 2018

Sealaska Board Targets Fall Meeting for Vacant Board Seat Action

Sealaska directors began its summer board meeting with a moment of silence observing the passing of Ross Soboleff, a Sealaska board member since 2014. Soboleff’s passing in early July created a vacancy on the thirteen-member board. According to Sealaska corporate bylaws and the Alaska State law, the board has an obligation to fill vacancies. “Out …

(Read More)

Sealaska and Connecticut Governor Celebrate National Guard Ready Building Completion

Sealaska and the Connecticut National Guard recently celebrated the completion of a state-of-the-art operations and training facility in Windsor Locks, CT. The facility will serve as headquarters for a highly specialized Connecticut National Guard disaster response team. Major General Thad Martin from the CT National Guard gets help cutting the ceremony ribbon from CT Governor …

(Read More)

Sealaska Gifts Kiks.ádi Totem Park Land to Wrangell Cooperative Association

https://youtu.be/EntydJnhMVM Sealaska directors unanimously approved a resolution to deed Sealaska land in Wrangell to the federally recognized tribe, Wrangell Cooperative Association. The land is the location of Kiks.ádi Totem Park, dedicated in 1987. The land transfer was made official at the 2018 Sealaska annual meeting in Wrangell, Alaska. “It has always been Wrangell and the Wrangell Native community …

(Read More)

June 2018

Sealaska Deishú Memorial Fund Applications Now Available

Sealaska Heritage Institute Traditional Scholars David Katzeek and Paul Marks gave a special presentation during Sealaska’s annual meeting, introducing the new fund. View video here. Applications are now available for Sealaska’s bereavement benefit, known as the Deishú Memorial Fund. The fund was established by Sealaska’s board in spring of 2018 as a way to provide support for …

(Read More)

Sealaska Celebrates Financial Success, Announces Board Election Results at Annual Meeting in Wrangell

Sealaska had good news to report to shareholders at its annual meeting Saturday, June 23 in Wrangell, AK. The company achieved one of the most successful years in its history, recording a net income of $43.3 million in 2017 and a $78 million net income improvement over the last five years. Shareholders heard from Sealaska’s …

(Read More)

Sealaska Board Answers Shareholder Comments

The Sealaska board recently completed a series of community meetings in nine communities around Southeast Alaska and Washington. We visited with nearly a thousand Sealaska shareholders, sharing updates about Sealaska, but also taking the time to listen and learn about what’s happening in those communities. Read more about the meetings here. This is a rundown of …

(Read More)

2018 Early Bird Winners

The Independent Inspectors of Election and Voting randomly selected the winners below from among all voting shareholders, who returned a proxy for the 2018 annual meeting. The winners will be contacted by Sealaska. Thank you for voting early everyone. Congratulations to all!

(Read More)

Be the Change You Seek

A letter from Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson discussing the 2018 Celebration theme “Respect: Weigh Your Words” Joe Nelson, Sealaska Board Chair For decades, we have been coming together every other year during Celebration – as Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people. It is a beautiful thing. Over the years, much has changed, and yet, much has …

(Read More)

Shareholders Receive Update on Sealaska’s Business Success at 2018 Community Meetings

Shareholders and community members from Klawock, Alaska attend a meeting at the local ANB Hall. Sealaska recently completed well-attended community meetings in nine Southeast Alaska and Washington communities. In mid-May, we visited with nearly a thousand Sealaska shareholders, sharing updates about Sealaska and taking the time to listen and learn about each community’s concerns and …

(Read More)

May 2018

Sealaska Honored to Name Deishú Memorial Fund

Sealaska’s new shareholder bereavement benefit is now known as Deishú Memorial Fund. Deishú roughly translates to “the beginning and the end of the road, eternal journey” in Tlingit. We are honored that the people of Deishú Hít are allowing the name to carry Sealaska. Deishú is an area utilized by the Chilkat village that was located where the community of Haines is located. Deishú (Haines) …

(Read More)

Hear from All the 2018 Sealaska Board Candidates

Sealaska is meeting with communities during May. During the community meetings, shareholders have the opportunity to hear from board endorsed candidates as well as independents who are present at the meeting. At the Juneau community meeting, all board candidates gave their statements. Video from the Juneau community meeting on May 16, 2018 You can read …

(Read More)

Sealaska Offers New Shareholder Bereavement Benefit

The bereavement program is a new benefit that can finally be added by Sealaska as a result of the company’s success and steady growth over the last five years. Sealaska’s board of directors announced its approval today of a shareholder bereavement benefit to provide support for its shareholders after the loss of a loved one. …

(Read More)

Sealaska Achieves one of the Strongest Years in its History

“Today, we are experiencing the positive effects of focusing on operational performance and profitability, which has a direct impact on benefits and programs for shareholders,” said Sealaska CEO Anthony Mallott. Sealaska has achieved one of the most successful years in its history, recording a net income of $43.3 million, up $29.3 from $14 million earned …

(Read More)

Innovation through Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Ways of Life

https://youtu.be/jDCHPLANIWk Each year professionals gather in Juneau, Alaska for the yearly Innovation Summit that is designed to inspire new perspectives. Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott was invited to present on this year’s theme, Driving Innovation through Diversity. Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people have lived on the land and waters of Southeast Alaska for thousands of …

(Read More)

Investing in Education for our Future

Talia Davis is a past scholarship recipient Sealaska’s scholarship program is getting a $10 million boost–the first increase to the Scholarship Endowment Fund since its inception. Sealaska’s growing financial success has allowed the Board of Directors to add $10 million to the scholarship endowment fund. Sealaska’s scholarship program is getting a $10 million boost–the first …

(Read More)

February 2018

U.S. Department of Energy Awards N3B Los Alamos LLC / Sealaska Technical Services Joint Venture Team $1.3 Billion Contract

Sealaska Technical Services LLC (STS) announced today that its joint venture with Tetra Tech, Inc. was selected to provide program management and technical services in support of the ground & surface water monitoring program at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Los Alamos National Laboratory. ...

(Read More)

April 2017

Sealaska Acquires a Majority Ownership in Odyssey

Sealaska is pleased to announce that it has acquired a majority interest in Odyssey, a company that specializes in the marketing and value-added processing of predominantly frozen seafood under several retail brands. Odyssey, a Seattle-based company was founded in 1981, offers a wide variety of retail and food service seafood products under their Treasures from …

(Read More)

May 2016

Sealaska Makes First Major Investment since New Strategic Plan in 2012

IPC adds value to 50 million pounds of seafood per year. Sealaska has purchased a minority interest in Independent Packers Corporation (IPC), a custom seafood processor located in Seattle, Washington. Sealaska embarked on a strategic plan in late 2012 to restructure operations and improve profitability. The plan focused on re-engineering its businesses to increase operating …

(Read More)