Board Actions and Approvals
During the meeting, Directors:
- Approved two cultural cedar log donations.
- Received updates from management regarding shareholder services, business operations and performance, development and regional priorities.
- Received a report and recommendation regarding youth engagement from Caleb Lee, Sealaska’s Board Youth Advisor.
Shareholder Engagement and Community Impact
The Board received updates on shareholder engagement, cultural initiatives and community impact, including:
- Shareholder election turnout reached 60.47%, the highest participation rate achieved during the past three election cycles.
- Continued focus on descendant enrollment and strengthening connections with future generations of Sealaska shareholders.
- Updates on the Southeast Native Roundtable, where leaders are working together to address suicide prevention, mental health and community wellness. The group has met twice over the past year and continues to identify collective regional priorities, strengthen partnerships and coordinate efforts that support Southeast Alaska communities.
- Approved a $50,000 contribution to the Southeast Village Fisheries Collective (SVFC), a Southeast Alaska nonprofit working to empower rural and Native fishermen to access, steward and invest in fisheries resources that benefit their communities. SVFC has already secured approximately more than 16,000 pounds of halibut fishing rights for permanent community use and is expanding opportunities for fishermen and communities across the region.
- Approved a $25,000 contribution to Ketchikan Indian Community (KIC) to support suicide prevention and community healing efforts, including community-driven initiatives that strengthen wellness, create connection, restore hope and support individuals and families impacted by loss.
Shareholder Development and Workforce Pathways
The Board received updates on shareholder development efforts focused on education, career readiness and leadership development. Updates included:
- 35 interns and 5 international fellows are participating in Sealaska-supported development programs. During the meeting, 33 interns joined virtually and one attended in person to introduce themselves to the Board. Directors shared words of pride and encouragement, and five current Board members reflected on their own experiences as former Sealaska interns.
- Sealaska is working with Tlingit and Haida to build a 20-room dormitory to house students from across southeast Alaska, lower 48, unlocking the potential and access for new skills development.
- Board Youth Advisor Caleb Lee shared observations from recent community meetings and highlighted the importance of increasing youth participation and engagement.
Business Performance and Growth
The Board reviewed business performance updates and strong year-to-date results across Sealaska's portfolio. Management provided reports that will help guide Sealaska into the remainder of the year.
- The Mendenhall Flood Project has been completed and is entering its first flood season.Sealaska tackles massive project to protect Juneau-area communities from catastrophe
- Seas Geosciences, Gregg Drilling, and Causeway are all performing exceptionally well.
- Geosciences are driving our year-over-year growth.
- The Board reaffirmed that developing and supporting strong leaders remains one of Sealaska's most important investments. By building leadership capacity among shareholders and future generations, Sealaska strengthens its ability to solve challenges, create opportunities, and advance the long-term success of its People, culture, and homelands.
Shareholder Benefits
The Board received updates on long-term investments benefiting shareholders and communities, including:
- From January through June, Sealaska provided $2.37 million in funding through Sealaska Heritage Institute, the Language Endowment and economic development initiatives, alongside $318,421 in charitable contributions to community-driven organizations and projects across Southeast Alaska.
- Continued efforts to expand opportunities and resources that support shareholders, descendants and Southeast Alaska communities.
- Online Notary services offered to remove barriers to completion.
Legislative Priorities
The Board discussed legislative priorities and a resolution.
- Management provided an update on the landless legislation. Companion bills have passed the U.S. House of Representatives and moved through the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee.
Sealaska Opposes Ballot Measure 2
- The Board passed a resolution opposing Ballot Measure 2 and urges shareholders and all Alaska voters to vote No on Ballot Measure 2 in the 2026 general election. Sealaska supports retaining Alaska's open primary system, ranked choice voting, and transparent disclosure requirements for political spending.
- The resolution reflects Sealaska's values of Haa Latseen (Our Strength and Leadership) and Wooch.Yax (Balance, Reciprocity and Respect) by supporting broad civic participation, transparent elections, and opportunities for all Alaskans, including Alaska Native people, to have their voices heard in the democratic process. It also reflects Haa Shuká (Our Past, Present and Future) by helping strengthen representation and leadership opportunities for future generations.
Natural Resources, Restoration and Infrastructure
The Board received updates from Haa Aani, LLC management projects throughout the region, including:
- Sealaska’s Natural Resources team successfully completed over 40 projects improving nearly 10 miles of salmon streams and 4,400 acres of forest lands with multiple partners--including Tribes, NGOs, and state and federal agencies over the past two years.
- Natural Resources teams are focused on the Duke Creek restoration project, near Klawock Alaska, in 2026.
- Planning and assessment are underway for a second watershed in the Klawock area beginning in 2027.
The Board will continue implementing Sealaska’s strategic plan by advancing shareholder and descendant engagement, expanding pathways to education and employment, supporting community wellness initiatives, increasing access to economic opportunities and investing in the cultural and regional priorities identified by Southeast Alaska Native communities.
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