About ANCSA (Corps and Tribes)
Thursday, November 4, 2021

ANCSA Corporations and Tribes

  • ANCSA Corporations and tribes serve many of the same constituents – both have a mission to improve the lives of our shareholders and tribal citizens.
  • Relationship can be collaborative
    • Supporting traditional ways of life (subsistence)
    • Sustainable rural communities; employment
    • Education
    • Cultural and language preservation
    • Land into trust
Celebration 1998

There can be disagreement

  • ANCSA corporations as “tribes” for purpose of specific federal acts
  • Conservation vs. economic development
  • Political differences can arise (e.g. CARES Act funding and Roadless Rule)
  • Recent efforts through “Being Good Relatives” to bridge the divide

Relationship with Tribes
There was congressional intent and expectation that tribes would cease to exist as a result of ANCSA. However, tribes did not disappear. We are tribal people.

Tribal governments in Alaska continue to be recognized by the federal government, which maintains a government-to-government relationship with tribes. Tribes participate through contracting and compacting in programs established for the benefit of tribes and tribal citizens. Tribes also exercise sovereign authority over their memberships – they set their own standards for inclusion, which often do not rely on blood quantum – and their children through the Indian Child Welfare Act. However, very little land is held in trust for Alaska tribes.


Latest News


Sitka Tribe of Alaska Signs Historic Site Management Agreement with Sealaska

Posted 8/15/2025
August 15, 2025 — Sealaska and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (Sitka Tribe) have signed the Interim Ḵunáa Historic Site Management Agreement. This agreement empowers Sitka Tribe to manage the 10.54 acres above mean high tide at Redoubt Falls (Ḵunáa). Ḵunáa, also known as Redoubt Bay Village, historically belonged to the Kiks.ádi and affiliated clans, with substantive historical importance as a… Source

Sealaska Donates Cedar Logs and Funds Language Revitalization; Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Leadership 

Posted 7/28/2025
Aak’w Kwáan (Juneau, Alaska) — Sealaska is reaffirming its deep commitment to cultural preservation, language revitalization, and youth empowerment through a series of initiatives affirmed at a recent Board of Directors meeting that honor its Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian roots while advancing the future of its people. The corporation is donating five premium red cedar logs to the community… Source

Exciting Opportunity at Sealaska Heritage Institute

Posted 7/11/2025

SHI has an exciting position overseeing their STEAM programming and Post Secondary programming!



2025 Election Results

Posted 6/21/2025

We are excited to announce that the results of the 2025 Sealaska election have been certified and are ready to share with all of you.



2025 Annual Meeting Agenda

Posted 6/21/2025

Click to see the 2025 Annual Meeting agenda