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About ANCSA (Why Did ANCSA Happen)
Thursday, November 4, 2021

Why Did ANCSA Happen? 

  • The discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope, along with other natural resources the government sought to develop, led to an urgency on the part of state and federal lawmakers to secure land ownership. But aboriginal land claims had to be resolved first.  
  • Pressure for access to resources resulted in quick legislative solution. The negotiations around ANCSA started in 1968 and legislation was signed into law in December of 1971.
Richard Frank Emil Notti AFN (Photo 1966-1968 University Alaska Anchorage uaa-hmc-1148-b1-f50-31)

Why the Regional Corporation Model? 

  • Based on some negative results from the reservation policies, Congress and Alaska Natives sought a different model. 
  • Unlike some arrangements with Lower 48 tribes in the past, Alaska Native Corporations owned the land and everything on it outright. Lands were not held in trust by the federal government, a patriarchal approach applied to some tribal lands in the Lower 48.  
  • The goal was for more economic purpose and self-sufficiency – “to meet the economic and social needs of Alaska Natives.” 
  • Corporations governed by and for Alaska Natives was thought to be a better alternative. 

 

Latest News


Shareholder Proxy Update

Pinned - Posted 5/12/2025

Shareholders, an error occurred when printing proxy cards regarding the number of shares you own and votes you have in the top right corner of your proxy card. This error does not affect the validity of your paper proxy, nor does it affect voting on MySealaska.com through the Election Connection portal


Early Bird Deadline Extended

Pinned - Posted 5/12/2025

After considering the recently announced U.S. Postal Service delays to First-Class Mail in conjunction with a paper proxy error leading shareholders who wish to vote by mail to potentially wait for their regularly scheduled second proxy mailing, we have made the decision to extend the early bird deadline to June 6. We are listening to shareholders and want to give everyone the best chance to qualify as an early bird. Thank you for understanding and thank you for voting.


Sealaska Announces Beginning of Election Season

Posted 5/2/2025
Shareholders, today marks the beginning of another election season! Your paper proxies are being mailed out today and you can access Election Connection via MySealaska.com to view the proxy online and cast your votes. Our annual election cycle is an important way your voices guide the future of Sealaska by selecting our leadership. We are grateful to all of you who take part. Source

Sealaska Supports the Rebuilding of Sheet’ká Clan House

Posted 4/29/2025
KETCHIKAN, Alaska, April 29, 2025 — Sealaska’s board of directors has approved funding for the reconstruction of the traditional clan house for the Kiks.ádi people of the X’aaká Hít (Point House), on their recently repatriated land in the Sitka Indian Village. This will be the first clan house to be rebuilt in Southeast Alaska in the 21st century. Where there were once 43 active clan houses… Source

Sealaska April Board Meeting Recap

Posted 4/21/2025
Gunalchéesh to those who were able to attend our April 9 Community Business and Shareholder Information Meeting in beloved Ḵaachx̱an.áak’w. Our booths were filled with the great smiles of over 74 shareholders and their families attending. During the event, shareholders had the opportunity to learn about Sealaska’s businesses, engage with Sealaska leadership — including the full board — and enjoy… Source