Celebrating a voyage for earth: Chapter 4 our collective responsibility for the ocean
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Sealaska believes that a better future for people and the planet is within reach. Join us for a four-part series exploring ocean health, navigating the waters of Southeast and our rich connection to navigating the Pacific Ocean.
Southeast Alaska welcomed Hawaiian relatives from the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS). PVS launched Moananuiākea, a voyage for earth in Juneau, Alaska. The voyage inspires a new generation of navigators to face the coming storms and the resilience to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people have navigated the waters of their traditional homelands for the last 10,000 years. Sealaska talked to navigators about this combined history.
The Moananuiākea voyage highlights the continued work that is needed to restore the ocean and waterways, that represents health and well-being. In Chapter 4 – we explore the connection to the ocean and what ocean health means to us as Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people.
News Search
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Posted 6/3/2025
Posted 6/3/2025
We are continuing our search for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Sealaska’s president. It is important that we find the right candidate to fill this position, which is why the Sealaska board of directors is being as exacting as possible as we search for a candidate capable of amplifying the impact of our mission and providing benefits that empower our shareholders. To this end, the Sealaska board of directors recently revised the job description for the position of president and sought the assistance of a professional recruiting firm. Our hope is to announce a successful candidate as our new president this coming summer.
Posted 5/2/2025
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.
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Posted 4/29/2025
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…
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Posted 4/11/2025
Posted 4/11/2025
Sealaska is announcing a Spring 2025 distribution totaling $17.7 million to be issued to shareholders on Thursday, April 17. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a meeting held this Friday, April 11. The upcoming distribution includes dividends totaling $2.9 million from Sealaska’s operations, $3.3 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund and…
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Posted 3/20/2025
Posted 3/20/2025
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, April 11, 2025, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s upcoming distribution. Please review the following key dates and complete necessary actions to ensure a seamless distribution. DISTRIBUTION AMOUNT DETERMINED — Friday, April 11, 2025 On April 11, the Board of Directors will meet to determine the distribution amount.
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Posted 2/7/2025
Posted 2/7/2025
KETCHIKAN, Alaska—The Sealaska Board of Directors is holding its first meeting of 2025 in Ketchikan this week, reinforcing its commitment to deepening connections with communities and partner organizations as we work together to create balance for people and the planet. Strong partnerships with local organizations across our shareholders’ communities remain central to Sealaska’s mission.
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Posted 10/29/2024
Posted 10/29/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, November 8, 2024, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s upcoming distribution. Please review the following key dates and complete necessary actions to ensure a seamless distribution. DISTRIBUTION AMOUNT DETERMINED — Friday, November 8, 2024 On November 8, the Board of Directors will meet to determine the distribution amount.
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Posted 10/15/2024
Posted 10/15/2024
Sealaska is seeking a dynamic and visionary president to strengthen and amplify the impact of our mission. Through Sealaska’s business success, we fulfill our mission by managing our land and providing shareholder benefits that include dividends, workforce development programs, scholarships, internships, advocacy, burial assistance and many other benefits through our non-profit organizations.
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Posted 9/30/2024
Posted 9/30/2024
This year’s elections hold significant importance for us all, which is why we are encouraging all shareholders and tribal citizens to get out and vote – and bring a loved one, too! Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. Every vote counts, and your participation can help shape the future of our communities. Make sure you’re prepared for election day by having a…
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Posted 8/30/2024
Posted 8/30/2024
Sealaska interns unload after a long journey to Howkan, a traditional Haida village site. Sealaska interns left to right: Evan Link, Operations Fellow at Icemar; Allison Mills, Natural Resources Intern at Sealaska; Addy Mallot, Storytelling & Engagement Intern at Sustainable Southeast Partnership; and Alicia Maryott, Traditional Food Security Intern at Tlingit & Haida Earlier this summer…
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Posted 8/28/2024
Posted 8/28/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors has again endorsed Mary Peltola for U.S. Congress, speaking to her strong leadership and unwavering dedication to creating impact for Alaskan communities. Sealaska was the first Alaska Native Corporation to support Congresswoman Peltola’s bid for Congress in 2022 and continues to support the congresswoman in her campaign to continue serving Alaska in the state’s…
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Posted 8/13/2024
Posted 8/13/2024
The Sealaska board of directors met on Friday, July 26 to welcome new board members and receive updates from the management team. The board focused on efforts for long-term strategic planning, led by the management team, with a goal of strengthening Sealaska’s internal team, vision for the future and community partnerships. This strategic planning will continue at the September meeting…
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Posted 8/13/2024
Posted 8/13/2024
Malia Towne is getting her boots wet (and maybe a little scaly) this summer as she interns with the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) in Sitka. She is learning firsthand the importance of building relationships with local fishing fleets and communities through this new internship offered through a partnership between Sealaska and ALFA. “We want to keep building community,”…
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Posted 5/1/2024
Posted 5/1/2024
Sealaska shareholders are invited to join us at our upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings to learn more about Sealaska business operations, upcoming opportunities and connect with fellow shareholders and descendants.
Posted 4/12/2024
Posted 4/12/2024
As part of Sealaska’s continued investment in our communities and region, a spring 2024 distribution totaling $19.2 million will be issued to shareholders on Thursday, April 18. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a meeting held in Juneau on Friday, April 12. The upcoming distribution includes dividends totaling $4.5 million from Sealaska’s ocean-health business…
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Posted 3/4/2024
Posted 3/4/2024
Members of Sealaska’s board of directors had an opportunity to connect with shareholders and answer questions during the Feb. 29 board Q&A session hosted on MySealaska. Directors Barbara Cadiente Nelson, Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang joined Executive Chair Joe Nelson and Board Youth Advisor Deikeenaak’w Connor Ulmer in providing an update following January’s board meeting and shared upcoming opportunities…
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Posted 2/7/2024
Posted 2/7/2024
Sealaska’s Naxtoo.aat/Wayi Wah/Hágwsdaa (Let’s Go!) policy committee hosted a virtual shareholder update on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024 for an audience of over 170 shareholders. The event was focused on Sealaska’s policy priorities for the 2024 year and offered shareholders an opportunity to learn more about ongoing initiatives, supportive advocacy and how they can get involved on an individual level.
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Posted 2/1/2024
Posted 2/1/2024
Sealaska is now accepting applications for 2024-2025 language grants, which support efforts to preserve Sm’algyax, X̱aad Kíl and Lingít. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. Learn more and apply at https://sealaska.com/stories/language-revitalization/. Sealaska’s investment in languages is made possible by a $10 million endowment…
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Posted 1/11/2024
Posted 1/11/2024
As we begin the year and look ahead, Sealaska is excited to share the planned locations for our annual meetings from 2024 to 2026. Each of these unique communities holds special significance to our people, providing us with the opportunity to connect with shareholders throughout our traditional homelands in a more personal, meaningful way. Sealaska’s annual meeting of shareholders…
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Posted 12/9/2023
Posted 12/9/2023
In a year marked by significant growth, Sealaska’s Board of Directors announced that it remains excited about 2023’s financial performance and looks forward to significant growth planned for 2024. The company’s ocean health business platform, Woocheen, LLC, continues to expand its scope of work around the planet, most recently through Seas Geosciences, LLC’s work on the first floating offshore…
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Posted 12/7/2023
Posted 12/7/2023
On a sunny October afternoon in Spokane, Washington, over 2,500 Indigenous students were gathered to attend the 2023 American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) National Conference. Among them were a cohort of more than 100 Sealaska and Sealaka Heritage Institute (SHI) sponsored college and high school students, Alaska Youth Stewards crew members, and Southeast Alaska educators…
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Posted 11/8/2023
Posted 11/8/2023
With a growing, high-performing global business and skilled management team in place, Sealaska CEO Anthony Mallott announced he is leaving his position to help the Alaska Native Corporation shape a new leadership structure for the years to come. “Now that we have a strong international business platform, we are thinking about how to do more to use business successes to benefit shareholders…
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Posted 11/2/2023
Posted 11/2/2023
As part of our commitment to the shareholders and communities who make us who we are, Sealaska will issue a fall distribution totaling $13.6 million, to be issued to shareholders on Thursday, Nov. 9. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a board meeting held in Juneau on Thursday, Nov. 2. After the fall distribution is made, a total of $17.2 million (approximately $5.85…
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Posted 9/27/2023
Posted 9/27/2023
On September 26, a virtual shareholder event focused on Sealaska’s policy efforts and how the company advocates for our traditional way of life. The Sealaska Policy Committee, known as Naxtoo.aat/Wayi Wah/Hágwsdaa – which translates to “Let’s Go!” in Lingít, Sm’algyax, and Xaad Kíl – was established by the board to drive change and ensure that shareholder priorities are met at the local, state…
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Posted 9/27/2023
Posted 9/27/2023
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. Canoes from Southeast and the Hokulea at the 2023 Moananuiākea Global Launch in Juneau. In June…
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Posted 9/19/2023
Posted 9/19/2023
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. In June, Southeast Alaska was honored to welcomed Hawaiian relatives from the Polynesian Voyaging Society to the…
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Posted 9/13/2023
Posted 9/13/2023
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. In June 2023, Southeast Alaska was honored to welcome Hawaiian relatives from the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) to the…
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Posted 9/6/2023
Posted 9/6/2023
by Shareholder Development Intern Evan Roberts Sealaska’s intern program is structured to provide support to every intern as they begin their new positions – for many, this is their first full-time job experience. This summer, through the intern “buddy” program, a number of interns had the opportunity to pair up with Sealaska intern alumni as their buddies, a full-circle experience…
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Posted 8/16/2023
Posted 8/16/2023
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…
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Posted 8/8/2023
Posted 8/8/2023
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…
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Posted 8/3/2023
Posted 8/3/2023
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.
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Posted 7/13/2023
Posted 7/13/2023
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…
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Posted 6/16/2023
Posted 6/16/2023
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…
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Posted 6/16/2023
Posted 6/16/2023
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…
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Posted 6/13/2023
Posted 6/13/2023
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…
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Posted 6/9/2023
Posted 6/9/2023
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…
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Posted 6/5/2023
Posted 6/5/2023
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…
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Posted 6/1/2023
Posted 6/1/2023
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…
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Posted 5/15/2023
Posted 5/15/2023
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…
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Posted 5/10/2023
Posted 5/10/2023
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…
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Posted 5/8/2023
Posted 5/8/2023
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…
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Posted 5/5/2023
Posted 5/5/2023
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…
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Posted 5/3/2023
Posted 5/3/2023
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, Barbara Cadiente Nelson, Marcella Asicksik…
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Posted 5/1/2023
Posted 5/1/2023
In a recent virtual Q&A session, directors provided information on their work from the recent board meeting towards shareholder priorities and shared the schedule for upcoming community meetings throughout the month of May. Our directors also provided an update from the recent shareholder survey. A record-breaking 5,437 shareholders participated in this year’s shareholder survey…
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Posted 4/21/2023
Posted 4/21/2023
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…
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Posted 11/9/2022
Posted 11/9/2022
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…
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Posted 10/31/2022
Posted 10/31/2022
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…
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Posted 9/14/2022
Posted 9/14/2022
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.
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Posted 9/8/2022
Posted 9/8/2022
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…
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Posted 8/15/2022
Posted 8/15/2022
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 was born and raised in Dzantik’i Héeni (Juneau). His Tlingit name is Deikeenaak’w (Little Haida)…
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Posted 7/20/2022
Posted 7/20/2022
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…
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Posted 7/11/2022
Posted 7/11/2022
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.
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Posted 6/27/2022
Posted 6/27/2022
Irish company will expand global geosciences capabilities 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 Causeway is becoming part of Sealaska’s ocean-health business platform. Run through a Seattle-based company called Woocheen…
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Posted 6/16/2022
Posted 6/16/2022
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)…
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Posted 5/5/2022
Posted 5/5/2022
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 is designing solutions to some of the planet’s greatest…
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Posted 5/2/2022
Posted 5/2/2022
Community Meeting Information
Sealaska shareholders are invited to join us at upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings to learn more about Sealaska business operations, candidates running for the board, upcoming opportunities and connect with fellow shareholders and descendants.We hope all interested shareholders find events to attend that work with their schedules and comfort level – whether in person or virtually – and look forward to connecting with you soon!
Posted 4/26/2022
Posted 4/26/2022
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…
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Posted 4/21/2022
Posted 4/21/2022
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…
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Posted 4/18/2022
Posted 4/18/2022
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…
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Posted 4/12/2022
Posted 4/12/2022
Blood Quantum Q & A
In the past year, Sealaska has hosted a variety of conversations on Native identity and conducted extensive outreach to shareholders and descendants about the issue. The purpose of these efforts was to better understand how blood quantum impacts our community, and to provide background and context to shareholders. Topics included how blood quantum was incorporated into...
Posted 4/12/2022
Posted 4/12/2022
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…
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Posted 4/11/2022
Posted 4/11/2022
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 for the period ending December 31, 2021. Sealaska will publish the audited financials in early May.
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Posted 4/5/2022
Posted 4/5/2022
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…
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Posted 2/24/2022
Posted 2/24/2022
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…
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Posted 2/17/2022
Posted 2/17/2022
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…
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Posted 1/21/2022
Posted 1/21/2022
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…
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Posted 12/28/2021
Posted 12/28/2021
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.
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Posted 11/23/2021
Posted 11/23/2021
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…
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Posted 11/22/2021
Posted 11/22/2021
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…
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Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
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…
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Posted 10/25/2021
Posted 10/25/2021
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.
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Posted 8/31/2021
Posted 8/31/2021
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.
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Posted 8/22/2021
Posted 8/22/2021
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 learning about land management and STEM careers in partnership with a variety of other employers like Tribes and the U.S. Forest Service.
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Posted 8/12/2021
Posted 8/12/2021
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.
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Posted 7/7/2021
Posted 7/7/2021
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.
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Posted 5/25/2021
Posted 5/25/2021
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…
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Posted 5/13/2021
Posted 5/13/2021
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…
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Posted 5/4/2021
Posted 5/4/2021
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. “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…
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Posted 4/8/2021
Posted 4/8/2021
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,”…
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Posted 4/2/2021
Posted 4/2/2021
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…
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Posted 4/1/2021
Posted 4/1/2021
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…
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Posted 3/17/2021
Posted 3/17/2021
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…
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Posted 2/9/2021
Posted 2/9/2021
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.
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Posted 1/28/2021
Posted 1/28/2021
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.
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Posted 1/27/2021
Posted 1/27/2021
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…
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Posted 12/9/2020
Posted 12/9/2020
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…
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Posted 12/9/2020
Posted 12/9/2020
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…
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Posted 12/8/2020
Posted 12/8/2020
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…
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Posted 11/17/2020
Posted 11/17/2020
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…
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Posted 10/2/2020
Posted 10/2/2020
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…
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Posted 9/28/2020
Posted 9/28/2020
(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…
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Posted 9/25/2020
Posted 9/25/2020
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…
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Posted 9/1/2020
Posted 9/1/2020
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…
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Posted 8/31/2020
Posted 8/31/2020
The 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…
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Posted 8/5/2020
Posted 8/5/2020
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…
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Posted 8/3/2020
Posted 8/3/2020
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…
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Posted 7/31/2020
Posted 7/31/2020
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, pickles and seasonings. They also transform other…
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Posted 6/22/2020
Posted 6/22/2020
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.
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Posted 6/19/2020
Posted 6/19/2020
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…
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Posted 6/12/2020
Posted 6/12/2020
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…
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Posted 6/4/2020
Posted 6/4/2020
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…
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Posted 6/1/2020
Posted 6/1/2020
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. “The best part about my job is being able to support the line firefighters and make sure they have the tools and training to get out…
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Posted 5/29/2020
Posted 5/29/2020
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…
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Posted 5/5/2020
Posted 5/5/2020
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…
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Posted 4/14/2020
Posted 4/14/2020
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…
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Posted 4/9/2020
Posted 4/9/2020
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.
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Posted 4/8/2020
Posted 4/8/2020
These 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…
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Posted 4/7/2020
Posted 4/7/2020
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…
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Posted 3/27/2020
Posted 3/27/2020
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…
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Posted 2/25/2020
Posted 2/25/2020
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…
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Posted 2/13/2020
Posted 2/13/2020
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…
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Posted 2/10/2020
Posted 2/10/2020
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.
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Posted 1/30/2020
Posted 1/30/2020
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. 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 see herself as a…
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Posted 1/8/2020
Posted 1/8/2020
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…
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Posted 12/20/2019
Posted 12/20/2019
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…
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Posted 12/11/2019
Posted 12/11/2019
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…
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Posted 11/13/2019
Posted 11/13/2019
Accounting Intern Finds Career Confidence while Connecting with Tlingit Heritage By: Mikki Moriarty, 2019 Accounting Intern I 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 logical arguments in…
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Posted 11/7/2019
Posted 11/7/2019
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…
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Posted 10/31/2019
Posted 10/31/2019
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 Institute William L. Paul Sr. Archives Hello from the William L. Paul Sr. Archives at Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI). Today we’d like to give you all a quick tour to…
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Posted 7/29/2019
Posted 7/29/2019
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.
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Posted 3/19/2019
Posted 3/19/2019
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 directly betters elders in rural…
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Posted 11/5/2018
Posted 11/5/2018
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 hundreds of congressional, state and local races across the…
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Posted 10/8/2018
Posted 10/8/2018
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 red tape and…
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Posted 9/17/2018
Posted 9/17/2018
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 with Tlingit & Haida…
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Posted 9/6/2018
Posted 9/6/2018
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 hesitant in even starting the application process simply because…
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Posted 8/30/2018
Posted 8/30/2018
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 Southeast Alaska.
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Posted 6/23/2018
Posted 6/23/2018
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 management and its board about how the company continues to…
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Posted 6/8/2018
Posted 6/8/2018
A letter from Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson discussing the 2018 Celebration theme “Respect: Weigh Your Words” 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 stayed the same. Technology changes every few months.
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