Juneau Police Chief Recognized with 2021 AFN Presidents’ Award
Monday, December 13, 2021
As 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, beginning in 1992 as a Reserve Officer with the Sitka Police Department,” said Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson, who also serves as AFN Co-Chair.
Chief Mercer is a life-long Alaskan who grew up in Southeast Alaska. He enjoys the beauty and outdoors the state has to offer. He can also be found participating in the annual Gold Medal Basketball Tournament or at the bi-ennial event Celebration.
Mercer joined the Juneau Police Department in 2000. His assignments have been in patrol, special ops, investigations, drug unit and fleet management. He has been promoted through the ranks from police officer to deputy chief and then, in 2017, chief of police.
Mercer holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Herzing University in Madison, Wisconsin, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He serves on the boards for the Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police and the Alaska Police Standards Council and is a member of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Northwest Group.
Ed Mercer is Tlingit, Raven, Coho on his paternal side. On his maternal side, Mercer is of the Iowa-Nebraska Buffalo Tribe. His parents are Barbara and Ed Mercer Sr. His grandparents were Edwin D. Mercer and Emma Williams (paternal) and Ralph Green and Helen Boyd Green (maternal). Mercer grew up in Southeast Alaska and is a lifelong Alaskan.
View Chief Mercer’s acceptance speech:
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Posted 4/10/2026
Posted 4/10/2026
Aak’w Kwáan (Juneau, Alaska) — The Sealaska Board of Directors met this Friday and approved the amount for Sealaska’s upcoming distribution. A spring 2026 distribution totaling $29.7 million will be issued to shareholders on Thursday, April 16. The upcoming distribution includes dividends totaling $3 million from Sealaska’s ocean-health business platform, $3.6 million from the Marjorie V.
Posted 2/7/2026
Posted 2/7/2026
Sealaska welcomes Madeline Soboleff Levy as our new Vice President of Policy and Corporate Affairs.
Posted 1/28/2026
Posted 12/17/2025
Posted 12/17/2025
Sealaska is pleased to welcome Heather Shá xat k’ei Gurko as our new Director of Shareholder Communications.
Posted 11/12/2025
Posted 11/12/2025
Sealaska is announcing a Fall 2025 distribution totaling $11.8 million, to be issued to shareholders on Thursday, November 13. The board of directors approved the distribution at its meeting on Friday, November 7. The upcoming distribution includes $2.9 million in dividends from Sealaska’s operations, $3.6 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund, and $5.3…
Posted 11/7/2025
Posted 11/7/2025
Aak’w Kwáan (Juneau, Alaska), November 7, 2025 — Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved a $11.8 million fall distribution to shareholders to be issued Thursday, Nov. 13. The distribution reflects Sealaska’s commitment to its people and culture. Including descendants in the distribution ensures equitable generational sharing that honors ancestral stewardship. Sealaska welcomes Caleb Lee…
Posted 10/8/2025
Posted 10/8/2025
October 8, 2025 — For the first time in decades, leaders from Southeast Alaska’s tribes, Native corporations and tribal organizations came together in Juneau, Alaska for a Native Roundtable. Held September 29-30, 2025, the two-day summit created a powerful platform for renewed collaboration, strategic dialogue and collective visioning around the most pressing issues facing the region’s communities.
Posted 9/18/2025
Posted 9/18/2025
Juneau, Alaska (September 18, 2025) — To the Other Shore: We are deeply saddened to share the passing of former Sealaska executive, T’weich eesh Clarence “Clay” Antioquia, at the age of 85. A highly respected statewide leader in the Alaska Native community, Clay was Eagle, T’eikweidí, and Bear House (Yakutat). He was born in Sitka, Alaska, the son of Roman Antioquia…
Posted 8/26/2025
Posted 8/26/2025
Juneau, Alaska (August 26, 2025) — The Sealaska Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Dybdahl as the corporation’s new President, following a thorough recruitment process. This leadership transition comes in parallel with updating the Sealaska strategic plan and refining the institution’s mission and vision. Sarah Dybdahl (Aanshawatk’i), Taakw.aaneidi clan…
Posted 8/15/2025
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…
Posted 7/28/2025
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…
Posted 7/11/2025
Posted 7/11/2025
SHI has an exciting position overseeing their STEAM programming and Post Secondary programming!
Posted 6/21/2025
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.
Posted 6/21/2025
Posted 6/10/2025
Posted 6/10/2025
Congratulations to our 2025 winners. At Sealaska, we are deeply grateful for your participation in this year’s election. Selecting exceptional leaders to help guide our shared future is one of the most meaningful ways for shareholders to engage with us. These winners were randomly selected from the pool of early birds by the Inspectors of Election. All payments will be processed this week and delivered via the payment method on file for distributions in MySealaska.com.
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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.
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…
Posted 4/21/2025
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…
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…
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.
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.
Posted 2/6/2025
Posted 2/6/2025
The 2025 Sealaska Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held Saturday, June 21 at Kake Community Building, located at 264 Keku Road, Kake, Alaska 99830. Sealaska will share a live webcast of the annual meeting through the MySealaska.com shareholder portal for those unable to attend in person. Here is some key information, including important deadlines, for shareholders: Complete or…
Posted 1/17/2025
Posted 1/17/2025
Contact: Amy Miller, 907-229-3524 amy.miller@tnc.org Alaska’s economy lost billions in fisheries earnings over the last 50 years ISER report summarizes decades of research to draw sobering conclusions JUNEAU — A new report by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research summarizes results from a variety of sources to draw a clear and compelling…
Posted 12/13/2024
Posted 12/13/2024
We are pleased to announce that Tlingit & Haida Executive Council and Sealaska board of directors met to engage in meaningful discussions on issues that matter most to tribal citizens and shareholders. This collaborative meeting was an important step toward finding pathways to create mutually beneficial outcomes while strengthening entities to better serve people and communities.
Posted 11/8/2024
Posted 11/8/2024
Sealaska is announcing a Fall 2024 distribution totaling $11.1 million to be issued to shareholders on Thursday, November 14. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a meeting held in Juneau on Friday, November 8. The distribution includes $3 million from Sealaska’s operations, $3.3 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Permanent Fund and an additional $4.8…
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.
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.
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…
Posted 9/6/2024
Posted 9/6/2024
Sealaska Board Names Richard Tashee Rinehart as board chair Leadership decision emphasize value for shareholders, Southeast Alaska Sealaska’s board of directors made Richard Tashee Rinehart the company’s new board chair during Thursday’s board meeting in Klawock. The board also appointed Terry Downes, current CEO of Sealaska business arm Woocheen, as Sealaska’s CEO.
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…
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…
Posted 8/27/2024
Posted 8/27/2024
Story and photography by Christian Gomez Sealaska’s Natural Resources team recently met with members of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local carvers on Prince of Wales Island for a three-day cedar tree inventory workshop. This collaboration, focused on scouting USFS land for cedar trees suitable for large-scale cultural art such as totem poles and canoes, marks a significant step in…
Posted 8/16/2024
Posted 8/16/2024
Early this summer, 34 students were guided through a series of financial wellness and career coaching workshops provided by #OneSealaska partner Spruce Root. Offered to the season’s cohort of shareholder interns as a part of Sealaska’s Intern Connect Week, the workshops provided participants an opportunity to grow existing knowledge and form new connections as they learned together as a group.
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…
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,”…
Posted 7/29/2024
Posted 7/29/2024
It’s that time of year again! Bring OUR FUTURE to life during the 2024 #SealaskaWayOfLife photo contest for a chance to win prizes. The contest begins Monday, July 29 and runs through Friday, August 30. 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…
Posted 6/29/2024
Posted 6/29/2024
A majority of Sealaska’s 26,000 shareholders voted to approve two resolutions at the 51st annual meeting of shareholders in Sitka on Saturday. Resolution One, a binding resolution to update outdated language in the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, passed with, 70.77% of the outstanding voting shares represented at the meeting voted in favor. 61.49% of the outstanding voting shares…
Posted 6/17/2024
Posted 6/17/2024
Early birds, it’s your time to fly! Congratulations to our 2024 winners.
Posted 5/6/2024
Posted 5/6/2024
Frederiksen shares in Sealaska’s vision for the region: a thriving future for Southeast Alaska. Derik Frederiksen believes in the people of Southeast Alaska — and with this belief comes excitement about the future of both people and place. With over 20 years of experience serving Sealaska’s operations in the region and beyond, his energy, ideas and on-the-ground insight will serve to catalyze…
Posted 5/2/2024
Posted 5/2/2024
Sitka Indian Village and its Clan Houses proudly announce their nomination for prestigious national and statewide historic preservation lists. The nominations include recognition on the National Trust’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” and the Alaska Association of Historic Preservations’ “10 Most Endangered Historic Properties.” Sitka Indian Village, first built in the 1820s…
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…
Posted 3/19/2024
Posted 3/19/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, April 12, 2024, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s 2024 spring distribution. The distribution will take place on Thursday, April 18. Shareholders can prepare for a seamless distribution by completing any enrollment or stock transfer paperwork, including gifting or inheritance, by Friday, April 12 at 4 p.m. The last day to make changes to…
Posted 3/5/2024
Posted 3/5/2024
A focus on strategy, values and excellence has led Desiree Anax x’aséigu yé Jackson to her new role as Sealaska’s Vice President of Administration and Outreach. Jackson has served as the executive director of Goldbelt Heritage Foundation for the past three years, and in key roles at Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority and the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium prior.
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…
Posted 2/26/2024
Posted 2/26/2024
Sealaska’s Shareholder Relations team hosted a virtual shareholder orientation on Tuesday, Feb. 20 for an audience of nearly 170 shareholders from far and wide. This event offered both new and long-term shareholders a chance to learn more about the benefits and responsibilities of being a shareholder and answer questions about specific Shareholder Relations policies, procedures and protocol.
Posted 2/22/2024
Posted 2/22/2024
Five seats on the Sealaska board of directors will be filled through this year’s annual board elections. Sealaska is seeking qualified shareholders to apply for nomination, including one board-endorsed seat, and three board-endorsed incumbents running for reelection. At least one seat will be filled by an independent candidate.Shareholders interested in serving for a three-year term as a Sealaska…
Posted 2/14/2024
Posted 2/14/2024
The 2024 Sealaska Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held Saturday, June 29 in Sitka at Harrigan Centennial Hall, located at 330 Harbor Dr., Sitka, AK 99835. Sealaska will share a live webcast of the annual meeting through the MySealaska.com shareholder portal for those unable to attend in person. Here is some key information, including important deadlines, for shareholders…
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.
Posted 2/5/2024
Posted 2/5/2024
The Sealaska board of directors met in a board meeting held on Friday, Jan. 26 to review yearly priorities, receive updates from the management team and approve donation requests. Executive Chair Joe Nelson opened the meeting with recognition of long-term shareholder employee Thea Brown, who will be retiring in early March after 40 years of service. Nelson also detailed internal efforts to elevate…
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…
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…
Posted 12/21/2023
Posted 12/21/2023
Dear Shareholders, Serving Sealaska has been one of my life’s great honors, and I am filled with gratitude for the years we have spent together, through my nine years of service as president and CEO and the eight years prior as your chief investment officer. In the weeks since my departure was announced, I have been humbled by your kindness and resolve to keep working together toward our…
Posted 12/12/2023
Posted 12/12/2023
Much has happened in the years since Sealaska was last able to gather with Seattle shareholders and celebrate the holidays in 2019 – and based on the turnout at last Saturday’s holiday gathering, it was time. Sealaska welcomed approximately 1,000 shareholders and their families to the festivities. Sealaska’s staff and board of directors were excited to offer an event that provided shareholders…
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…
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…
Posted 11/17/2023
Posted 11/17/2023
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. On Nov. 7, Sealaska directors provided an update from the November board meeting, held on Nov. 2…
Posted 11/11/2023
Posted 11/11/2023
Two incredible individuals, Anthony Mallott and Jaeleen Kookesh, have announced they are leaving their roles at Sealaska. As they move on to pursue new opportunities, we take this moment to reflect on their contributions to our company and communities. Anthony Mallott’s tenure at Sealaska has been nothing short of transformative. His leadership as CEO has been marked by a commitment to our…
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…
Posted 11/7/2023
Posted 11/7/2023
The Sealaska Board of Directors met in Juneau on Thursday, Nov. 2 to approve a fall distribution totaling $13.6 million. The distribution will be issued to shareholders on Nov. 9. Sealaska’s distributions are made up of funds from three sources: Sealaska operations, the Marjorie V. Young Shareholder Permanent Fund and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act’s Section 7(i) resource revenue…
Posted 11/3/2023
Posted 11/3/2023
Curious about the math and analysis behind the ANCSA distributions you receive from Sealaska? Read onward to learn more. Sealaska’s fall 2023 distribution is noticeably different than the spring distribution issued earlier this year, which saw an unusually high 7(i) payment of $18 million. The large 7(i) payment seen in the spring distribution was unusual, a one-off situation not expected…
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…
Posted 11/1/2023
Posted 11/1/2023
Sealaska, in partnership with the Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) out of Thorne Bay and Craig, spent a week out on Sealaska lands in West Polk inlet this August, working to locate red and yellow cedar trees. The goal of the visit was to identify trees suited to serve as “monumental logs” in support of cultural community projects. The project is part…
Posted 10/31/2023
Posted 10/31/2023
Look for link to download portraits at the bottom. The smell of sanded cedar filled the Steele Gallery at the Heard Museum on October 28. About 40 Sealaska shareholders, all at once, were sanding their own small dance paddles in preparation for painted formline designed by Tlingit master artist Doug Chilton. The sound of 40 people sanding at once echoed through the facility.
Posted 10/25/2023
Posted 10/25/2023
Southeast Alaska Native leaders call on other Pacific leaders to sign declaration, a symbol of collaboration and commitment toward shared goals surrounding climate justice. As the Moananuiākea voyage circumnavigates the Pacific Ocean over the next four years, communities around the Pacific Ocean will welcome their canoe, the Hōkūleʻa, to port. All are invited to join Southeast Alaska Native…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Posted 8/9/2023
Posted 8/9/2023
Sealaska directors were pleased to provide an update from the July board meeting and offer space for questions at the third quarter Virtual Board Q&A session, held on August 8. Shareholders from around Alaska and across the country participated in the online Q&A, as the board shared the latest on both a personal level and with board activities. Shareholders can view previous virtual meetings by…
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…
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.
Posted 8/2/2023
Posted 8/2/2023
“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 can preview it here until August 8. This award-winning short documentary by Haida director ‘Wáats’asdiyei Joe Yates stands in…
Posted 7/17/2023
Posted 7/17/2023
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…
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…
Posted 7/12/2023
Posted 7/12/2023
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.
Posted 7/10/2023
Posted 7/10/2023
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…
Posted 7/6/2023
Posted 7/6/2023
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 finance and investment to cultural…
Posted 6/24/2023
Posted 6/24/2023
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…
Posted 6/22/2023
Posted 6/22/2023
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.
Posted 6/22/2023
Posted 6/22/2023
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Posted 5/23/2023
Posted 5/23/2023
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 vocational-technical programs. “By supporting students on their educational path…
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…
Posted 5/10/2023
Posted 5/10/2023
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…
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…
Posted 5/4/2023
Posted 5/4/2023
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…
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…
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…
Posted 4/19/2023
Posted 4/19/2023
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…
Posted 4/14/2023
Posted 4/14/2023
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…
Posted 3/24/2023
Posted 3/24/2023
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 circumnavigate the Pacific. The voyage’s leaders hope to inspire future navigators while bringing awareness to our changing climate and the impact climate change is having on our…
Posted 3/22/2023
Posted 3/22/2023
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…
Posted 3/1/2023
Posted 3/1/2023
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…
Film is a mirror: Sealaska shareholder descendant Miciana Hutcherson reflects on Black History Month
Posted 2/23/2023
Posted 2/23/2023
On Monday, Jan. 20, ‘Fancy Dance’—a film about matrilineal love and the complexities of family and care in Indigenous communities—premiered at Eccles Theater at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Sealaska shareholder and descendant Miciana Áak’w Ta Sháa Alise co-wrote the film alongside Seneca–Cayuga filmmaker Erica Tremblay, who recently worked as a writer and executive story…
Posted 2/9/2023
Posted 2/9/2023
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 Key Deadlines Shareholder Resolutions Information Under Sealaska…
Posted 2/8/2023
Posted 2/8/2023
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!
Posted 1/31/2023
Posted 1/31/2023
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 goal of increasing proficiency of advanced learners of Southeast Alaska’s three Indigenous…
Posted 1/13/2023
Posted 1/13/2023
“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’…
Posted 1/9/2023
Posted 1/9/2023
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…
Posted 1/2/2023
Posted 1/2/2023
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 of Indigenous skiers and…
Posted 11/17/2022
Posted 11/17/2022
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…
Posted 11/14/2022
Posted 11/14/2022
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.
Posted 11/11/2022
Posted 11/11/2022
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…
Posted 11/7/2022
Posted 11/7/2022
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…
Posted 11/7/2022
Posted 11/7/2022
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…
Posted 11/7/2022
Posted 11/7/2022
Sealaska published a special edition Shareholder Newsletter. The following was included.
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…
Posted 10/28/2022
Posted 10/28/2022
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…
Posted 10/27/2022
Posted 10/27/2022
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: Four seats were open on the Southeast Alaska committee and two seats on the Outside of Alaska committee.
Posted 9/28/2022
Posted 9/28/2022
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…
Posted 9/27/2022
Posted 9/27/2022
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 path…
Posted 9/21/2022
Posted 9/21/2022
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…
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.
Posted 9/13/2022
Posted 9/13/2022
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…
Posted 9/9/2022
Posted 9/9/2022
“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.
Posted 9/8/2022
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…
Posted 9/8/2022
Posted 9/8/2022
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.
Posted 8/29/2022
Posted 8/29/2022
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…
Posted 8/15/2022
Posted 8/15/2022
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 state…
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)…
Posted 8/4/2022
Posted 8/4/2022
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…
Posted 7/28/2022
Posted 7/28/2022
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.
Posted 7/26/2022
Posted 7/26/2022
“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.
Posted 7/21/2022
Posted 7/21/2022
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…
Posted 7/21/2022
Posted 7/21/2022
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…
Posted 7/20/2022
Posted 7/20/2022
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…
Posted 7/15/2022
Posted 7/15/2022
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 ways to take your next steps in your education or career pathway!
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…
Posted 6/27/2022
Posted 6/27/2022
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 working relationships saw the trio reunited again in a new, fledgling company that was set up to target…
Posted 6/25/2022
Posted 6/25/2022
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…
Posted 6/23/2022
Posted 6/23/2022
The 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 Sm’álgyax language revitalization. The first awards recognized Elder/birth speakers. The new Sealaska language awards are named after Galtín Tá Gooch Clarence Jackson Sr. for his championing of language…
Posted 6/22/2022
Posted 6/22/2022
“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.
Posted 6/15/2022
Posted 6/15/2022
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…
Posted 6/15/2022
Posted 6/15/2022
“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…
Posted 6/6/2022
Posted 6/6/2022
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…
Posted 5/25/2022
Posted 5/25/2022
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.
Posted 5/23/2022
Posted 5/23/2022
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.
Posted 5/23/2022
Posted 5/23/2022
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…
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…
Posted 5/2/2022
Posted 5/2/2022
Annual Meeting Prizes
Prize RulesYou do not have to be present to win.Board members, Board nominees, officers and managers of Sealaska Corporation, its subsidiaries, or affiliates and their spouses and minor children are not eligible for the annual meeting and Early Bird drawings. Employees of Sealaska or its affiliates are not eligible for annual meeting door prizes.To be eligible for the Ea...
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 4/21/2022
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…
Posted 4/20/2022
Posted 4/20/2022
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 Young and guest carvers David R. Boxley, who is Tsimshian, and Rob Mills…
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
Welcome!
Identity and belonging are some of the most deeply felt, emotional issues for Native people. Many of us – regardless of whether we grew up immersed in our culture and on our lands – have questioned whether we are “Native enough.” Maybe it’s because we don’t speak the language. Maybe it’s because our skin is light. Maybe it’s because we aspire to live a...
Posted 4/12/2022
Posted 4/12/2022
How Many Shareholders?
Based on estimates produced by Sealaska, there are approximately 15,000 descendants of original shareholders who have less than one-quarter Alaska Native blood quantum. This estimate is based on comparing the number of shareholders currently in Sealaska with the number of enrolled tribal citizens of Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, along...
Posted 4/12/2022
Posted 4/12/2022
How BQ Incorporated into ANCSA
Blood quantum and ANCSAWhen the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was passed into law in 1971, it contained an eligibility standard of one-quarter Alaska Native blood quantum. Today, 10 of the 12 Alaska Native regional corporations maintain the requirement of one-quarter or more Native blood quantum for enrollment, including Sealaska. (Shareholders of ...
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.
Posted 4/8/2022
Posted 4/8/2022
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…
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…
Posted 4/5/2022
Posted 4/5/2022
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.
Posted 4/4/2022
Posted 4/4/2022
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…
Posted 3/25/2022
Posted 3/25/2022
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.
Posted 3/23/2022
Posted 3/23/2022
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Posted 3/18/2022
Posted 3/18/2022
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…
Posted 2/28/2022
Posted 2/28/2022
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: See current open opportunities below.
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…
Posted 2/9/2022
Posted 2/9/2022
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…
Posted 2/9/2022
Posted 2/9/2022
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…
Posted 1/27/2022
Posted 1/27/2022
The 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’…
Posted 1/27/2022
Posted 1/27/2022
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.
Posted 1/24/2022
Posted 1/24/2022
Sealaska shareholders will be able to view and download their IRS Form 1099-DIV for 2021 beginning Monday, Jan. 24. 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 of…
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.
Posted 12/17/2021
Posted 12/17/2021
Gunalchéesh, Háw’aa, T’oya̱xsut ‘nüüsm for joining us today! This year, Sealaska had two opportunities for shareholders to win cash prizes: All cash prizes will be delivered in the manner you receive your deposits via MySealaska.com. Over 1,000 of you that tuned into the holiday fair were automatically entered for event door prizes. Congratulations and thank you all for attending.
Posted 12/13/2021
Posted 12/13/2021
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 award is presented to people who uplift people, enrich spirits, and unify people. Ruth Demmert was raised…
Posted 12/13/2021
Posted 12/13/2021
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 Edgerton Foundation, based in Los Angeles. The foundations are delighted to announce their partnership in support of the Seacoast Trust endowment, which will be led by Indigenous values…
Posted 12/10/2021
Posted 12/10/2021
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…
Posted 12/3/2021
Posted 12/3/2021
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…
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…
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…
Posted 11/19/2021
Posted 11/19/2021
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…
Posted 11/17/2021
Posted 11/17/2021
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…
Posted 11/5/2021
Posted 11/5/2021
What Are Shareholders Saying?
How does blood quantum impact your life?We asked this simple question and received more than 700 responses so far. Below are a few of the perspectives we have heard. Some of these posts you will love. Some you may not. Sealaska is sharing a variety of perspectives to help inform the discussion on this important issue. If you’d like to weigh in, please do so at this link.
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Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
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 collaborativeSupporting traditional ways of life (subsistence)Sustainable rural communities; employmentEducationCultural and language preservationLand into trustCelebration 1998There can be disagr...
Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
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 U...
Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
Enrolling with Sealaska
Sealaska has have moved to a paperless enrollment process. We have also simplified the application process as well.
We have dropped the notarization requirements.
Applicants can take a picture and upload supporting documents (supporting documents include your birth certificate, CIB, and potentially your parents and or grandparents birth certificates).
WHO IS ELIGIBLE...
Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
Sealaska Shareholder Benefits
Sealaska is committed to investing in areas that benefit shareholders. This includes funding educational and professional development programs like scholarships and internships, providing semi-annual distributions to shareholders, and donating to cultural programs. The following chart highlights some of the benefits Sealaska has provided shareholders.
Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
Owners of Sealaska
To be eligible to be an owner of Sealaska, original shareholders had to have at least one quarter Native blood quantum and be born by Dec. 18, 1971, when ANCSA was approved. Sealaska enrolled 15,782 original shareholders. “Matthew Mills (2 years old) and his daddy, Levi Mills, hunting for blueberries. Teaching them young to respect all things in the world.”Under the 1991 AN...
Posted 11/4/2021
Posted 11/4/2021
About Sealaska
We believe a better future for people and the planet is within reach.We are a for-profit Alaska Native Corporation owned by more than 23,000 Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian shareholders. We draw inspiration from our shared heritage to protect our community’s greatest and most important resources – the oceans, forests, and people of Southeast Alaska. We hope these stories of our people, communities, and partners working together with purpose and pride will inspire others to join us.
Posted 11/4/2021
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…
Posted 11/3/2021
Posted 11/3/2021
About ANCSA
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA) was a new approach by Congress to federal Indian policy.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 KatoWith reservations in the Lower...
Posted 10/29/2021
Posted 10/29/2021
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…
Posted 10/28/2021
Posted 10/28/2021
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…
Posted 10/28/2021
Posted 10/28/2021
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…
Posted 10/26/2021
Posted 10/26/2021
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…
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.
Posted 10/14/2021
Posted 10/14/2021
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. The totem is being carved by master carver Wayne Price of Haines, and will be erected at the Kaasei…
Posted 10/12/2021
Posted 10/12/2021
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.
Posted 10/4/2021
Posted 10/4/2021
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…
Posted 9/30/2021
Posted 9/30/2021
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…
Posted 9/24/2021
Posted 9/24/2021
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…
Posted 9/15/2021
Posted 9/15/2021
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 Southeast Alaska. Sealaska is proud to commit $10 million to the establishment of the Seacoast Trust. Our $10 million is being matched with $7 million from The Nature Conservancy…
Posted 9/1/2021
Posted 9/1/2021
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 Troopers…
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.
Posted 8/17/2021
Posted 8/17/2021
On 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…
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.
Posted 8/9/2021
Posted 8/9/2021
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 investing in a range of…
Posted 8/4/2021
Posted 8/4/2021
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.
Posted 8/2/2021
Posted 8/2/2021
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…
Posted 7/13/2021
Posted 7/13/2021
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.
Posted 6/26/2021
Posted 6/26/2021
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…
Posted 6/25/2021
Posted 6/25/2021
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.
Posted 6/25/2021
Posted 6/25/2021
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.
Posted 6/7/2021
Posted 6/7/2021
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.
Posted 5/28/2021
Posted 5/28/2021
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. “Today, we mourn the loss of a colleague, a friend, a champion of Alaska Native people,” said Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson.
Posted 5/25/2021
Posted 5/25/2021
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 tremendous educational disruption and required great dedication and effort from…
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…
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…
Posted 5/7/2021
Posted 5/7/2021
The 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…
Posted 5/4/2021
Posted 5/4/2021
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, formally announced he will not seek another term on the Sealaska Board of Directors.
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…
Posted 5/4/2021
Posted 5/4/2021
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 Tate London formally announced he will not seek another term on the Sealaska Board of Directors.
Posted 5/3/2021
Posted 5/3/2021
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.
Posted 4/25/2021
Posted 4/25/2021
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…
Posted 4/19/2021
Posted 4/19/2021
At Sealaska, we are committed to finding ways to address the effects of global warming and sustaining healthy oceans. On Earth Day 2021, please join us in our conversation with the Polynesian Voyaging Society about ocean health and our shared responsibility as Native people in caring for our world. Over the years, Sealaska and representatives of different Indigenous Hawaiian groups have held…
Posted 4/19/2021
Posted 4/19/2021
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,” Jesse says. “It’s always recording everything that’s happening. The exciting part is being able to read and interpret it.”…
Posted 4/12/2021
Posted 4/12/2021
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…
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,”…
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…
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…
Shareholder Participation Committee Chairs Included in Selection Process for Board Endorsed Nominees
Posted 3/31/2021
Posted 3/31/2021
Sealaska’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…
Posted 3/30/2021
Posted 3/30/2021
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.” She fought the most serious challenges faced by her people for most of her life, earning the unofficial title of “First Lady for the First…
Posted 3/29/2021
Posted 3/29/2021
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…
Posted 2/24/2021
Posted 2/24/2021
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.
Posted 2/18/2021
Posted 2/18/2021
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…
Posted 2/17/2021
Posted 2/17/2021
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…
Posted 2/11/2021
Posted 2/11/2021
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.
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.
Posted 2/9/2021
Posted 2/9/2021
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 led some…
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.
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…
Posted 1/19/2021
Posted 1/19/2021
Students currently enrolled or interested in signing up to study Sm’algyax, X̱aad Kíl and Lingít through the University of Alaska Southeast this spring have access to newly available scholarship funds made possible by an agreement between Sealaska and UAS. Sealaska signed an agreement offering tuition support for students enrolled in the Spring 2021 semester in beginning…
Posted 1/11/2021
Posted 1/11/2021
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 better aligned with your – our owners’ – shared history, and also with our desire to ensure our precious natural resources are there for future generations. So…
Posted 1/11/2021
Posted 1/11/2021
Jan. 11, 2021 (Juneau, AK)—Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation that owns and manages 362,000 acres of land in Southeast Alaska, plans to transition out of logging operations in 2021. “Logging created value for our Alaska Native shareholders for decades, and it brought us to where we are today. We’re grateful for the commitment and professionalism that led to our success…
Posted 12/20/2020
Posted 12/20/2020
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…
Posted 12/14/2020
Posted 12/14/2020
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 communities to career paths…
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…
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…
Posted 11/22/2020
Posted 11/22/2020
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.
Posted 11/19/2020
Posted 11/19/2020
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…
Posted 11/16/2020
Posted 11/16/2020
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…
Posted 11/13/2020
Posted 11/13/2020
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…
Posted 11/11/2020
Posted 11/11/2020
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…
Posted 11/10/2020
Posted 11/10/2020
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…
Posted 11/3/2020
Posted 11/3/2020
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.
Posted 10/30/2020
Posted 10/30/2020
October 30, 2020 (Juneau, AK)—Sealaska, an Alaska Native Corporation owned by 23,000 Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian shareholders and owner of several food companies, including Seattle-based Orca Bay Foods, and New England Seafood International Limited (NESI), a respected, London-based supplier of fresh and frozen premium sustainable fish and seafood to retailers and leading food-service brands…
Posted 10/19/2020
Posted 10/19/2020
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…
Posted 10/14/2020
Posted 10/14/2020
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.
Posted 10/13/2020
Posted 10/13/2020
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…
Posted 10/5/2020
Posted 10/5/2020
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…
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…
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…
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…
Posted 9/21/2020
Posted 9/21/2020
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 non-profit organization founded in 1977 to increase the representation of American Indian…
Posted 9/18/2020
Posted 9/18/2020
This 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…
Posted 9/18/2020
Posted 9/18/2020
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 will become even more important in the years to come, and yet humans are…
Posted 9/15/2020
Posted 9/15/2020
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…
Posted 9/1/2020
Posted 9/1/2020
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 everything in 2020, this year’s camp was different, but the determination on the part of the Organized Village…
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…
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…
Posted 8/25/2020
Posted 8/25/2020
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, we directly relate with this way of life and have committed to serving the twin…
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…
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…
Posted 7/27/2020
Posted 7/27/2020
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. “Our indigenous languages hold our people’s ancient…
Posted 7/23/2020
Posted 7/23/2020
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…
Posted 7/23/2020
Posted 7/23/2020
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…
Posted 7/16/2020
Posted 7/16/2020
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.
Posted 7/7/2020
Posted 7/7/2020
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 not only engage with you directly, but also gain perspective on how our audience views our Native way of life. Creativity and freedom of interpretation is welcome and encouraged!
Posted 7/1/2020
Posted 7/1/2020
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…
Posted 6/28/2020
Posted 6/28/2020
Shareholders receive news at 2020 annual meeting The 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 announced record financial performance, which enabled significant growth in shareholder…
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…
Posted 6/18/2020
Posted 6/18/2020
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…
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…
Posted 6/11/2020
Posted 6/11/2020
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…
Posted 6/8/2020
Posted 6/8/2020
Letter from Board Chair Joe Nelson: #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd Outraged. 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 “civilized society” allows police…
Posted 6/8/2020
Posted 6/8/2020
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.
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…
Posted 6/1/2020
Posted 6/1/2020
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…
Posted 5/29/2020
Posted 5/29/2020
For 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’…
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…
Posted 5/29/2020
Posted 5/29/2020
Mike 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…
Posted 5/28/2020
Posted 5/28/2020
Sealaska published the 2019 Annual Report on May 1, 2020. Shareholders can view at MySealaska.com. We are sharing excerpts from the document. Sealaska 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…
Posted 5/21/2020
Posted 5/21/2020
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 questions and hear from leadership on the company’s financial performance. Due to health restrictions related to the pandemic…
Posted 5/21/2020
Posted 5/21/2020
Sealaska 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…
Posted 5/18/2020
Posted 5/18/2020
FINANCIAL OVERVIEW Sealaska 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 EBITDA following strong performance at Gregg Drilling. We completed the integration of Orca Bay and Odyssey Foods and are continuing to see growth in…
Posted 5/13/2020
Posted 5/13/2020
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.
Posted 5/8/2020
Posted 5/8/2020
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…
Posted 5/8/2020
Posted 5/8/2020
I 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.
Posted 5/6/2020
Posted 5/6/2020
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…
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…
Posted 5/4/2020
Posted 5/4/2020
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…
Posted 5/1/2020
Posted 5/1/2020
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…
Posted 4/21/2020
Posted 4/21/2020
In 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).
Posted 4/16/2020
Posted 4/16/2020
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.
Posted 4/15/2020
Posted 4/15/2020
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. Bennett 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…
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.
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…
Posted 3/27/2020
Posted 3/27/2020
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 unlike any other threat our organization has experienced, and the Consortium has…
Posted 3/9/2020
Posted 3/9/2020
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.
Posted 3/3/2020
Posted 3/3/2020
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: Sealaska looks at the uniqueness of Southeast Alaska as an opportunity to educate and inspire. Sealaska supports Sealaska Heritage Institute’s newest endeavor to establish Heritage Square in…
Posted 2/24/2020
Posted 2/24/2020
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…
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…
Posted 1/29/2020
Posted 1/29/2020
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! HOW 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 in and go to your…
Posted 1/29/2020
Posted 1/29/2020
Sealaska 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: About Event 23rd Annual Gathering, hosted by Southcentral Foundation Saturday, February 8…
Posted 1/25/2020
Posted 1/25/2020
Message from Shareholder Vicki Soboleff We just finished our first weaving classes, thanks to Sealaska’s Carving and Bark Program! Classes were held August 2019, through January 20, 2020. It was such a treat to teach the class alongside assistant teachers Fredrick Anderson and Carrie Sykes. I lived in Alaska for 48 years of my life and have fond memories of people and…
Posted 1/17/2020
Posted 1/17/2020
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. Helping Katu and many others is DonnaRae (Klinklia) James, president of the San Francisco Tlingit and Haida Community Council, and founder of CAlaska…
Posted 1/9/2020
Posted 1/9/2020
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.
Posted 1/2/2020
Posted 1/2/2020
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: The deadline to submit completed applications, supporting documents…
Posted 12/18/2019
Posted 12/18/2019
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. 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 Tlingit language and…
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…
Posted 12/9/2019
Posted 12/9/2019
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.
Posted 11/14/2019
Posted 11/14/2019
Database Management Intern Combines Love of Technology and the Environment By Mykalena Sheldon, 2019 Database Management Intern, MBS This summer I worked with Managed Business Solutions (MBS), a subsidiary of Sealaska, as their database management intern. MBS provides IT solutions to clients nationally for a wide range of topics. My summer was split into two sections, which gave me the…
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…
Posted 11/13/2019
Posted 11/13/2019
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…
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…
Posted 11/1/2019
Posted 11/1/2019
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.
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…
Posted 10/30/2019
Posted 10/30/2019
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…
Posted 10/28/2019
Posted 10/28/2019
The 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…
Posted 10/28/2019
Posted 10/28/2019
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.
Posted 10/23/2019
Posted 10/23/2019
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.com There are two ways to receive a Sealaska distribution payment: 1. Via direct deposit 2. Via mailed check The fastest and most efficient way to receive a…
Posted 10/17/2019
Posted 10/17/2019
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.
Posted 9/18/2019
Posted 9/18/2019
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 of the enemy at Contingency Location Dwyer…
Posted 8/16/2019
Posted 8/16/2019
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…
Posted 8/7/2019
Posted 8/7/2019
On my first trip to the job site in Oregon, my manager David McQueen and I went through a job site safety meeting and an overview of the project. I learned that the project was the removal of the old security entrance and construction of a new main security gate entrance for the U.S. Air Force base, which consisted of anti-terrorism and force protection upgrades. After I learned about what the…
Posted 7/22/2019
Posted 7/22/2019
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 be accepted…
Posted 6/22/2019
Posted 6/22/2019
ANCHORAGE – Shareholders elected Barbara Blake, the first-ever shareholder descendant to join the board of directors. Barbara is a former Sealaska Board Youth Advisor and currently serves as the director of the Alaska Native Policy Center with First Alaskans Institute. “It is an incredible moment in Sealaska history to witness the first shareholder descendant elected to the board.
Posted 6/18/2019
Posted 6/18/2019
“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 Sealaska is partnering with the Alaska Fellows Program on a new temporary…
Posted 6/10/2019
Posted 6/10/2019
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.
Posted 5/28/2019
Posted 5/28/2019
Apply by Friday, May 31, 2019 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 Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), Goldbelt Heritage Foundation, and Sealaska. Acknowledging that change starts with ourselves, the gathering will guide participants through a process of deepening self…
Posted 5/16/2019
Posted 5/16/2019
Sealaska is seeking engaged shareholders to form three shareholder participation committees, providing a new communication channel between Sealaska and its community. The three committees will represent Southcentral Alaska, Southeast Alaska, and the Lower 48 states and Hawaii. Each committee will have seven seats. Committee members will serve three-year staggered terms.
Posted 5/7/2019
Posted 5/7/2019
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 was authorized on May 6…
Posted 5/2/2019
Posted 5/2/2019
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 governance. “To me this is a sign…
Posted 4/23/2019
Posted 4/23/2019
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 were conducted by DHM…
Posted 4/22/2019
Posted 4/22/2019
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. *Anchorage community meeting will be webcast on MySealaska.
Posted 4/15/2019
Posted 4/15/2019
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 Corporation and Sealaska issued a…
Posted 4/3/2019
Posted 4/3/2019
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…
Posted 4/1/2019
Posted 4/1/2019
This news item is an update to our story we published on March 12, 2019. 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 Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans. The public lands package was approved in the U.S. Senate on February 12, 2019, with the U.S.
Posted 3/28/2019
Posted 3/28/2019
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 years.
Posted 3/27/2019
Posted 3/27/2019
“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. Our youth are capable of so much more than what we give them credit for. We Belong Here participants ended the three day gathering in a talking circle and speaking Haida. For thirty minutes…
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…
Posted 3/13/2019
Posted 3/13/2019
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 approved by Sealaska by March 29, 2019.
Posted 3/12/2019
Posted 3/12/2019
“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 (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA)…
Posted 2/14/2019
Posted 2/14/2019
“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 TIME March 18-19, 2019 Thunder Mountain High School Time 8:00-4:30 (daily) *breakfast provided for participants and family March 18, 2019 Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall Time: 6:30pm Tonia…
Posted 2/7/2019
Posted 2/7/2019
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 Shareholder Resolutions Shareholders who…
Posted 2/5/2019
Posted 2/5/2019
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 be part of Sealaska’s past.
Posted 2/1/2019
Posted 2/1/2019
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. The Board of Directors will make a final determination at the end of March.
Posted 1/22/2019
Posted 1/22/2019
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 carbon-offset project, which set aside over half of our forested lands to create a carbon bank.
Posted 1/14/2019
Posted 1/14/2019
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. Headquartered in Southern California, Gregg’s team of skilled engineers and technicians is equipped to help solve the growing challenges around groundwater supply and coastal engineering in the…
Posted 12/20/2018
Posted 12/20/2018
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 fishery. The lawsuit seeks to protect the sustainability of herring for future subsistence and traditional gathering.
Posted 12/18/2018
Posted 12/18/2018
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….. Enroll Today – Who Is Eligible Sealaska has a perpetual enrollment for life…
Posted 12/17/2018
Posted 12/17/2018
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…
Posted 12/7/2018
Posted 12/7/2018
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 far as 125 miles depending on wind speeds.
Posted 11/20/2018
Posted 11/20/2018
Sealaska is now accepting enrollment applications online through the shareholder portal, MySealaska.com. BENEFITS OF ENROLLING ONLINE Sealaska 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. WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ENROLL WITH SEALASKA? When Sealaska was established under the Alaska…
Posted 10/26/2018
Posted 10/26/2018
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: The fastest and most efficient way to receive a distribution is by direct deposit. Not only does it…
Posted 10/24/2018
Posted 10/24/2018
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 Totem Corporation…
Posted 10/15/2018
Posted 10/15/2018
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 Brotherhood and Alaska Native Sisterhood.
Posted 10/12/2018
Posted 10/12/2018
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.
Posted 10/11/2018
Posted 10/11/2018
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 Sealaska with a forum to address statewide issues of concern to the Alaska Native community…
Posted 10/10/2018
Posted 10/10/2018
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 and healthy. The 2018 Philanthropy Awards Dinner, held in September…
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…
Posted 10/2/2018
Posted 10/2/2018
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 calming force on the board – and with that came effectiveness. His leadership will be missed, but we look to only…
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…
Posted 9/10/2018
Posted 9/10/2018
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 $100,000 to Unite Alaska, a political action committee…
Posted 9/9/2018
Posted 9/9/2018
A Celebration of Life for Ross Soboleff will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2018. Celebration of Life Wednesday, September 12, 2018 Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall 320 W Willoughby Ave Juneau, AK 99081 3:30 – 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 Haida and Tlingit, Eagle/
Posted 9/4/2018
Posted 9/4/2018
The 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. “Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state in the…
Posted 9/3/2018
Posted 9/3/2018
by Andrew Wysocki, Sealaska 2018 communications summer intern Most internships involve showing up in business casual or professional attire, but not for Odyssey Foods intern Janae Vieira. Once she arrives at the warehouse in Seattle’s industrial district, she takes off any jewelry and puts on a lab coat, hair net and rain boots. Vieira is the first Sealaska intern at Odyssey Foods…
Posted 8/29/2018
Posted 8/29/2018
A letter from Sealaska board chair Joe Nelson 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 contracting with the federal government. I never want to minimize the…
Posted 8/28/2018
Posted 8/28/2018
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 runs and improve access and preserve the beach for the future.
Posted 8/24/2018
Posted 8/24/2018
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…
Posted 7/27/2018
Posted 7/27/2018
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 of respect for Director Soboleff and his family, the board is deferring action on filling the vacancy until Sealaska’s fall board meeting in September,” said Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson.
Posted 7/19/2018
Posted 7/19/2018
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. The ready building, located at Connecticut National Guard’s Camp Hartell, will be the first of its kind in the United…
Posted 6/26/2018
Posted 6/26/2018
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 its shareholders after the loss of a loved one. This program is a result of Sealaska’s growing financial strength and ongoing feedback from shareholders in support of…
Posted 6/12/2018
Posted 6/12/2018
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 some of the questions and comments…
Posted 6/11/2018
Posted 6/11/2018
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!
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.
Posted 6/7/2018
Posted 6/7/2018
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 ideas. To everyone who welcomed us and shared a meal with us, we thank you.
Posted 5/30/2018
Posted 5/30/2018
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)…
Posted 5/7/2018
Posted 5/7/2018
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. This program is a result of Sealaska’s growing financial strength…
Posted 5/1/2018
Posted 5/1/2018
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 increase to the Scholarship Endowment Fund since its…
Posted 2/6/2018
Posted 2/6/2018
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. The Sealaska Technical Services led Joint Venture is a critical subcontractor on the N3B Los…
Posted 5/10/2016
Posted 5/10/2016
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 cash flow from a simplified operating portfolio that is consistent with…
