Sealaska Updates Shareholders on Policy Efforts
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
On September 26, a virtual shareholder event focused on Sealaska’s policy efforts and how the company advocates for our traditional way of life. The Sealaska Policy Committee, known as Naxtoo.aat/Wayi Wah/Hágwsdaa – which translates to “Let’s Go!” in Lingít, Sm’algyax, and Xaad Kíl – was established by the board to drive change and ensure that shareholder priorities are met at the local, state, and federal levels.
The committee’s chair, ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake, Director Nicole Hallingstad, and Jaeleen Kookesh, Vice President of Public Policy and Legal Affairs, provided updates during the event. Some key updates included:
ANCSA Omnibus Bill: Over the past 52 years, ANCSA has undergone several amendments. Sealaska has been collaborating with stakeholders across the state for the past six months to identify potential amendments.
Farm Bill: Sealaska is closely monitoring this significant piece of legislation for funding opportunities that could benefit the region.
State funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System: The importance of the marine highway system in our communities throughout Southeast Alaska was discussed on how we need to continue to advocate for the appropriate funding for the system.
If you missed the virtual event, you could access an archive of it on MySealaska.com. Additionally, Sealaska addressed questions and comments from shareholders during the event.
Q: How is Sealaska supporting Alaska Native Vietnam-era Veterans Land Allotment Program?
A: Sealaska has been involved legislatively, advocating reopening the allotment Act, to allow those who were serving their country but missed the original application process to be eligible. That was approved and the program is open to all eligible Alaska Natives who served in the armed forces between Aug. 5, 1964, and Dec. 31, 1971. But the land available for allotment selections is not within the region. Sealaska continues to push this issue with the Alaska delegation. This is a top public policy priority with the board. We are advocating for adequate reparations for our native veterans who served in Vietnam.
PLEASE NOTE the program continues to seek connections from about 150 eligible veterans. The Bureau of Land Management Alaska has additional details and information on its website. Quick link here.
Q: Who is Sealaska supporting for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council Alaska Native Tribal Seat?
A: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council Alaska, Native Tribal Seat is an important voice at the table. The Tribal Seat is part of the NPFMC advisory panel. It’s important to find a viable candidate that can represent the Alaska Native voice.
Q: How can the blood quantum requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act evolve to support the Native community?
A: Amending MMPA would require all Alaska Natives coming together for a solution to the requirement. Federal leaders overseeing MMPA would like to a united approach to amendments, but the options discussed do not have full support from regions in the state. For example, Southeast may want to do away with the blood quantum requirement, while other regions in the state do not agree.
To view the archive please visit the “Events” on MySealaska.com
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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.
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.
We are continuing our search for a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Sealaska’s president. It is important that we find the right candidate to fill this position, which is why the Sealaska board of directors is being as exacting as possible as we search for a candidate capable of amplifying the impact of our mission and providing benefits that empower our shareholders. To this end, the Sealaska board of directors recently revised the job description for the position of president and sought the assistance of a professional recruiting firm. Our hope is to announce a successful candidate as our new president this coming summer.
After considering the recently announced U.S. Postal Service delays to First-Class Mail in conjunction with a paper proxy error leading shareholders who wish to vote by mail to potentially wait for their regularly scheduled second proxy mailing, we have made the decision to extend the early bird deadline to June 6. We are listening to shareholders and want to give everyone the best chance to qualify as an early bird. Thank you for understanding and thank you for voting.
Shareholders, an error occurred when printing proxy cards regarding the number of shares you own and votes you have in the top right corner of your proxy card. This error does not affect the validity of your paper proxy, nor does it affect voting on MySealaska.com through the Election Connection portal
Early birds, it’s your time to fly! Congratulations to our 2024 winners.
Sealaska shareholders are invited to join us at our upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings to learn more about Sealaska business operations, upcoming opportunities and connect with fellow shareholders and descendants.
Sealaska shareholders are now able to view and download their IRS Form 1099-DIV for 2023. Printed 1099 tax forms will be mailed on or before Jan. 26.
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Sealaska shareholders are now able to view and download their IRS Form 1099-DIV for 2022. Printed 1099 tax forms will be mailed on or before Jan. 27.
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