Sealaska’s Future: For the Good of People and the Planet
Wednesday, August 29, 2018

A letter from Sealaska board chair Joe Nelson

Joe Nelson, Sealaska Board Chair

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 validity of these industries. However, I predict that responsible, long-term and sustainable businesses that account for people and the planet will define ANCSA’s future.

At Sealaska, that future is now.

We are rebuilding this Alaska Native company on the solid footing of our ancestors’ values. We are no longer in business just hoping to fund the preservation of our culture. We are not just a for-profit business that happens to be owned by Natives. We are making money because the world is desperate for businesses that put people and the planet before profit. As Alaska Native people, we inherently bring a long-term, holistic approach to our businesses. We are investing with our Native values front and center.

I envision a future where Sealaska gets paid to watch trees grow on our small landholdings, keeping our forest systems intact, rather than solely relying on an export timber market. That future is now. Thanks to the California carbon market, we can diversify our land management program to align with our values.

I envision a future where all our young people find solutions to the planet’s problems and strengthen their own communities. I envision every young person growing up with a Native name they are proud of and using their cultural knowledge to innovate. That future is now thanks to our next generation of language warriors, culture bearers and those eager to learn.

Sealaska strives to provide positive benefits and programs for our shareholders. To achieve that, we know we need to connect with all of you – young and old – to share ideas, to embody our cultural values and to strengthen ourselves, our communities and our homelands.


Latest News


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

Sealaska April Board Meeting Recap

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

Sealaska Announces Spring 2025 Distribution of $17.7 Million

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… Source

Sealaska Spring 2025 Distribution Date Announced

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. Source

Sealaska secures historic conveyance of Redoubt Bay Village

Posted 3/10/2025
BLM finalizes transfer of culturally significant Ḵunáa site after nearly 50 years Sealaska Corporation announced the successful conveyance of the Redoubt Bay Village (Ḵunáa) historical site from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), marking the culmination of a nearly 50-year effort to secure this culturally significant land under Alaska Native stewardship. The 10.54-acre site… Source