A 2009 McDowell report shows that Sealaska related spending and wages infused millions into the regions economy. Since 2003, the McDowell Group has researched and reported on Sealaska’s economic impact on Southeast Alaska. The McDowell Group issued the report, The Impact of Sealaska Corporation on the Southeast Alaska Economy 2009 Update in September.
According to the report, Sealaska, Sealaska Timber Corporation and Sealaska Heritage Institute spent $45 million in 2008 in support of corporate, cultural and timber-related operations in the region. This is an increase of $4 million from the previous year.
This spending included payroll and purchase of goods and services in 16 communities and to more than 350 businesses and organizations.
The report reflects trends of outmigration from the villages. This troubling effect on Southeast communities has been compounded by the economic and energy crises in our villages. The report reaffirms Sealaska’s contribution and commitment to strengthen the region’s economy and communities. The Sealaska board and management continue to focus on ways to further strengthen Southeast through the finalization of Sealaska’s Haa Aaní legislation and through the creation of new economies.
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Through the ages we have looked to the values taught to us by our Elders, to draw strength from their wisdom to guide us through our challenges to a brighter future. Forming a continuum stretching over thousands of years, our people learn from those who came before us as we follow the Native value of Haa Shagoon: to honor the past, as we live in the present and plan for the future. It is in the spirit of Haa Shagoon that Sealaska shareholders voted at the Annual Meeting to approve the issuance of additional stock to our Elders, original shareholders aged 65 or older.
Sealaska has contacted Elders eligible to receive 100 shares of Class E “Elder” stock. Elders were mailed a letter explaining terms of eligibility for Class E stock, an opt-in form and a postage-paid return envelope. Based on the terms of the resolution, each Elder must sign and date the opt-in form and return it to Sealaska’s Shareholder Relations department before the additional 100 shares of Class E stock will be issued.
Additional Class E shares will not affect any shares already owned by an Elder, and will not interfere with the Elders’ Settlement Trust one-time payment. The additional shares will not increase the Elders’ Trust payment either. Class E shares are non-voting shares, developed to provide greater financial benefit to Elders without affecting voting power. Class E shares are life estate shares, and will cease to exist upon the passing of the shareholder. They cannot be gifted or inherited.
Please forward questions to the Shareholder Relations department at extension 227. If you have additional questions email Shareholder Records
Picture Left: Directors Bill Thomas and Jodi Mitchell
Sealaska director Bill Thomas received the David P. Hutchens Public Service Award from the Alaska Power Association (APA). APA presented the award in recognition of Bill’s leadership in the Alaska State House of Representatives on behalf of Alaska's electric consumers and their utilities. APA announced the award at the membership meeting in August. Director Thomas was presented the award at the 2009 Southest Conference from fellow director Jodi Mitchell.
Sealaska was proud to support the development of the hour-long documentary that will bring national attention to Alaska Native’s civil rights movement. The film “For the Rights of All: Ending Jim Crow in Alaska,” produced by Blueberry Productions in Anchorage, bridges the Civil War to WWII to today’s Native leaders. The highlight includes the passage of the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.
Sealaska tribal member shareholders Diane Benson and Allan Hayton star as Roy and Elizabeth Peratrovich, who were instrumental in Alaska civil rights. Sealaska Directors Rosita Worl and Byron Mallott offer commentary throughout the documentary. Mallott also served as the production’s executive producer.
Most recently the film was screened for Alaska’s congressional delegation and senior staff in Washington DC. The film will air nationally on PBS in November.
First Alaskans Institute is recruiting for the 2010 Public Policy Fellowship in Juneau. The fellowship will place up to four Alaska Natives in the State Legislature for the 2010 legislative session. The paid 15-week fellowship runs from January 19, 2010 to April 18, 2010. For additional information please click here
