A News

Southeast Alaska’s biggest Native corporation and its largest tribal organization are developing new business partnerships. Leaders say they hope to provide employment and services for villages and other economically-strapped parts of the region.

The Sealaska regional Native corporation has closed one of its out-of-state businesses. Synergy Systems was a high-tech firm that lost out to the recession.

The recession has cost Sealaska tens of millions of dollars. Leaders of the Southeast-based regional Native corporation says it’s still strong, with new businesses entering new markets. But its investments have dropped in value, which will affect shareholders’ dividends.Related Link: Link to Sealaska’s annual report.

Resource development in other parts of the state continues to boost dividends for Sealaska’s 20,000 shareholders. It’s keeping payouts up at the same time investment earnings are down. But officials say it won’t last. moRelated Link: Read the press release about the dividend.

Southeast’s regional Native corporation will get another shot at land it wants in the Tongass National Forest. Two members of Alaska’s Congressional delegation say they will re-introduce Sealaska land-selections legislation this year.Related Link: Hear a report on opposition to the bill.

Oil wealth from the North Slope is fueling Native corporation dividends statewide. That includes Southeast’s Sealaska, which is issuing its second-largest shareholder payment this decade. The profits will help replace investment earnings hit hard by the falling stock market.Related Link: Click here, then on “more” for dividend details and earlier reports on Sealaska.