Alaska Native Corporations

The Sealaska Corporation has purchased a 25-acre property in California’s Sonoma County, about 80 miles north of San Francisco. The regional native corporation plans to build a casino there in partnership with the Cloverdale Rancheria tribe of Pomo Indians.

About a thousand Alaska Natives with roots in Southeast will get their first Sealaska dividends soon. The Juneau-based regional Native corporation will make its next payout in early December. It’s the first dividend since shareholders voted to add descendents to the corporate rolls. It’s also the largest paid out in years.Related Link: Find out if you’re eligible to enroll in Sealaska.

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation could acquire more federal land under a bill introduced by Congressman Don Young. Sealaska hopes to select second-growth timberland on Prince of Wales Island that is now part of the Tongass National Forest. It also wants a number of sacred sites and other cultural properties throughout the region.

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation will soon know whether shareholders descendents will become stockholders themselves.

Juneau-based Sealaska will count ballots on the descendents measure at its annual shareholders meeting Saturday in Anchorage. Supporters say it will share the wealth with generations of younger Natives with Southeast roots. Opponents say it will dilute original shareholders’ dividends and political power.

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation is taking applications for its annual scholarship program. The scholarships help shareholders and their families cover the cost of college or vocational school.

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation is taking applications for its annual scholarship program. The scholarships help shareholders and their families cover the cost of college or vocational school.