ancsaregional

Celebrating Alaska Native Cultures Reception

January 15, 2025 By ancsaregional

Join us at RES 2025 for this year’s Celebrating Alaska Native Cultures Reception!

The ANCSA Regional Association, the Alaska Federation of Natives and the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association share Alaska’s unique model of self-determination with our Lower 48 relatives, building stronger relationships, and gathering together.

Tuesday, March 11 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Caesars Palace Roman Ballroom III

Please RSVP here by March 4, 2025.

Special thank you to our sponsoring organizations: Schwabe, Alaska Airlines, and BDO.

ANCSA Regional Association Opposes Ballot Measure 2

September 26, 2024 By ancsaregional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2024

ANCSA Regional Association Opposes Ballot Measure 2

Anchorage, AK – The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) Board of Directors has voted to oppose Ballot Measure 2 in the upcoming general election this November. If passed, Ballot Measure 2 would repeal the ranked choice voting (RCV) system passed by Alaska voters in 2020.

“Ranked choice voting, at its core, has made Alaska less partisan. The vast majority of voters in our state are independent, non-partisans, and this includes Alaska Native people. RCV honors the independent spirit of our state and allows us to elect leaders focused on solutions, not partisan divisions,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier.

ARA Board Chair Shauna Hegna added, “Ballot Measure 2 is a step backwards. Voters instituted the ranked choice voting system in 2020 and we’ve already seen the benefits of that system in the types of candidates running and winning in Alaska. Our state wins when politicians can stand up for what they believe in without fear of retribution by partisans on the edges of the political spectrum. And Alaska Native people win when they can focus on supporting the candidates who most support their own values and not what the national political parties dictate.”

ARA supports retaining the ranked choice voting system passed by voters in 2020 because the system has changed our politics for the better and has given space for more Alaska Native voices to take a seat at the table.

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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA): ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com .

ANCSA Regional Association Endorses Mary Peltola for U.S. House of Representatives

September 26, 2024 By ancsaregional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2024

ANCSA Regional Association Endorses Mary Peltola for U.S. House of Representatives

Anchorage, AK – The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) Board of Directors has endorsed Rep. Mary Peltola in the upcoming 2024 election for Alaska’s sole U.S. House of Representatives seat.

“Representative Peltola understands the challenges and opportunities that Alaska Native communities face,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “Her focus on protecting subsistence rights, advancing economic growth, and fostering stronger relationships between Alaska Native corporations and the federal government makes her the best choice for Alaska.”

Effective collaboration and coordination with elected officials are critically important to advancing the interests of Alaska Native people. Alaska Native corporations especially rely on our Congressional delegation in Washington, where Alaska Native people and Alaska’s unique model of self-determination are often misunderstood.

ARA Board Chair Shauna Hegna added, “Representative Peltola has consistently shown a deep commitment to the priorities and needs of Alaska Native people during her time in office. Her leadership in addressing issues crucial to our people and communities is invaluable. We believe she will continue to be a strong voice for Alaska Native people and all of Alaska in Congress.”

ARA previously endorsed Rep. Peltola for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022.

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ARA Board of Directors Elects New Officers

December 12, 2023 By ancsaregional

ARA Board of Directors Elects New Officers

Recognizes 25 years in service to Alaska Native shareholders

The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) Board of Directors is pleased to announce it recently elected a new slate of Board Officers. These Alaska Native leaders will advance ARA’s work on behalf of the more than 160,000 Alaska Native shareholders represented by our 12 regional corporations.

“While celebrating our 25^th anniversary in 2023, it is important to take stock of where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re headed,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “The commitment of previous board members inspires those who have these seats today. I know the existing board and officers are excited for the new challenges ahead and to continue the legacy of advocating for Alaska Native people and our state.”

Shauna Hegna, ARA Chair — Shauna Hegna serves as president of Koniag. Prior to joining Koniag in 2016, she was the chief administrative officer for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the vice president of Shareholder Services for Afognak Native Corporation.

Shauna holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Alaska and a graduate certificate from Alaska Pacific University.

Shauna is a shareholder of Koniag and Afognak Native Corporation and a tribal citizen of the Native Village of Port Lions. She previously served as ARA Vice Chair.

Aaron Schutt, ARA Vice Chair — As president and CEO of Doyon, Limited, Aaron M. Schutt is responsible for managing the day-to-day business operations of the Doyon Family of Companies. Aaron has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Washington State University, graduating with honors and as an S. Town Stephenson scholar. He earned a Master of Science in civil engineering from Stanford University and his juris doctorate from Stanford Law School.

Aaron is a Koyukon Athabascan and an enrolled tribal member of the Native Village of Tanana. Aaron is a past ARA Board Chair returning to the executive committee.

Skoey Vergen, ARA Treasurer — Skoey Vergen serves as the president & CEO of The Aleut Corporation (TAC). In this role, he oversees day-to-day business operations and manages long-term growth strategies for the Aleut family of companies. Skoey is also responsible for ensuring that the Aleut enterprise as a whole is fulfilling TAC’s mission of maximizing dividends and opportunities for shareholders.

Skoey is an original Aleut shareholder, a shareholder of the Akutan and Shumagin village corporations, and a member of the Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point.

Andrew Guy, ARA Secretary — Andrew Guy has served as president and CEO of Calista Corporation since 2010. He was promoted to this position 26 years after joining Calista as an intern. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a juris doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Law.

He is a shareholder of Calista Corporation and Napaskiak, Inc. and a tribal member of the Native Village of Napaskiak. Andrew was born and raised in Napaskiak where his extended family continues to live. He grew up speaking Yup’ik as his first language and English as his second.

Recognizing dedicated service

The ARA board and staff congratulate outgoing ARA Board Chair and CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich on her December retirement from CIRI. Sophie served with distinction through an incredible 30-year career with her corporation. A shareholder of CIRI, Doyon, and the Gwitchyaa Zhee Corporation, Sophie joined CIRI in 1993 and has served in numerous leadership roles. Under her leadership, CIRI championed efforts to preserve and revitalize Alaska Native culture while supporting and growing benefits for current and future generations of CIRI shareholders.

We also want to thank outgoing ARA Treasurer and Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott, who is departing Sealaska December 31, for his service to the ARA Board of Directors. We know he will continue his untiring work advocating for Alaska Native people. In nearly 10 years as president and CEO, Anthony led a transformation at Sealaska that has led to the corporation’s growth and meaningful investments in the future of the region.

“I am incredibly grateful to call Sophie and Anthony colleagues and friends for so many years. They share a commitment to Alaska Native people, our communities and Alaska. They will be deeply missed,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “I wish Sophie and Anthony nothing but the best and I can’t wait to follow each of their new adventures.”

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About the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA): ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 160,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities.

SCOTUS Indian Child Welfare Act Ruling Reaffirms Indigenous Rights

June 15, 2023 By ancsaregional

Find the release in PDF format here.

Anchorage, AK – In a 7-2 ruling, the United States Supreme Court today resoundingly affirmed the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The Court clearly upheld Congress’ authority to protect Native children, and the decision demonstrates a strong understanding of the principles of Indian law and the political status of Tribes and Tribal citizens. The majority opinion stated:

“We reject all of petitioners’ challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing.”

This ruling has broader impacts on other federal Indian laws and policies, including Congress’s plenary power to legislate on behalf of Alaska Natives and American Indians in areas such as housing, healthcare, and economic matters.

This decision is especially important in Alaska, home to 229 federally recognized Tribes and countless Alaska Native entities, all of whom serve Alaska Native children and families. It is an affirmation of the 486 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and 59 Native organizations that filed an Amicus Brief in support of ICWA.

ICWA has been identified as “the gold standard” of child welfare policy by numerous experts and national leading child advocacy organizations. When Native children maintain connections to their identity and culture, it yields positive outcomes, such as increased self-esteem and academic achievement.

ICWA respects Tribal sovereignty and protects Native children by supporting Native families’ efforts to stay together and keeping our Native children connected with extended families and communities who love them and can help them understand who they are as Native people and Tribal citizens.

Child welfare decisions can shape the entire future of a child and his, her or their family. Congress found ICWA necessary to “. . . protect the best interest of Indian [c]hildren and to promote the stability and security of Indian tribes and families . . .”. The landmark legislation was enacted to prevent the wholesale removal of Indian children from their homes. ICWA provides guidance to states regarding this disposition of child abuse and neglect and adoption cases involving Indian children, including minimum federal standards.

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC), Alaska Native Justice Center, (ANJC), ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), Alaska Native Village Corporation Association (ANVCA), Association of Alaska Housing Authorities (AAHA), and Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) all are united in celebrating this ruling.

“Today’s ruling protects what Tribes and our families have always known, connection to culture and identity is critical to the health and well-being of our children, families, and communities,” said Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, President/CEO of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. “People will do the most extraordinary things for the right reasons. Children, family, and community are always the right reasons. We celebrate today’s landmark decision as Tribes continue doing the incredible work to ensure services and programs meet the needs of our families.”

Alex Cleghorn, Chief Operating Officer of the Alaska Native Justice Center said, “This decision rightly recognizes tribal sovereignty and self-determination. It is a major victory for Alaska Tribes, Alaska Native children, families, and the future of Alaska Native culture.”

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ABOUT ANJC: The Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) was established in 1993 to address Alaska Native and Alaskan people’s unmet needs within the civil and criminal justice system. Its mission is Justice for Alaska Native People. ANJC represents Alaska Tribes in state child welfare matters that implicate ICWA and partners with Alaska Tribes to build tribal justice systems. Learn more: https://anjc.org/.

ABOUT ANTHC: The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is a non-profit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska. ANTHC provides world-class health services, which include comprehensive medical services at the Alaska Native Medical Center, wellness programs, disease research and prevention, rural provider training and rural water and sanitation systems construction. The Consortium operates programs and services within the Alaska Native Medical Center with Southcentral Foundation. Learn more at: https://www.anthc.org/.

ABOUT AAHA: The Association of Alaska Housing Authorities (AAHA) membership includes fourteen regional housing authorities that provide affordable housing development and services for 196 Tribes in Alaska. AAHA provides unified state and federal legislative advocacy, affordable housing development and funding information, and training and technical assistance, all in an effort to increase the supply of safe, sanitary and affordable housing and community development in the state of Alaska. Learn more: https://www.aahaak.org/.

ABOUT ARA: The ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 160,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more: www.ancsaregional.com.

ABOUT ANVCA: The Alaska Native Village Corporation Association (ANVCA) represents the 176 Alaska Native village corporations created under ANCSA. ANVCA promotes the success of Village Corporations and the protection of Native lands. Learn more: https://anvca.biz.

ABOUT AFN: The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 209 federally recognized tribes, 185 village corporations, 9 regional corporations, and 10 regional nonprofit and tribal consortiums that contract and compact to run federal and state programs. AFN is governed by a 38-member board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention held each October. The mission of AFN is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic, and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community. Learn more: www.nativefederation.org.

ANCSA Regional Association Endorses Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate and Mary Peltola for U.S. Congress

October 12, 2022 By ancsaregional

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2022

Anchorage, AK – Citing their defense of Alaska jobs and keen understanding of the issues facing our state, the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA) has endorsed Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate and Mary Peltola for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Senator Murkowski has been a strong and reliable ally for Alaskans, and her leadership has been indispensable in our ongoing fight to fulfill the federal government’s promises to Alaska Native people,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “Her unparalleled experience and relationships were critical to passing the infrastructure and energy bills that are bringing unprecedented levels of federal funds to Alaska, including crucial rural broadband and sanitation funding. At a time when Alaska is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and a recession, we need Senator Murkowski’s leadership and legislative skill more than ever.”

“A critical part of my role as U.S. Senator is to educate my colleagues, raise awareness about the unique issues and opportunities Alaska has, and to ensure the Senate understands just how different our state is from the rest of the country,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Working together with ARA and their membership, I’m proud to have helped deliver real results on the issues that matter most to Alaska Native shareholders and their descendants, and look forward to continuing this important work over the next six years.”

ARA Board Chair Sophie Minich said: “Representative Peltola is making great strides for all Alaskans. She got to work immediately after her historic election, passing a bill for veterans’ food security through the House and supporting the Willow Project, which would bring jobs and economic development back to Alaska. Her commitment to finding bipartisan solutions and bringing her Alaska Native perspective to critical policy issues is inspiring to all of us.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the ANCSA Regional Association today,” said Representative Mary Peltola. “The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is a foundational law for our state. ARA, and its individual Regional Corporation members, are deeply dedicated to ensuring that it continues to empower Alaska Natives. Their work, from promoting Native business development to offering shareholder scholarships, has resulted in ANCs becoming major economic drivers, ultimately uplifting all Alaskans.”

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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA): ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com.

ANCSA REGIONAL ASSOCIATION