Derik Frederiksen believes in the people of Southeast Alaska — and with this belief comes excitement about the future of both people and place. With over 20 years of experience serving Sealaska’s operations in the region and beyond, his energy, ideas and on-the-ground insight will serve to catalyze Sealaska’s continued commitment to a prosperous, sustainable Southeast.  

“Derik brings a deep connection to and love for our region and its people,” said Sealaska Executive Chair Joe Nelson. “His enthusiasm for capacity-building and his abundance mindset will be a huge asset as we continue this journey with an eye toward a strong Southeast Alaska economy 10, 50 and 100 years from now.”   

Frederiksen first worked at Sealaska as an intern while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in forestry at the University of Washington in the ‘90s, then continued his career at the corporation serving in various capacities, eventually seeing through the successful formation of Sealaska Environmental Services, which he led for 11 years. He also holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Washington and a Master of Environmental Management from Yale University.  

“Rural communities are culturally and economically significant, and we at Sealaska need to find ways to empower their important work to be as successful as possible,” said Frederiksen. “Our people have been in Southeast Alaska for at least 13,000 years, and I’d like to see us in Southeast Alaska for the next 13,000 years. For that to happen, we need communities that are economically viable, providing living wage job opportunities that empower individuals to stay. Because that’s how we’re going to continue regenerating our culture.” 

Frederiksen left Sealaska in 2019, first to enjoy some time off with family exploring the world, then to pursue his interest in the intersection of climate impact and forestry through an opportunity with the Forest Stewardship Council, where he served as president of U.S. operations.  This led to an opportunity to further climate and community development as President and CEO of Salmon Nation Trust, a public benefit LLC focused on economic and community development in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California before he felt called to once again serve his fellow shareholders at Sealaska.  

“I witnessed climate change in action when I was an intern at Sealaska, with the impact of reduced snowpack on Alaska yellow cedar which increased their mortality,” Frederiksen said. “That really helped shape what I wanted to continue to do within my career, which is to find ways to have a positive impact on our environment. And that, I’ve learned, goes hand in hand with positively impacting our people, our cultures, and the solutions we need to find moving forward.”   

Frederiksen is a Ts’msyan Sealaska shareholder and carries the Sm’álgyax name Sigwinii’tsn Gayna, meaning “Shows the Path” which was given to him by Linda Cook Clement with help from David and Davey Boxley. His grandmother was Dorthy Dalton of Metlakatla and his father is Glenn Huk Algm Haytk Frederiksen. Born and raised in Seattle, his roots are in the village of Gitlaan on the Skeena River and Metlakatla, Alaska. His pteex (clan) is Gitsputwada and his waap (house) is Niiuks.