About ANCSA (Corps and Tribes)
Thursday, November 4, 2021

ANCSA Corporations and Tribes

  • ANCSA Corporations and tribes serve many of the same constituents – both have a mission to improve the lives of our shareholders and tribal citizens.
  • Relationship can be collaborative
    • Supporting traditional ways of life (subsistence)
    • Sustainable rural communities; employment
    • Education
    • Cultural and language preservation
    • Land into trust
Celebration 1998

There can be disagreement

  • ANCSA corporations as “tribes” for purpose of specific federal acts
  • Conservation vs. economic development
  • Political differences can arise (e.g. CARES Act funding and Roadless Rule)
  • Recent efforts through “Being Good Relatives” to bridge the divide

Relationship with Tribes
There was congressional intent and expectation that tribes would cease to exist as a result of ANCSA. However, tribes did not disappear. We are tribal people.

Tribal governments in Alaska continue to be recognized by the federal government, which maintains a government-to-government relationship with tribes. Tribes participate through contracting and compacting in programs established for the benefit of tribes and tribal citizens. Tribes also exercise sovereign authority over their memberships – they set their own standards for inclusion, which often do not rely on blood quantum – and their children through the Indian Child Welfare Act. However, very little land is held in trust for Alaska tribes.


Latest News


Sealaska Announces Fall 2025 Distribution of $11.8 Million

Posted 11/12/2025
Sealaska is announcing a Fall 2025 distribution totaling $11.8 million, to be issued to shareholders on Thursday, November 13. The board of directors approved the distribution at its meeting on Friday, November 7. The upcoming distribution includes $2.9 million in dividends from Sealaska’s operations, $3.6 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund, and $5.3…

Sealaska Approves $11.8 Million Fall Distribution, Welcomes New Youth Advisor, and Advances Community Investments 

Posted 11/7/2025
Aak’w Kwáan (Juneau, Alaska), November 7, 2025 — Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved a $11.8 million fall distribution to shareholders to be issued Thursday, Nov. 13. The distribution reflects Sealaska’s commitment to its people and culture. Including descendants in the distribution ensures equitable generational sharing that honors ancestral stewardship. Sealaska welcomes Caleb Lee…

Southeast Native Leaders Share Vision & Priorities at Roundtable

Posted 10/8/2025
October 8, 2025 — For the first time in decades, leaders from Southeast Alaska’s tribes, Native corporations and tribal organizations came together in Juneau, Alaska for a Native Roundtable. Held September 29-30, 2025, the two-day summit created a powerful platform for renewed collaboration, strategic dialogue and collective visioning around the most pressing issues facing the region’s communities.

To the Other Shore: Honoring T’weich eesh Clarence Antioquia

Posted 9/18/2025
Juneau, Alaska (September 18, 2025) — To the Other Shore: We are deeply saddened to share the passing of former Sealaska executive, T’weich eesh Clarence “Clay” Antioquia, at the age of 85. A highly respected statewide leader in the Alaska Native community, Clay was Eagle, T’eikweidí, and Bear House (Yakutat). He was born in Sitka, Alaska, the son of Roman Antioquia…

Sealaska Announces Appointment of Sarah Dybdahl as First Female President

Posted 8/26/2025
Juneau, Alaska (August 26, 2025) — The Sealaska Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Dybdahl as the corporation’s new President, following a thorough recruitment process. This leadership transition comes in parallel with updating the Sealaska strategic plan and refining the institution’s mission and vision. Sarah Dybdahl (Aanshawatk’i), Taakw.aaneidi clan…