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


Resolutions passed, incumbents and new directors elected at 51st annual meeting in Sitka  

Posted 6/29/2024
A majority of Sealaska’s 26,000 shareholders voted to approve two resolutions at the 51st annual meeting of shareholders in Sitka on Saturday. Resolution One, a binding resolution to update outdated language in the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, passed with, 70.77% of the outstanding voting shares represented at the meeting voted in favor. 61.49% of the outstanding voting shares… Source

Early Bird Prize Winners

Posted 6/17/2024

Early birds, it’s your time to fly! Congratulations to our 2024 winners.



Derik Frederiksen to support Sealaska’s continued in-region investment in position as Vice President of Regional Business Development

Posted 5/6/2024
Frederiksen shares in Sealaska’s vision for the region: a thriving future for Southeast Alaska. 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… Source

Sitka Clan Houses Nominated for National Recognition on Historic Preservation Lists

Posted 5/2/2024
Sitka Indian Village and its Clan Houses proudly announce their nomination for prestigious national and statewide historic preservation lists. The nominations include recognition on the National Trust’s “11 Most Endangered Historic Places” and the Alaska Association of Historic Preservations’ “10 Most Endangered Historic Properties.” Sitka Indian Village, first built in the 1820s… Source

Community Meeting Information

Posted 5/1/2024

Sealaska shareholders are invited to join us at our upcoming in-person and virtual community meetings to learn more about Sealaska business operations, upcoming opportunities and connect with fellow shareholders and descendants.