About ANCSA Overview
Wednesday, November 3, 2021

About ANCSA

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA) was a new approach by Congress to federal Indian policy.

Sealaska directors sign the Sealaska articles of incorporation in 1972 with Assistant Secretary of the Interior Harrison Loesch. Pictured L to R: Clarence Jackson, Jon Borbridge, Jr., Marlene Johnson, Harrison Loesch, Dick Kito, Leonard Kato

With reservations in the Lower 48 largely viewed as an undesirable solution to Native land claims, ANCSA’s answer was to enroll Alaska Native people as shareholders in corporations that held title to a portion of our traditional homeland. It divided the state into 12 distinct geographic regions.

It mandated the creation of 12 private, for-profit Alaska Native regional corporations and over 200 private, for-profit Alaska Native village corporations.

ANCSA also mandated that both regional and village corporations be owned by enrolled Alaska Native shareholders. All Alaska Natives with one quarter or more Alaska Native blood quantum who were alive at the time were eligible to enroll.

Land Settlement
Through ANCSA, the federal government transferred 44 million acres of land to Alaska Native regional and village corporations. Of the 44 million acres, Sealaska was conveyed 365,000 acres, which equates to approximately 1.6% of the traditional homelands of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people of Southeast Alaska.

Through ANCSA, Alaska Native shareholders’ land is held by regional corporations.

Monetary Settlement
With the passage of ANCSA, the federal government also compensated the newly formed Alaska Native corporations with a total of $962.5 million for land lost in the settlement agreement.


Latest News


Sealaska’s Fall 2024 Distribution is Right Around the Corner

Posted 10/29/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, November 8, 2024, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s upcoming distribution. Please review the following key dates and complete necessary actions to ensure a seamless distribution. DISTRIBUTION AMOUNT DETERMINED — Friday, November 8, 2024 On November 8, the Board of Directors will meet to determine the distribution amount. Source

Desiree Anax X’aséigu Yé Jackson explains #OneSealaska

Posted 10/28/2024
Gunalchéesh Anax X’aséigu Yé Desiree Jackson for offering us this insight into One Sealaska and the many avenues of our community-focused work! We are working hard to provide our shareholders with a comprehensive understanding of all we do, focusing always on strengthening our people, culture and homelands. Through Woocheen, we promote ocean health, renewable energy and a holistic vision of… Source

Sealaska Announces Search for President

Posted 10/15/2024
Sealaska is seeking a dynamic and visionary president to strengthen and amplify the impact of our mission. Through Sealaska’s business success, we fulfill our mission by managing our land and providing shareholder benefits that include dividends, workforce development programs, scholarships, internships, advocacy, burial assistance and many other benefits through our non-profit organizations. Source

Sealaska and The Unity Group Say, “GET OUT THE VOTE!”

Posted 9/30/2024
This year’s elections hold significant importance for us all, which is why we are encouraging all shareholders and tribal citizens to get out and vote – and bring a loved one, too! Voting is one of the most powerful ways to make your voice heard. Every vote counts, and your participation can help shape the future of our communities. Make sure you’re prepared for election day by having a… Source

Sealaska Board Chair Richard Tashee Rinehart Answers Shareholder Questions

Posted 9/18/2024
Newly appointed Sealaska board chair Richard Tashee Rinehart recently took time to answer shareholder questions surrounding board progress, priorities and commitments as the board and management collectively look toward the corporation’s next few years. Rinehart highlighted the addition of descendant shares, elder stock and the transition out of the timber industry as monumental progress… Source