About ANCSA (Why Did ANCSA Happen)
Thursday, November 4, 2021

Why Did ANCSA Happen? 

  • The discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope, along with other natural resources the government sought to develop, led to an urgency on the part of state and federal lawmakers to secure land ownership. But aboriginal land claims had to be resolved first.  
  • Pressure for access to resources resulted in quick legislative solution. The negotiations around ANCSA started in 1968 and legislation was signed into law in December of 1971.
Richard Frank Emil Notti AFN (Photo 1966-1968 University Alaska Anchorage uaa-hmc-1148-b1-f50-31)

Why the Regional Corporation Model? 

  • Based on some negative results from the reservation policies, Congress and Alaska Natives sought a different model. 
  • Unlike some arrangements with Lower 48 tribes in the past, Alaska Native Corporations owned the land and everything on it outright. Lands were not held in trust by the federal government, a patriarchal approach applied to some tribal lands in the Lower 48.  
  • The goal was for more economic purpose and self-sufficiency – “to meet the economic and social needs of Alaska Natives.” 
  • Corporations governed by and for Alaska Natives was thought to be a better alternative. 

 

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 Resolution One, a binding resolution to update outdated language in the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, passed with, 70.77% of the outstanding voting shares represented at the meeting voted in favor. 61.49%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.