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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


Community Meeting Information

Pinned - 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.



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

Posted 5/7/2024
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 Sealaska’s continued commitment to a prosperous, sustainable Southeast.&...

Sitka Clan Houses Nominated for National Recognition on Historic Preservation Lists

Posted 5/3/2024
Jerrick Hope-Lang, LduteenSitka 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, is a cherished cultural landmark situated in the heart ...

Sealaska Announces Spring Distribution of $19.2 Million

Posted 4/12/2024
As part of Sealaska’s continued investment in our communities and region, a spring 2024 distribution totaling $19.2 million will be issued to shareholders on Thursday, April 18. Sealaska’s board of directors approved the distribution at a meeting held in Juneau on Friday, April 12. The upcoming distribution includes dividends totaling $4.5 million from Sealaska’s ocean-health business platform, $3.1 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund and an additional $11.6 milli...

Sealaska Spring 2024 Distribution Date Announced

Posted 3/19/2024
The Sealaska Board of Directors will meet on Friday, April 12, 2024, to approve the amount for Sealaska’s 2024 spring distribution. The distribution will take place on Thursday, April 18.  Shareholders can prepare for a seamless distribution by completing any enrollment or stock transfer paperwork, including gifting or inheritance, by Friday, April 12 at 4 p.m. The last day to make changes to addresses or direct deposit information is Monday, April 15, , before close of business, or online via M...