The First We Belong Here Gathering Successful
Wednesday, March 27, 2019

“We Belong Here” was a free youth leadership and basketball gathering for students grades 4-12. The three-day gathering was hosted by Juneau youth organizations, March 18-20, 2019.

Gavin Brown watches Native Youth Olympics presentation @ We Belong Here

Our youth are capable of so much more than what we give them credit for.

We Belong Here participants ended the three day gathering in a talking circle and speaking Haida. For thirty minutes, Damen Bell-Holter spoke only in Haida to a group of 50 youth from across the region. Pinching his ears, the group said Gyuwáng hl stl’iit! in Haida.

Damen is the director of youth and community engagement for Sealaska. Since joining Sealaska in April 2018, he was talked with southeast youth in nearly every community letting them know that Sealaska believes in them and wants them to be successful. He worked with Juneau youth organizations for the We Belong Here gathering.

Workshops encouraged conversations around healthy eating, basketball fundamentals, native games and benefits of movement. For two and half days, youth were surrounded by role models and positive influences. “Our youth are capable of so much more than what we give them credit for,” said Bell-Holter. “The challenges we see in our communities, this generation will be the ones to change it. If we provide them with resources such as access to education or understanding how organizations like Sealaska or tribal governments work, we can prepare them to create the change that is needed.”

WE BELONG HERE PARTNERS

  • AWARE
  • Goldbelt Heritage Foundation
  • Juneau School District, Indian Studies Sealaska
  • SEARHC
  • Teen Council
  • Tlingit & Haida Central Council
  • Zach Gordon Youth Center

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 Resolution One, a binding resolution to update outdated language in the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, passed with, 70.77% of the outstanding voting shares represented at the meeting voted in favor.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