October 2021 will mark 50 years since the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was passed and Alaska Native corporations were first established. While Alaska Native corporations are indeed businesses, they are not typical publicly-traded corporations, nor are their shareholders typical. Their primary purpose centers on Alaska Native people, their communities and the promotion of their social, cultural, and economic advancement.
Please join the Wilson Center’s Polar Institute, with the ANCSA Regional Association and Alaska Native Village Corporation Association, to explore the unique ownership and missions of their member organizations. In addition to a panel of Alaska Native leaders, short videos will be played throughout the event to allow for storytelling by Alaska Native Elders who speak to the history and progress of Alaska Native corporations.
Moderators
Michael Sfraga
Director, Polar Institute // Director, Global Risk and Resilience Program
Kim Reitmeier
Executive Director, ANCSA Regional Association
Introductory Remarks
Raina Thiele
Senior Advisor, Alaska Affairs and Strategic Priorities, Department of Interior
Panelists
Jaeleen Kookesh
Vice President, Policy & Legal Affairs, Sealaska
Jason Metrokin
President & Chief Executive Officer, Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC)
Nathan McCowan
President & CEO, St. George Tanaq Corporation