2012 Sealaska
Annual meetingJUNE 23, 2012 n JUNEAU, ALASKA
Photo: Alaska State Library, ASL-V1938-0004
3Sealaska Annual Meeting
Table of Contents
4 – 5 Facility Map
6 Meeting Agenda
7 Question and Answer procedures, Annual Meeting Information
8 – 10 Sealaska and Subsidiary Staff Present
11 Alaska Native Brotherhood 100-year Anniversary
12 – 15 Values in Action
16 Values in Action Award Nomination Process
16 Descendant Vote Anniversary
18 – 19 In Memory, Sealaska Tribal Member Shareholders
20 – 23 Sealaska Past Directors
24 Sealaska Retirees
25 Sealaska Board Youth Advisor
26 Special Recognition
27 Early Bird Cash Prize List
Sealaska Annual Meeting4
venue Map
Main Gym
Floor of Annual Meeting and Plated Lunch
Auxiliary Gym
Kids Play Area
Women’s Restroom
Men’s Restroom
Registration
Shareholder Fair
Entrance
Wom
en’s
Rest
room
Inspectors of Election
Door Prize Drop Box
5Sealaska Annual Meeting
Main Gym
Floor of Annual Meeting and Plated Lunch
Auxiliary Gym
Kids Play Area
Women’s Restroom
Men’s Restroom
Registration
Shareholder Fair
Entrance
Wom
en’s
Rest
room
Inspectors of Election
Door Prize Drop Box
Sealaska Shareholder Fair
The Shareholder Fair is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Commons area. The Fair is a combination of tables representing Sealaska departments and Native artists.
In addition to shopping for great Native arts and crafts, you can visit with the following Sealaska staff and get your questions answered:
n Shareholder RelationsnHuman ResourcesnOffice of Diversity SolutionsnHaa Aaní, LLCnSealaska MerchandisenSealaska Heritage InstitutenNatural Resources*
* Be sure to get your free cedar from the Nature Resources booth, courtesy of Sealaska Timber Corporation. One piece per shareholder, while supplies last.
Make certain you complete the door prize entry card in your gift bag and place in the
entry drop box for your chance to win prizes!
Sealaska Annual Meeting6
Agenda (times are approximate)
10:00 a.m. Shareholder Registration / Shareholder Fair Begins
10:30 a.m. Webcast Begins with Candidate and Resolution Comments
11:30 a.m. Plated Lunch Begins
12:20 p.m. Juneau Kaagwaantaan Dancers – Ed Mercer
12:50 p.m. Southeast Alaska Native Veterans Color Guard
1:00 p.m. Annual Meeting Called to Order Comment from Juneau City and Borough Mayor Bruce Botehlo
1:30 p.m. Special Announcements / Recognitions
2:15 p.m. Sealaska Values in Action Presentation
2:30 p.m. Business Presentation
3:55 p.m. Election Results
4:00 p.m. Q & A
5:00 p.m. Annual Meeting Adjourn
7Sealaska Annual Meeting
Question & answer proceduresn Only tribal member shareholders or custodians of shareholders are legally entitled to
participate in the business of the meeting.
n Please reserve questions or comments to the time set aside for questions and answers.
n Please limit your question or comment to two minutes in duration.
n Shareholders will be called upon in the order in which they line up at the microphone.
n If you have more than one question, please ask your first question and then move to the
back of the line. This allows other tribal member shareholders an opportunity to be heard.
n If you do not wish to ask your question at the microphone, please submit the question in
writing at the marked location. If the question is not read at the annual meeting, a written
answer will be provided at a later date.
OTHER MEETING INFORMATIONn Balloting begins at 10:00 a.m. To vote in person at the annual meeting, you must register
for a ballot with the Inspectors of Election and Voting by 2:00 p.m.
n Balloting closes at 2:30 p.m.
n If you already submitted a proxy by mail or fax, you do not need to vote in person at the
meeting. If you vote today, it will cancel any prior proxy and only today’s vote will count.
Only one proxy incentive paid per voting shareholder.
n The Final Election Report will be presented at approximately 4:00 p.m.
n The Sealaska Board of Directors must convene in a formal board meeting immediately
following the adjournment of the annual meeting.
Sealaska Annual Meeting8
SEALASKA and subsidiary STAFF presentSealaska tribal member shareholder or descendant are shown in italics
Sealaska Chris E. McNeil, Jr. President & CEO Sam Landol Chief Operating Officer Rick Harris Executive Vice President Doug Morris Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Anthony Mallott Treasurer & Chief Investment Officer Jaeleen Araujo Vice President & General Counsel Nicole Hallingstad Vice President & Corporate Secretary William Andrews Communications Administrator Sarah Antioquia Administrative Assistant Todd Antioquia Director of Sealaska Communications Thea Brown Senior Stock Transfer Specialist Melissa Butler Temporary Clerk Edna Chappell Corporate Accountant III Gail Cheney Director of Human Resources Jacob Dutton Staff Accountant Jason Fujioka Director of Sales & Marketing Rob Gray Systems Administrator Marietta Hopkins Assistant to the Corporate Secretary Janice Hotch Diversity Manager Dixie Hutchinson Assistant Director of Sealaska Communications Gloria Jack Administration Sandra Jack Enrollment Clerk Christian Jensen Communications Administrator Joe Johnson Graphic Designer Rob Johnson Information Technology Manager Sally Kasnick Administrative Assistant Sassa Kitka Special Assistant to the President & CEO Brian Kleinhenz Forest Inventory Ecosystem & Habitat Specialist Kate Kokotovich Administrative Assistant Emma Lee Accounting Clerk I Angel Lindoff Accounting Technician Nathan McCowan Director of Corporate Development & Strategy Linda Mercer Stock Transfer Specialist Michele Metz Lands Manager Catrina Mitchell Assistant Corporate Secretary
9Sealaska Annual Meeting
MacKenzie Morris Accounting Associate Travis Nashoanak PC Technician I Joan Ogazi Staff Accountant Margrette Orr Accounting Manager Joanne Patterson Natural Resources Secretary Rick Perkins GIS Manager Mark Poplis Headquarters Controller & Tax Director Osce Robertson Shareholder Records Associate Joe Samaniego PC Technician II Elena See Receptionist Vicki Soboleff Corporate Controller Ken Southerland Human Resources Manager Iliya Stepanov Webmaster Nicole Tillotson Internal Values Communication & Sustainability Manager Vicki Tomal Human Resources Specialist Melanie Tyska Paralegal Darlene Watchman Director of Shareholder Relations Linda Wynne Records Manager Bob Wysocki Director of Operations & Finance Ron Wolfe Corporate Forester & Natural Resources Manager
Sealaska Summer Interns (not all are present) Abel Cordova Natural Resources Juneau, AK Jareed Ivanich Legal Juneau, AK Dillon Hall Shareholder Relations Juneau, AK Michael Hoyt Sealaska Heritage Institute Juneau, AK Alexandra Ferguson Haa Aaní, LLC Juneau, AK Griffin Fujioka Managed Business Solutions Boulder, CO Alysha Guthrie Sealaska Heritage Institute Juneau, AK Ricky Moreno Office of Diversity Solutions Bellevue, WA Breanna Paulson Natural Resources Juneau, AK
Alaska Coastal Aggregates, LLC Bill Bennett General Manager
Sealaska and Subsidiary Staff Present (continued)
Sealaska Annual Meeting10
Haa Aaní, LLC Russell Dick President & CEO Anthony Lindoff Business Analyst Nathan Soboleff Project Coordinator
Managed Business Solutions, Inc. Jon Duncan President & CEO
Nypro Kánaak Julio Oropeza Group General Manager Ed Rivera Director of Sales & Marketing
Sealaska Constructors, LLC Dan Esparza General Manager
Sealaska Environmental Services, LLC Derik Frederiksen President & CEO
Sealaska Global Logistics, LLC Ed Davis Director of Supply Chain Logistics
Sealaska Timber Corporation Wade Zammit President & CEO John Hillman Retired – Senior Engineer
Synergy Systems, Inc. Bob Wysocki General Manager
11Sealaska Annual Meeting
October 2012 marked the 100-year anniversary of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB)—the first Alaska Native organization established to protect our rights, citizenship and, ultimately, the health of our communities.
The turn of the century was a time of change as our people began the journey toward citizenship. In 1912 Alaska became a territory with its capital in Juneau and a two-house Legislature. That same year, 12 Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida men from Sitka, Angoon, Juneau, Wrangell and Klawock founded the ANB. The founding fathers included: Peter Simpson, Sitka (originally from Metlakatla); Ralph Young, Sitka; Chester Worthington, Wrangell; James C. Johnson, Klawock; Paul Liberty, Sitka; Seward Kunz, Juneau; Frank Mercer, Juneau (originally from Klukwan); Frank Price, Sitka; George Field, Klawock; Eli Katanook, Angoon; James Watson, Juneau; and William Hobson, Angoon. Marie Orson of Klukwan served as the organization’s secretary and Andrew Wanamaker of Sitka was named Honorary Founder. It was the first Native advocacy group in the territory and the union. Within three years the Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) was established, and within a decade chapters, or camps, existed throughout Southeast Alaska.
For the first half of the 20th century, the ANB was the only organization working for civil rights of Alaska Natives in the Territory and state. Even before the Citizenship Act of 1924, the ANB’s efforts helped achieve voting rights for Alaska Natives. But they didn’t stop there. Members continued to advocate for us to be recognized not only as citizens of the territory, but also as citizens of the United States.
In the decades following, the ANB played an instrumental role in the territory’s Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945, the very first anti-discrimination law in the United States. And, in the 1960s, ANB members stewarded land claims efforts that led to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971.
Over the years, the ANB has fought for improvement of health care, education and other social safety nets for Alaska Natives. They fought for our children to attend public schools, our elderly to receive their rightful pension, and our hospitals to get the appropriate funding to treat our sick.
Any one of these accomplishments is impressive alone. But together, they represent 100 years of pursuing the legal and civil rights of our people, furthering Native self-determination and promoting recognition and respect for the indigenous way of life.
Alaska native brotherhood 100-year anniversary
Sealaska Annual Meeting12
This year Sealaska celebrates its 40th anniversary. The Sealaska board of directors has reaffirmed that our values will continue to guide us in our vision for the future, as they have guided us for thousands of years. Sealaska calls this Values In Action. Values In Action will permeate all that Sealaska does, grounding the efforts for our continued collective success in these four core Native values.
The following are tribal member shareholder and descendant statements about living our Native values. Special thanks to all who shared their thoughts with Sealaska at Celebration 2012.
values in action
Haa Aaní“ Reuse, recycle, preservation of our environment for the future.”
– Dennis Lindoff
“ I eat off the land. I attend as many traditional functions I can so I can continue to learn. I teach my kindergarten class about my culture. I teach my children about our values!”
– Susan Patrick
“ Through connecting with the land and respect for a natural environment, along with learning about Native traditions and history.”
– Alexander Brachman
Haa Shagóon“ I like to eat and prepare Native foods. I learn from Elders and mentors through language and carving. I mentor youth as a Dance Group Leader.”
– Joseph Q. Hedstrom
“ I treat all others with respect and honesty, teach others what has been passed on to me.”
– Darrick Wilson
“ I speak my language every day, especially with my daughter. I teach the language!”
– Lance Twitchell
“ I teach my kids to respect their heritage and their Elders. I want them to know where they came from.”
– Chessica Hauge
13Sealaska Annual Meeting
Haa Latseen“ Never judge someone based upon their appearance; get to know them before you decide whether or not you like them. Be understanding. Forgive. Love thy neighbor.”
– Cori Robbins
“ Through our culture and language we find our identity and in turn we find our strength.”
– Mary Daaljini Folletti
“ By teaching our younger generation our language and guide them with hunting and telling them about our Elders of long time ago.”
– Doris Hume
“ I teach Head Start children cultural Native song and dance, also traditional foods and medicine. I also teach classes to crossing and elementary school. Gather foods for my own use and give to Elders.”
–Donna J. McKay
Wooch.Yax“ The foundation of our cultures is balance. It is my job to respect myself, everyone and everything. I raise my paddle up, sing loud, and dance hard to support my people.”
– Morgan Fawcett
“ Most important is respect for each other.” – Joyce Shields
“ I like to help our adults, youth children, to give them hope and feel like they belong and are counted. Pass on to them songs, love and respect.”
– Emeline Charles
“ I try hard to treat people with respect and to remember that each of us is carrying a burden and need to be gentle.”
– Janice Jackson
Haa Aaní: Our Land; the basis of our collective identity and culture.
Haa Shagóon: Our Past, Present and Future; our collective identity reaches across generations.
Haa Latseen: Our Strength, Leadership; it is our collective identity that gives us strength.
Wooch.Yax: Balance, Reciprocity, Respect; our collective identity relies on spiritual and social balance.
Our Alaska Native Values The four house posts of the Clan house represent
the core cultural values of Sealaska’s tribal member
shareholders. They are the strength and structure of
the clan house, which holds up all that Sealaska does
and represents the rich heritage of our people: the
Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
Our Operating GoalsOur operating goals are located at the working level
of the clan house. The Sealaska vision is always at the
center of our goals and illuminates every activity at
this ground level. Our goals are shaped by our Native
values. Achievement of these goals allows us to fulfill
our Mission.
Sealaska Mission:Create opportunities for our people and strengthen culture and communities within our homeland by embedding Alaska Native values in daily operations and achieving business excellence.
ANCSA Purpose:To forever preserve Alaska Native
land, rights and ways of life.
Sustainability:Honor the relationship with your resources.
Prosperity:Business is a vehicle
to provide for a better future.
Sealaska Purpose:Create opportu-
nities for our people and strengthen
culture and communities within
our homeland.
HaaAaní
HaaLatseen
SEALASKA VISION:
Be the global leader of values in action.
SEALASKA VALUES IN ACTION
The Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House is currently being restored by the
Organized Village of Kasaan. The drawings seen here are from the
1938-39 reconstruction and represent our collective desire as
Native people to rebuild and construct our Clan houses for future
generations. Sealaska is also constructing a new framework based
on our core Native values. “Values in Action” is our plan that will
guide us toward our vision of the future.
Our MissionThe Mission level of the clan house supports the
house posts of Native values and is where our people
live and make important decisions. Our mission
statement resides in the portion of the house
reserved for prestige and importance and is our
house screen to be seen by all. Our mission is a
combination of our purpose and our method.
Sealaska Vision Our vision is at the center of our clan house and
represents the fire which we gather around for
warmth and light. It illuminates and inspires us
to achieve our Mission, and unites us to reach the
aspirational goals of our people and communities.
Sealaska Mission:Create opportunities for our people and strengthen culture and communities within our homeland by embedding Alaska Native values in daily operations and achieving business excellence.
ANCSA Purpose:To forever preserve Alaska Native
land, rights and ways of life.
Sealaska Way:Embed Alaska
Native values in daily operations
and achieve business
excellence.
Sustainability:Honor the relationship with your resources.
Opportunity:Enriching the lives of
Sealaska shareholders and communities.
HaaShagóon
WoochYax
SEALASKA VISION:
Be the global leader of values in action.
SEALASKA VALUES IN ACTION
Sealaska Annual Meeting16
values in action awardsIn 2012, Sealaska is launching the Values In Action Awards. Starting in 2013, at each annual meeting, Sealaska will honor a Sealaska shareholder or partnering business or organization for each value within Values In Action. Learn more about the application process at www.ValuesInAction.com later this summer when the new website launches.
Haa Aaní: Our Land; honoring those following a subsistence lifestyle.Haa Shagóon: Our Past, Present and Future; honoring an Elder for their contributions.Haa Latseen: Our Strength, Leadership; honoring a youth leader.Wooch.Yax: Balance, Reciprocity, Respect: honoring a business partner.
The nomination process will be open all year, with a March 1 deadline for nominees for that calendar year. Nominations received after March 1 will be held for consideration the following year.
LOOKING BACK — SEALASKA DESCENDANTS RESOLUTIONJune 2007 marked a milestone event when Sealaska’s original tribal member shareholders passed a resolution to induct younger generations of Natives into Sealaska to become shareholders. The descendants resolution passed at the annual meeting, opening up ongoing enrollment to award 100 shares of life estate stock to eligible applicants. Aimed at building a stronger future, this vote gave a voice to generations to come — to participate in Sealaska’s leadership, to protect our Native rights, and to honor our Native cultures and values.
Since the resolution passed in 2007, Sealaska has enrolled 4,455 descendants and issued them 100 shares each of life estate stock. Of those enrolled, 1,285 were already tribal member shareholders through gifting or inheritance. Sealaska encourages all shareholder descendants to check their eligibility to receive descendant stock. Enrollment is open with no closing date.
Now there is a growing base of descendant tribal member shareholders whose voices are important to the success of Sealaska’s future. Their involvement provides personal and professional opportunities that will have a great impact on the success of preserving our Native cultures. The descendant shareholders represent the future of Sealaska and now have a greater sense of their collective cultural impact for our Native peoples.
17Sealaska Annual Meeting
Sealaska Annual Meeting18
In memorY
Jennifer Rhoda Abeyta
Joseph P. Akagi Jr.
Lawrence J. Albecker
Donald Cyrus Anderson Sr.
Mary Antonson
Martina E. Armstrong
Helen Marian Austin
Evelyn C. Avelino-Heath
Mary Ann Barden
Christopher C. Barr
Merle Wesley Berg
Raymond C. Bocatch
Beatrice M. Brown
Mary Ann Bruckner
Doloresa Cadiente
Lucille Carrillo
Powell Wilfred Charles
Rosalind Dinah Commodore
Andra Jane Crippen
Nellie Cross
Hugh D. Daniels Jr.
Andrew Denny
Mabel Didrickson
Franklin R. Dixon
Bobbie Jo Dovell
Elizabeth C. Durley
Timothy John Emanoff
Roxanne Dee Epan
Angela Marie Farmer
Julio Lewis G. Fawcett
Kayla Mari Fawcett
Anne Marie Fears
Ella Klaire Fortin
Sonya A Fujioka
Arlene Emma Gamble
Arthur Gerald Gamble
Matilda P. Gamble
Charlotte Ann Gannon
Mary Lorraine Gilpin
Kenneth Goodrich
Dorothy Adeline Grant
Corrine Paula Guardado
Dorothy I. Hams
Norise Jeanette Hanlon
Samuel Hanlon
Corrine May Heaton
Shirlie Ann Hicks
Tillie Louise Hoff
Patrick Hollywood Sr
Sherry Williams Hon
Theodore Walter Hooey
Roger Leonard Howard
Myron Roy Jackson
Adelaide L. Jacobs
Esther Bernice James
Sharolee A. James
Tommy Joseph Jimmie Sr.
Harry Charles Johnson
Louella Grace Johnson
Clarence R. Jones
Allen Kaleak Jr.
William Steven Kanosh
Leonard Kato
Anna Phoebe Katzeek
Ronald Mitchell Keizer
Mildred Marie Kilmer
Diana M Knapp
Ralph Knudson
Stuart William Knudson
Anita Eleanor Lafferty
Irene Loling Lampe
Linda Joyce Lander
Richard A. Lang Jr.
Cirilo B. Lapuz
Peggy Ann Lawrence
Sealaska honors the memories of our tribal member shareholders who have passed since the last annual meeting.
19Sealaska Annual Meeting
Sealaska regrets any oversight of names.
Helen Norene Leask
Glen Wayne Levine
La Von Arnel Liberty
Judith M. Lindoff
Catherine Logan
Phil Peters Macaset
Gerald Leo Mallory Jr.
William David Mason
Jean Donna Mayes
Pearl Rose Maze
Johnny John Mazon
Roberta Louise McNeill
Gloria Patricia Middleton
Jamie Rosalind Miller
Alice Mork
Marlene Marie Mussat
Deborah Anne Nathan
John Alfred Nelson
Lester Nelson Jr
Calvin Oakleaf
Eric Paul Olsen
Carol Sue Parker
Byron James Paul
Gonzalo Nicanor Pelayo
Clara G Peratrovich
Kenneth Louis Perkins
Shirley Marie Perry
Alfreda Peterson
Howard Kennith Phillips
Lorraine Phillips
Mabel Pike
Gloria Ann Plummer
Jerry Lyman Powers
Elanore Priest
Ashton Ericka-Marie Reyes
Mary Reyes
Richard John Rinehart Sr.
Alvin Ray Roberts
Marlene A. Rowan
Stewart J. Ryan
Edna Ann Samuel
Freda C Samuelson
Terri Elaine Schomer
Walter Schultz
Linda Mae See
Julie A. Shearer
Samuel Lawrence Shearer
Alf Robert Skaflestad
Reginald Skeek
Evan Marshall Smith
In Memory (continued)
Rosemary C. Smith
Margaret K. Snodgrass
Robert Allen Stadurs
Ambrose Toby Stewart
Ryan J. Stewart
Margaret D. Sturtevant
Angelica Diane Tavares
Diana R. Thomas
James Lloyd Thomas
John Wilberton Thompson Jr.
Bernard Valle
William James Watson
Harold Leonard Wheaton Sr.
Thomas John Widmark
Edward D. Willard
Barbara Johanna Williams
Brenda Lee Williams
Marilynn Williams
Frances Marie Wise
Rosa L Wisniewski
Johnny Alan Zapata Jr.
Sealaska Annual Meeting20
Sealaska honors those who have served on the board of directors over the decades since incorporation, and recognizes those still in service. The individuals listed below have distinguished careers, deep service to the Native community, awards and accolades, and extensive families which could not be fully captured in the space available. We thank them all for their dedication and commitment to Sealaska and to our people.
Patrick M. Anderson | served 1989 – PresentPatrick has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Yakutat, Alaska and currently resides in Anchorage, Alaska.
John Borbridge, Jr. | served 1972 – 1978John was the chair of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company, and served as Sealaska’s president from 1972-1978. He is from Juneau, Alaska and still resides there.
Judson L. Brown | served 1974 – 1987Jud served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was raised primarily in Klukwan, Alaska and is deceased.
Barbara Cadiente-Nelson | served 2009 – PresentBarbara has just completed her first term on the Sealaska board of directors. She is from Angoon, Alaska and is a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska.
Bertrand C. Campbell, Jr. | served 1972 – 1974Bertrand was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska. He is from Juneau, Alaska and currently resides in Reston, Virginia.
Charles Carlson | served 1981 – 1993Charlie served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors, including service as the board vice chair. He was from Sitka, Alaska and is deceased.
Niles Cesar | served 1987 – 1990Niles served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He was a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska and is deceased.
Lawrence W. Dalton, Sr. | served 1974 – 1978Lawrence served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He resided in Ketchikan, Alaska and is deceased.
Robert “Jeff” David, Sr. | served 1974 – 1979Jeff was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company. He was from Klukwan, Alaska and a longtime resident of Haines, Alaska and is deceased.
Joseph Demmert, Jr. | served 1983 – 2005Joe served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors, including service as the board vice chair. He was born in Klawock, Alaska and was a longtime resident of Ketchikan, Alaska and is deceased.
L. Embert Demmert, Sr. | served 1985 – 1994Embert served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was originally from Craig, Alaska and was a resident of Mercer Island, Washington and is deceased.
Raymond Q. Demmert | served 1978 – 1992Ray served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors, including time as the vice chair. He was a longtime resident of Ketchikan, Alaska before moving to Lynden, Washington and is deceased.
Sam L. Demmert | served 1972 – 1981Sam was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska, and also served as Sealaska’s president from 1978-79. He was born in Klawock, Alaska but is a longtime resident of Yakutat, Alaska and still resides there.
Sealaska previous and Current Directors
21Sealaska Annual Meeting
Sidney C. Edenshaw | served 2005 – PresentSid has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Hydaburg, Alaska and still resides there.
Jim Edenso | served 1981 – 1998Jim served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Craig, Alaska and currently resides in Hansville, Washington.
Murlin “Mike” G. Everson | served 1978 – 1981Mike served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Wrangell, Alaska and resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Nelson D. Frank | served 1974 – 1975Nelson served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Hydaburg, Alaska and lived in Sitka for many years, and currently resides in Craig, Alaska.
Cyril W. George, Sr. | served 1972 – 1974Cyril was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska. He is from Angoon, Alaska and currently resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Louis J. Gloria | served 1979 – 1988Louis served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was born in Juneau, Alaska and raised in Petersburg, Alaska and currently resides in El Centro, California.
Gilbert Gunderson | served 1972 – 1987Gil was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and served several terms. He is from Wrangell, Alaska and still resides there.
Andrew John Hope, Jr. | served 1974 – 1991John served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was from Sitka, Alaska and is deceased.
Aaron T. Isaacs, Jr. | served 1972 – 1976Aaron was a member of the first board of directors for Sealaska, and later dedicated his service to Sealaska as an employee. He is from Craig, Alaska and currently resides in Klawock, Alaska.
Clarence M. Jackson, Sr. | served 1972 – Present Clarence was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company, and still serves on the board today. He is the only director to have served continuously since incorporation, including several years as the vice chair. He is from Kake, Alaska and still resides there.
Mark Jacobs, Jr. | served 1972 – 1979Mark was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska. He was from Sitka, Alaska and is deceased.
Gordon James, Sr. | served 1988 – 2004Gordon served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was raised in and was a lifelong resident of Craig, Alaska and is deceased.
Marlene A. Johnson | served 1972-1995Marlene was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company, and has served as chair and vice chair of the board. She is from Hoonah, Alaska and currently resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Joseph E. Kahklen | served 1977 – 1987Joe served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He has roots in Kake and Klawock, Alaska and resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Leonard Kato served | 1972 – 1976Leonard was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company. He was from Klawock, Alaska and is deceased.
Sealaska Previous and Current Directors (continued)
Sealaska Annual Meeting22
David G. Katzeek | served 1979 – 1981David served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He has roots in Klukwan, Alaska and was raised in Juneau, Alaska and still resides there.
Richard “Dick” Kito | served 1972 – 1983Dick was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska and an incorporator of the company. He was from Petersburg, Alaska and is deceased.
Albert M. Kookesh | served 1976 – Present Albert has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors and has been board chair since 2000. He is from Angoon, Alaska and still resides there.
Roger J. Lang | served 1972 – 1987Roger was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska. He was from Metlakatla, Alaska and resided in Sitka, Alaska and is deceased.
D. Kenneth Leask | served 1974 – 1978 Ken served a term on the Sealaska board of directors and was born in Metlakatla, Alaska. He currently resides in Seattle, Washington.
Daniel M. Leston | served 1994 – 2003Dan served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. His family is from Metlakatla, Alaska and currently resides in Kent, Washington.
J. Tate London | served 2005 – PresentTate has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. His family is from Angoon and Ketchikan, Alaska and he currently resides in Bothell, Washington.
Ethel M. Lund | served 1988 – 2009Ethel served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. She was born in Wrangell, Alaska and is a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska.
Byron I. Mallott | served 1972 – 1989 and 1999 – Present Byron has served several terms on the board of directors beginning with the very first board of Sealaska. He served as chair of the board, and as president and chief executive officer of Sealaska from 1982 – 1992. Byron is from Yakutat, Alaska and resides in both Yakutat and Juneau, Alaska.
Chris E. McNeil, Jr. | served 1998 – 2000Chris served on the Sealaska board of directors before becoming Sealaska’s president and chief executive officer in 2001. Chris also served as Sealaska’s executive vice president and general counsel from 1985-1993 and in other corporate officer positions since 1978. He is from Juneau, Alaska and currently resides in Snoqualmie, Washington.
Johanna “Jodi” M. Mitchell | served 2006 – PresentJodi has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. Her family is from Angoon, Alaska and she is a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska.
Joseph G. Nelson | served 2003 – PresentJoe has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Yakutat, Alaska and currently resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Charles Nelson, Sr. | served 1972 – 1974Charles was a member of the very first board of directors for Sealaska. He was from Ketchikan, Alaska and is deceased.
Sealaska Previous and Current Directors (continued)
23Sealaska Annual Meeting
Jacqueline Johnson Pata | served 1999 – PresentJackie has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. She is from Haines, Alaska with family in Juneau, Alaska and currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia.
William C. Ross | served 1974 – 1977William served a term on the Sealaska board of directors and also as Sealaska’s vice president from 1977-1978. He currently resides in Freeland, WA.
Robert Sanderson, Sr. | served 1974 – 1985Bob served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Hydaburg, Alaska and still resides there.
Carlton Smith | served 1988– 1998Carlton served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors and as the corporate secretary of Sealaska. He is a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska.
Dr. Walter A. Soboleff | served 1980 – 1988Walter served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He was born in Killisnoo, Alaska and was a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska and is deceased.
Ralph Strong | served 1989 – 1992Ralph served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Klukwan, Alaska and currently resides in Haines, Alaska.
Richard Stitt, Sr. | served 1988 – 2004Richard served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors, and also in several Sealaska officer positions. He was born in Klawock, Alaska and was a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska and is deceased.
Edward K. Thomas | served 1993 – PresentEd has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Craig, Alaska and resides in Juneau, Alaska.
William A. Thomas, Jr. | served 2009 – PresentBill has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Haines, Alaska and still resides there.
Dr. Alfred E. Widmark, Sr. | served 1985 – 1988Al served a term on the Sealaska board of directors. He was a longtime resident of Juneau, Alaska and is deceased.
Alan L. Williams | served 1985 – 1999Alan served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors, including service as the board chair and vice chair. He was a longtime resident of Anchorage, Alaska and currently resides in Vancouver, Washington.
Joseph G. Wilson | served 1976 – 1985Joe served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors. He is from Juneau, Alaska and currently resides in Anchorage, AK.
Rosita F. Worl | served 1987 – Present Rosita has served several terms on the Sealaska board of directors and has been board vice chair since 1999. She is from Klukwan, Alaska and currently resides in Juneau, Alaska.
Marjorie V. Young | served 1979 – 2009Marge served thirty years on the Sealaska board of directors, including service as the board chair and vice chair. The Sealaska Marjorie V. Young Shareholder Permanent Fund is named in her honor. She has been a lifelong resident of Craig, Alaska.
Sealaska Annual Meeting24
Sam Landol is retiring from Sealaska after five years as chief operating officer. Sam’s Tlingit name is Kaa Xooní and he was adopted as an Eagle Killerwhale (Tsaagweidi). Sam has three daughters, Adriene Nolasco, Rachel Landol, and Erica Rivas-Sleeper, and a son Samuel Landol, Jr. Erica’s daughter Brooklynn and Samuel’s children Mia and Samuel III are the grandchildren doted upon by Sam and his wife Minerva.
Sam holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Pratt Institute, and a masters of business administration from Harvard Business School. He is fluent in English, Spanish and conversational Portuguese. Sam came to Sealaska in 2007 after a distinguished career with Sealaska plastics partner Nypro Inc., serving a number of positions including president of Nypro Latin America and president of Nypro Europe with operations in England, France, Ireland, Hungary and Russia. Sam’s duties with Sealaska included oversight of the plastics operations of Nypro Kánaak in Guadalajara, Alabama, and Iowa in addition to oversight of the manufacturing and services-providing companies. Two years ago Sam was appointed to President Obama’s Manufacturing Council where he participates in the competitiveness subcommittee and helped raise Sealaska’s federal profile. Sealaska wishes Sam the very best and thanks him for his years of dedicated service.
John Hillman retired this year after working for Sealaska Timber Corporation (STC) for more than 26 years. Sealaska extends its deepest appreciation for the many years of service and dedication that John has shared with us. His commitment to excellent forest practices upholds our Native value of Haa Aaní, Our Land. John is Tlingit T’akdeintaan from Hoonah, Alaska where he has lived all of his adult life. His parents are Ernie Hillman, Jr. and Lillian (Marvin) Hillman, and he has four siblings: Leslie (deceased), Ernie III, Veronica Dalton, and Valerie Hillman. John is married to Marilyn and they have a daughter, Krissy Bean Lanyi. Krissy recently gave birth to John and Marilyn’s first grandchild, Trinity.
John started working for STC in 1986 as a field engineer, after working as a forest engineer for Huna Totem Corporation. John brought to STC extensive forestry field experience and knowledge of our Alaska Native culture. He helped develop and put into effect the STC “Firewood for Shareholders” program that has delivered loads of firewood to Sealaska’s Elder and single parent household shareholders. John is an exceptional forester and through his own expertise and attention, and the training of others, John has directly contributed to the superior timber management and land stewardship of Sealaska. He is well regarded by governing regulatory agencies and earned the trust and respect of those around him, leaving STC as a senior engineer. Congratulations on your retirement, John — you will be missed.
sealaska retirees
25Sealaska Annual Meeting
The Native value Haa Shagóon is one of the guiding Native values for Sealaska’s board and management. Haa Shagóon recognizes the bonds between our ancestors, current generation and future generations. In that spirit the Sealaska board of directors in 2010 established a youth advisor position on the board. The Board Youth Advisor will serve a one-year term on the board. The successful appointed tribal member shareholder will provide non-voting input to the board and will gain valuable board membership training.
Ralph Wolfe, 2011-2012 Sealaska Board Youth Advisor — “I hope to be a good role model to the youth in the way that my mentors were to me. I plan on bringing my culture into the classroom with the hope that I will be able to inspire other Native students to be proud of their heritage.”
Ralph Wolfe served as the Sealaska Board Youth Advisor from June 2011 – June 2012 and his term ends at the 2012 Sealaska annual meeting. He is Haida Eagle-Frog of the Kooskidee clan and grew up in Craig, Alaska and his Tlingit name is Góos’k’. He graduated from the PITAAS (Preparing Indigenous Teachers and Administrators for Alaska’s Schools) program at the University of Alaska Southeast and is currently an apprentice language teacher for the Yakutat Tlingit tribe and teaches junior high and high school language classes. Ralph is a former Sealaska intern who has been deeply involved in Alaska Native culture and communities from a young age, and hopes to serve as a positive influence in the lives of our youth. Sealaska congratulates Ralph on his outstanding achievements and thanks him for his contribution.
Madeline Soboleff Levy, 2012-2013 Sealaska Board Youth Advisor — “I find myself grateful for the purpose that my family and my people provide. I’ll keep studying at UCLA School of Law, knowing that I am grounded and looking forward to the future of working for Alaska Native people.”
Madeline Soboleff Levy has been appointed to serve as the Sealaska Board Youth Advisor from June 2012 – June 2013 and her term begins at the 2012 Sealaska annual meeting. Madeline is Tlingit and Haida and is the granddaughter of the late Dr. Walter Soboleff. She is from Juneau, Alaska and currently studies law at the University of California Los Angeles, where she is the president of the UCLA chapter of the Native American Law Student Association. Madeline is a former Sealaska intern and former member of Xaada Git’alang (Children of the Haida Dance Group) and Lda Kut Naxx Sati’ Yatx’I (All Nation’s Children Dance Group). Madeline is committed to advancing Native rights and increasing understanding between Native and non-Native peoples.
sealaska Board youth advisor
Sealaska Annual Meeting26
Nainoa Thompson is a Navigator and chair of the board of directors of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. For the past 35 years, Mr. Thompson has inspired and led a revival of the traditional arts associated with long-distance ocean voyaging in Hawaii and throughout Polynesia. He developed and teaches a system of wayfinding, or non-instrument navigation, synthesizing traditional principles of ancient Pacific navigation and modern science. He is the first Hawaiian to practice the art of wayfinding on long distance ocean voyages since such voyaging ended in Hawai’i around the 14th century. Mr. Thompson continues to develop and implement a multi-disciplined, culturally relevant educational program focused on teaching Hawai’i’s children about Polynesian voyaging values.
Mr. Thompson is the recipient of numerous community awards, including the Unsung Hero of Compassion, which was awarded by the Dalai Lama on behalf of the Wisdom in Action Organization, and the Native Hawaiian Education Association’s Manomano Ka’ike (Depth and Breadth of Knowledge) Educator of the Year Award. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of Punahou School and the University of Hawai’i, where he earned a bachelor of arts in ocean science.
John Borbridge, Jr. was an incorporator of Sealaska, and served on its first board of directors. He was raised in Southeast Alaska and graduated from Juneau High School, and attended Sheldon Jackson Junior College in Sitka, Alaska. Mr. Borbridge graduated from the University of Michigan with a bachelor of arts degree. He attended graduate school at the University of Washington in Seattle. During his terms from 1967 to 1972 as President of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indians of Alaska, he was instrumental in efforts to settle the Alaska Native land claims, serving as chief lobbyist for Southeast Alaska. Mr. Borbridge was also a lobbyist for Alaska Federation of Natives. In 1972, following the enactment of ANCSA, he was elected President and Chairman of the Board of Sealaska Corporation. He served as President of Sealaska Corporation until 1978. Mr. Borbridge was appointed by the United States Congress to serve as a Commissioner on the American Indian Policy Review Commission from 1975 to 1977. He received a Presidential appointment to serve at the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. He also served as chair of the board of the Alaska Federation of Natives, and as an AFN vice-president. In 2012 Mr. Borbridge was presented with an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Alaska Southeast.
special recognition
27Sealaska Annual Meeting
$ 1,500 Katherine M. Williams | Yakutat, AK
$ 1,000 Ralph Houston | Springfield, MO
$ 750 Kenneth G. Merculief | Juneau, AK
$ 500 Billy Alex Williams | Yakutat, AK
$ 250 Michelle L. Aesquivel | Aurora, CO
$ 250 Brett H. Jack | Juneau, AK
$ 250 Ralph W. Bolton Sr. | Ketchikan, AK
$ 250 Michelle A. Gates | Tacoma, WA
$ 100 Sigurd C. Samuelson Jr. | Sitka, AK
$ 100 Myrna R. Allen | Juneau, AK
$ 100 Rodney Willis | Seward, AK
$ 100 Cecilia P. Felipe | Juneau, AK
$ 100 Al B. Patotzka | Ketchikan, AK
$ 100 Brandi L. Fontana | Juneau, AK
$ 50 Bruce R. Jones | Petersburg, AK
$ 50 June H. Henrie | Brinnon, WA
$ 50 John S. Warren | Bothell, WA
$ 50 Robert A. Olofson | Warren, OR
$ 50 Jonelle M. Bjorge | Wrangell, AK
$ 50 Hazel Mazon | Federal Way, WA
$ 50 William L. Shayen Sr. | Sitka, AK
$ 50 Mary J. Cozzi | Juneau, AK
early bird cash prize winner list
www.sealaska.com
Some images provide by Alaska Division of Community and Regional Affairs (DCRA).
Front Cover: The Chief Son-I-Hat Whale House located in Kasaan, Alaska and is currently being repaired and restored. For more information, please visit Kasaan.org.