(SitNews) Juneau, Alaska - There are more than 21,500 tribal member shareholders of Sealaska. About 9,000 shareholders live in Southeast Alaska.  Many are also shareholders of the region’s Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) urban or village corporations. Sealaska organizes a bi-annual workshop in an effort to better serve shareholders of ANCSA corporations. Representatives from Huna Totem Corporation, Cape Fox Corporation, Kootznoowoo Inc., Yak-Tat Kwaan, Inc., Haida Corporation and Goldbelt Incorporated attended the workshop. This year the two day session was March 20 -21, 2014 in Juneau.

Sealaska’s Records Manager Linda Wynne provided presentations for the group to review best practices.  They also reviewed the responsibility for protecting the security of shareholder records in accordance with regulatory compliance.

In addition the group had face time with State entities such as the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics and Alaska Child Support Services. New this year was a panel discussion on child support services.  The group also reviewed Sealaska processes and forms as guidelines, such as shareholder forms for estate processing or change of address.

“Sealaska is often looked to as a leader in the region,” said Darlene Watchman, Sealaska director of shareholder relations. “This year the presentation by the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics included speakers addressing several recurring issues shareholders run into in obtaining certified records.  It was beneficial to learn about certification requirements, issues with adoption and paternity and how to petition to correct a record. The collaboration between the State of Alaska and the tribal child support unit was reinforced with the panel discussion that included a state representative, a tribal child support attorney and tribal court judge.”

“We appreciate the support for the workshop as the knowledge will benefit our village shareholders,” said Aleya Putiafico with Huna Totem Corporation.

Networking was another benefit of the group meeting. “This was a great opportunity to share best practices,” said Donna Frank of Cape Fox Corporation. “We all have faced similar questions and to understand best practices will benefit shareholders across the region.”

Source of News: 

Sealaska
www.sealaska.com

Sealaska is the regional Native institution established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 (ANCSA).  Sealaska is owned by more than 21,500 tribal member shareholders, from the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian people of the region.  Sealaska’s purpose is to strengthen our people, culture and homelands through values in action.

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