Sealaska eNews

For the past several years Sealaska has been meeting with communities throughout Southeast Alaska to encourage their comments and suggestions related to our entitlement land legislation. This legislation will protect jobs and provide a foundation for Sealaska economic development activities to continue in the region.

In a recent meeting with the Craig City Council, our corporation's passion to finalize its Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) land entitlement selections came to a boil. It's understandable but unfortunate that recent media coverage from the Craig City Council meeting has focused attention on an incongruous choice of words by our Board Chair, Albert Kookesh, rather than the critical issue of Sealaska’s lands legislation.

Chair Kookesh and the Sealaska board are dedicated advocates of Sealaska's land legislation because they know the economic condition of our villages is critical. This legislation will provide positive economic impacts in some of Southeast Alaska’s most economically distressed communities.

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska (ACLU) announced the 2010 Liberty Awards on January 23, 2010. Five honorees were recognized as Champions of Constitutional Rights, including Sealaska director Byron Mallott.

Byron was honored with the Eric Johnson Champion of Native Rights award. Eric Johnson was recognized by the ACLU for his work at striking down Alaska law that required English as the only language for communication with state government.

“As I reflect on this honor, I’m reminded of the leaders that made this generation of leaders possible,” he said. “One can’t begin to review what you’ve accomplished without revering those that came before you."

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Sealaska tribal member shareholder Jon Duncan has been appointed acting general manager of Sealaska subsidiaries Managed Business Solutions (MBS) and MBS Systems.

Prior to his appointment, Jon served as MBS vice president and general manager. Most recently, he was at Oracle / Siebel Systems developing the channel ecosystem for CRM, ERP, Business Intelligence and PLM applications. He holds an M.B.A. from St. Mary’s College of California, graduating with College Honors, and a B.A. degree in politics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, graduating with College Honors.

Jon has over 15 years experience in a variety of executive sales management and sales and business development.

MBS is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

On Friday, January 29, 2010, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel will deliver the 9th Annual State of the Indian Nations Address . NCAI is the major national tribal government organization that is positioned to monitor federal policy and coordinated efforts to inform federal decisions that affect tribal government interests. One avenue is through the Annual State of the Indian Nations Address.

“Themes this year include Indian Country’s priorities for the 111th Congress and the Obama Administration,” said NCAI Executive Director Jackie Pata. “Economic development, jobs for Alaska Natives and American Indians, and the role of tribal governments in the economy will also be discussed.”

“I encourage tribal leaders and members to watch the webcast of the Address, Friday, January 29, 2010, beginning live at 9:30 a.m. EST.”

Pata also serves on the Sealaska Board of Directors.

In 2007 tribal member shareholder, Severino Samaniego, Jr., opened one of Washington state’s newest wineries, Severino Cellars located in the small town of Zillah.

“Our first vintage of wines was produced in 2004,” said Severino “These wines consisted of a dry Riesling, a red blend – Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2009 two additional wines were offered – our first estate wine, a Viognier, as well as a 2006 Syrah.”

Severino Cellars has 14 acres planted in five varietals to use in future wines including Riesling, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Samaniego earned a Wine Trade Professional Certificate from Central Washington University and received hands-on training at a Washington winery. He is of the Tlingit Nation-Eagle Tribe, Wooshketon Clan.

Do you own a business? Sealaska frequently highlights tribal member shareholder owned businesses in various publications. An extensive list is published in the corporate website

If you would like your business published in Sealaska’s directory, email Dixie.hutchinson@sealaska.com with your business name, contact information, tribal member shareholder ID number and a brief description.

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has released a series of books that reveal how to carve Tlingit objects in its ongoing effort to perpetuate Native art forms.

The Tlingit Wood Carving series includes three volumes: How to Carve a Tlingit Tray; How to Carve a Tlingit Hat; and How to Carve a Tlingit Mask. The books, written by the accomplished Tlingit artist Richard A. Beasley, also include projects that show how to make Tlingit paint and paintbrushes and how to inlay operculum and abalone.

“The books are unique because the projects are broken down into detailed steps and each step includes a color photo,” said SHI President Rosita Worl. “The series will be invaluable to students who don’t have access to a teacher.”

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Administrative Assistant: SHI is recruiting for an administrative assistant for its education department. The successful applicant will perform varied data entry, correspondence, receptionist and support duties. Qualifications include a minimum of three years clerical and general office experience, and a two-year associate degree is preferred. Applicants should possess excellent communication skills and be proficient with Microsoft Office products, highly organized, detail oriented and able to work in an exciting and fast paced environment.

To apply: submit cover letter, resume, three references and college transcripts to Sealaska Heritage Institute, Attn: Director of Finance/HR, One Sealaska Plaza, Ste. 301, Juneau, AK 99801 or fax to 907.586.9293 or email to Lola.Foss@sealaska.com

The position will remain open until filled. Pay is DOE, starting at $17/hr during a 6-month probationary period. The selection process will begin February 8th. The Institute is a nonprofit organization founded by Sealaska Corporation. Tribal member shareholder preference is applicable.