A quarterly newsletter from Sealaska

Transcription

1 Q2 Values in Action Shareholder A quarterly newsletter from Sealaska All Indian Pueblo Council Supports Sealaska s Land Legislation Tribal organization joins dozens of others nationwide The All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC) passed a resolution of support calling on Congress to finalize the land settlement for Southeast Alaska Natives. AIPC is comprised of 20 Pueblos of New Mexico and has served as the political voice of the Pueblos. The legislation before Congress is known as the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement and Jobs Protection Act. The legislation would return ancestral lands to Native ownership to Sealaska s tribal member shareholders under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of We are in support of Sealaska for the return of their lands, said AIPC Chair Chandler Sanchez. AIPC has supported the efforts of other tribes in the protection of land and sacred sites. We will continue to be united in these efforts, as we share the same concerns and have communal interests as it relates to the protection of land and sacred sites." AIPC joins 42 Native groups that support the legislation, including the Pueblo of Pojoaque and Pueblo of Sandia. Now, we are honored by the support given by AIPC to finalize our land entitlement, said McNeil. We have fought for more than 10 years for the settlement. Our progress over the past year is a direct result of the large amount of support from across the nation. More than 60 tribal nations, intertribal organizations and Alaska Native village corporations have passed resolutions or sent letters of support to Congress. Tribes in Alaska, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, California and Minnesota are all calling for the return to Native ownership of Southeast Alaska Native lands. We greatly appreciate the support of AIPC on the finalization of our land entitlement, said Chris E. McNeil Jr., Sealaska president and CEO. As the oldest organization in the United States to provide advocacy and support on issues that impact all Native peoples, they understand that nothing has been more harmful to our communities than the unjust appropriation of our lands. For election information, please seen inside pages on candidates, the resolution, and completing your proxy. Nathan McCowan Sealaska Offers Testimony to U.N. Officials United Nations Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples visits Alaska United Nations (UN) Rapporteur on Indigenous Peoples, Professor James Anaya, made stops across Alaska to learn how the U.S. is aligning with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in The declaration affirms that indigenous people are equal to all other people and have the right to self-determination, along with an array of related rights, including rights to traditional lands and territories. It wasn t until 2009, under the Obama administration, that the United States reversed its opposition to the declaration. Sealaska Director of Corporate Development and Strategy Nathan McCowan was able to provide testimony to Professor Anaya. McCowan s key messages included land entitlement, Native hunting, fishing and gathering rights, and the benefits of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporations.

2 2 INSIDE SEALASKA Officers' Corner Nicole Hallingstad Vice President and Corporate Secretary It s election time! It s the time of year when tribal member shareholders are submitting their proxies for the 2012 Sealaska annual meeting of shareholders. If you have any questions about the election process, please call me directly at It is important to cast an informed vote, and I m happy to answer your questions. Sealaska s tribal member shareholders are very engaged in the election process and there is always great discussion around candidates and issues. We d like to encourage even more shareholders to vote, and we re working hard to make it fast and easy. We invite shareholders to try online voting. If you vote online, you do need the information printed on your personal paper proxy card. If you haven t already completed your proxy, please remember to do so before the deadline on June 21 at 5 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time. One of our core Alaska Native values is Haa Latseen, or strength. Our true strength is a collective strength, it is the power of our collective heritage and the sound of our collective voices, working together toward goals that matter to us. When we put our values into action, we are all stronger for it. Please think of voting as putting your values into action, and let your voice be heard. Be sure to cast your proxy for the 2012 annual meeting. The meeting itself is in Juneau, Alaska on June 23 and we hope to see you there. Thank you for being a part of this important process. We look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Nicole Hallingstad Vice President and Corporate Secretary Sealaska Corporation Proxy Solicitation by the Board of Directors for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders Shareholder name: Shareholder ID#: Shares: Shareholder PIN: Votes: 4 For greater detail on how to vote, including Online Voting, see your 2012 Proxy Statement BE SURE TO COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THIS PROXY! Vote Your Proxy Check the box of your choice: Discretionary Your votes will be voted for candidates on the Board of Directors slate. Directed Your votes will be directed to nominees of your choice in the numbers you allocate. Vote for no more than five nominees. Quorum Only Your proxy will be counted for quorum purposes only. VOTE FOR DIRECTORS: HOW MANY VOTES DO YOU HAVE? See the top right of your proxy card for the number of voting shares you own and the number of votes you have for directors. BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES INDEPENDENT NOMINEES The Board of Directors endorses the following slate of The following nominees are independent candidates. nominees. If you checked the Discretionary or Quorum Only box, They are not endorsed by the Board of Directors. If you should not write in the number of votes. you checked the Discretionary or Quorum Only box, you 5 should not write in the number of votes. Nominee # of Directed Votes 6 Barbara Cadiente-Nelson Nominee # of Directed Votes 2 Albert Kookesh Tate London Joe Nelson Bill Thomas I hereby appoint as my attorneys in fact and proxies Sidney Edenshaw, Clarence Jackson, and Rosita Worl ( Proxy holders ), a majority of them, or any one of them acting in the absence of the others, with full powers of substitution, to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Sealaska Corporation to be held in Juneau, Alaska on June 23, 2012, at 1:00 pm, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, and to vote all of my shares of Sealaska Corporation that I could vote, with all the powers that I would possess if personally present at the meeting, all as described in the Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement, both dated May 11, 2012, receipt of which I acknowledge. If this proxy is signed and no specific direction is given, this proxy will be voted for the Board of Directors nominees, and at the discretion of the Proxy holders upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. Directors will be elected for terms ending in CAST MY VOTES IN THE MANNER INDICATED ABOVE. DATE:, 2012 SIGNATURE: (Please sign exactly as your name appears at the top of card) PRINT NAME: As custodian/guardian/trustee for: (Shareholder s name for whom you are signing) Witnesses are necessary only when a shareholder signs by marking X. In such case, two witnesses must sign below. (Witness, if necessary) Raymond Austin William Micklin Edward Sarabia, Jr (Write-In Name Here) CHECK HERE: Contribute my $25 voting incentive to Sealaska Heritage Institute OPTIONAL This gift is made in memory of: (Witness, if necessary) SIGN THIS PROXY AND MAIL IT IN THE ENCLOSED PREPAID ENVELOPE TO: Independent Inspectors of Election & Voting Elgee Rehfeld Mertz, CPAs, 9309 Glacier Highway, Suite B200, Juneau, AK Your proxy must be received by the Independent Inspectors of Election by 5:00 PM Alaska Time on June 21, The Early Bird Deadline is 5:00 PM Alaska Time on June 8, OR FAX TO: If you fax your proxy, be sure to fax BOTH sides. If you fax your proxy, you do not need to mail it. BE SURE TO COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF YOUR PROXY

3 PROXY 3 How to Complete Your Proxy Any Sealaska tribal member shareholder, regardless of the number of shares held, who submits a valid proxy on or before June 21, 2012, or who votes in person at the annual meeting on June 23, 2012, will receive a one-time payment of $25, which is a special incentive to encourage voting. Those who qualify for the $25 voting incentive may contribute it directly to the Sealaska Heritage Institute if they choose to do so. 1. vote online Sealaska is pleased to offer online voting to our shareholders. We encourage our shareholders to try this quick, easy and confidential form of voting for the annual meeting. Instructions are in your proxy statement for online voting, and here are answers to some questions. Why should I vote online? Voting online is secure, it s fast and it's more convenient for many. It also aligns with Sealaska s green initiatives to reduce paper and lower expenses, like postage. Will I still receive a proxy incentive payment? Yes. In fact, you ll receive it more quickly by voting online, and you can go back to the online voting site, type in your information, and check on the status of your payment. Is online voting really secure? Yes. Your identity is authenticated and electronic firewalls protect your voting information. Just like with a paper proxy, only you and the Independent Inspectors of Election will know your vote. What if I need help? Call the online voting support desk toll-free at from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time, seven days a week if you have a technical question or you need a replacement Shareholder PIN. Other election questions should go to the VP and corporate secretary at What if I've lost my paper proxy can I still vote online? You can get a replacement Shareholder PIN issued to you by calling the support desk at , from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time. You will need to know your Shareholder ID number, and provide other identification information, to get assigned a new PIN. If you have a valid address, you can go to the online voting site to receive a new Shareholder PIN via Vote your paper proxy: sign and Date the Proxy Print your name, and sign your name exactly as it appears on the proxy card. Fill in minor s name if you sign as a custodian. Date the proxy the day you sign it. 3. Contribute Your $25 Voting Incentive to shi, if You So Desire Check the box if you want to contribute your $25 incentive payment to support the work of Sealaska Heritage Institute. Indicate if you wish to make the contribution in memory of someone and write in his or her name. This will be published on the SHI website. 4. Choose Which Way You Would Like to Vote for directors As a Sealaska shareholder, you have the following choices in completing your proxy: VOTE DISCRETIONARY If you check this box, you will cast all your votes for the endorsed board slate nominees. The proxy holders appointed by the board will allocate them among the nominees on the board s slate to elect as many of the board s nominees as possible. A proxy that is signed but not marked will be voted discretionary for endorsed board slate nominees. You can withhold votes for board nominees by drawing a line through their name where it is printed on the proxy. Discretionary voting does not apply to the resolution. Vote Yes or No on the resolution. VOTE DIRECTED If you check this box, you may direct a specific number of votes to one or up to five nominees listed on the proxy, whether board or independent nominees, or to an individual whom you write in. The election bylaws require that directed votes go only to the nominee(s) you have indicated, even if those nominees later withdraw. Directed votes stay with the candidate and may not be redirected to another candidate, unless you replace your proxy. Vote for no more than five (5) nominees. Be sure to vote Yes or No on the resolution. QUORUM ONLY If you check this box, your votes will be counted only for the purpose of achieving quorum for the meeting. No director candidate will receive any of your votes and your votes will not count on the resolution. 5. endorsed board slate nominees These nominees are endorsed by the Sealaska Board of Directors. You may support these nominees by checking the discretionary box or by voting directed for the nominee(s) of your choice. 6. independent nominees Sealaska s election policies state that all qualified independent nominees may have their names listed on the Sealaska proxy. These nominees are not endorsed by the board of directors. You may vote for these nominees by writing in the number of directed votes you wish to cast for one or more of them. 7. Write-IN Sealaska s proxy provides a space for write-in voting. You may write the name of any qualified nominee in the space, then indicate the number of directed votes you cast for that nominee. 8. Vote on resolution Mark the YES or NO box on the resolution. For voting on a resolution, you have the same number of votes as the number of voting shares you own.

4 4 CANDIDATES Endorsed Board Slate Nominees BARBARA CADIENTE-NELSON: In 2009, when elected to the Board of Sealaska, I signed an oath to serve each shareholder to the best of my ability and to conduct myself in good faith, exercising due care and judgment exclusively for the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders. I am committed in fulfilling our expectations of ANCSA as a vehicle for social and economic justice. I hold myself accountable in support of our Landless, our Veterans, our Elders, and to stimulate economic development in our communities. These priorities-- these values--remain at the forefront of my decision making when assessing each business opportunity for its potential to generate long-term shareholder value with the highest degree of integrity. I respectfully ask for your support in my election to the Board of Directors that I may continue to strive toward making our land settlement meaningful for all shareholders and for our descendants. AGE: 58 address: 1625 Fritz Cove Road, Juneau, AK PRINCipal OCCupation: Vice President of F/V Star of the Sea, Inc and the K-12 Native Education Grants Administrator for the Juneau School District education: Bachelor of Arts in communication from Western Illinois University, Master of Arts in teaching, secondary education, and Language Arts teaching certificate affiliations: Barbara has been a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors since She is a member of the Audit Committee and Finance Committee, and is a director of Haa Aaní, LLC. Barbara is a board member and officer of the Douglas Indian Association, a member of Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 2, a Secular Carmelite, and serves on the Juneau School District Equity Committee. ALBERT KOOKESH: I have always been a strong advocate of Alaska Native rights and privileges. I still live in my village of Angoon where my wife Sally and I raised our five children. I am proud that we opened the door for those children born after 1971 and that we voted to give extra shares to Elders. We are in the middle of a battle to get our final land entitlement and have made great progress; with the board, the staff and officers working together, we will get this done. I have committed most of my life to Sealaska and continue to want to move our corporation forward. We have made great progress with SHI, better dividends, Celebration, scholarships, a new SHI Walter Soboleff center, but we need to continue our work. I am asking you for your support and I pledge continued dedicated progress. AGE: 63 address: PO Box 91, Angoon, AK PRINCipal OCCupation: Senator, District C, Alaska State Legislature, and owner and operator of Kootznahoo Inlet Lodge education: Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Bachelor of Arts in history from Alaska Methodist University, and Juris Doctorate from the University of Washington affiliations: Albert has been a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors since His daughter, Jaeleen Araujo, is an officer of Sealaska and serves as Vice President and General Counsel. Albert is the Board Chair and ex-officio member of all committees, serves as a director for Sealaska Timber Corporation, Sealaska Global Logistics, LLC, and Haa Aaní, LLC. He also serves as vice chair on the Elders Settlement Trust board of trustees. Albert is co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives, a member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood Grand Camp executive committee, and a director of First Alaskan s Institute. TATE LONDON: As a board member, I have sought to strengthen Sealaska and its commitment to providing economic, cultural and social benefits for our current and future shareholders. Although the financial growth and performance of our company remains of paramount importance, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are a Native company that is owned and operated on behalf of our tribal member shareholders. There remains much work to do as we strive to replace declining timber revenues, but Sealaska s future is bright. We will continue to lobby for passage of Haa Aaní, our lands bill. Conveyance of our remaining land entitlement will help protect jobs in Southeast Alaska and preserve conservation areas. While our business operations have expanded globally, we have also sought to foster economic development in our villages through Haa Aaní, LLC. Finally, I am proud of the work Sealaska Heritage Institute has done to perpetuate our culture, and I look forward to the construction of the Walter Soboleff Center. It has been a privilege and a great honor to serve you. I respectfully request your support so that I may continue to represent your interests. AGE: 49 address: st Place NE, Bothell, WA PRINCipal OCCupation: Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington education: Bachelor of Arts in political science from Stanford University, and Juris Doctorate from Stanford University affiliations: Tate has been a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors since He is a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominations Committee and is chair of the Governance sub-committee. He serves on the Elders Settlement Trust board of trustees, and is a director of Haa Aaní, LLC. Tate is also the tribal liaison to the United States Attorney s Office, is a member of the Washington State and American Bar Associations, and Washington Tlingit & Haida, and is an elected Tlingit & Haida delegate. JOE NELSON: I believe Sealaska should be setting the gold standard for smart business and profitability. Today our business operations are working hard, but struggling to maintain consistent performance in this difficult economy. We are fortunate that the ANCSA 7(i) fund and the permanent fund are doing exactly what they were designed to do provide income from ANCSA assets and a diverse portfolio of investments. Going forward we must avoid groupthink and become a leader in businesses that diversify our revenue stream, mesh with our core values and stabilize our village economies. In order to get there we must put a lot more emphasis on creating value, driving innovation and maintaining discipline based on our enduring Native values. As your youngest board member I am committed to helping build a diverse and responsible Native company that you and your grandchildren will be proud to call your own. I believe we have a bright future as healthy and determined Alaska Native people. I appreciate your feedback and your vote in this election. Gunalchéesh yá haa t éit yeeynaagí - Thank you for your support. AGE: 41 address: P.O. Box 20123, Juneau, AK PRINCipal OCCupation: Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management at the University of Alaska Southeast education: Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Arts in American Indian studies from the University of California Los Angeles, and Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School affiliations: Joe has been a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors since He serves as chair of the Finance Committee, and on the Compensation Committee, Lands Committee and Shareholder Relations Committee. Joe is a director of Sealaska Environmental Services, LLC and Haa Aaní, LLC. He is also a Trustee for Sealaska Heritage Institute, a director of Yak-tat Kwaan, Inc., a member of the Alaska Committee, and a member of the Alaska Bar Association.

5 CANDIDATES 5 BILL THOMAS: It is my privilege to serve and represent the Sealaska shareholders on the Board of Directors and would appreciate your continued support. I have spent four years on the Board and am still learning at every meeting what efforts have been taken and what additional measures we need to take to be successful in the world economy. As Sealaska continues to diversify its holdings, the knowledge and expertise of the board play a central role in the review of each operation and acquisition. As we enter a new era with our land exchange and continued diversification we need Board stability. We as shareholders come from all over and need to rely on the experience that this Board brings. In addition to my service in the Alaska State Legislature as the Co-chair of the House Finance Committee, I continue to fish commercially. I still live in Haines and have been married to my wife Joyce for 34 years. I have dedicated my life to public service, and I ask again for your support in my re-election. AGE: 64 address: P.O. Box 942, Haines, AK, PRINCipal OCCupation: Representative, House District 5, Alaska State Legislature and commercial fisherman education: Graduated from Haines High School and attended the University of Alaska affiliations: Bill has been a member of the Sealaska Board of Directors since 2009 and serves on the Audit Committee, Shareholder Relations Committee and Nominations Committee, and as a director for Haa Aaní, LLC. Bill is a Vietnam Veteran serving in country in 1968, a member of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, the Chilkoot Indian Association, Alaska Native Brotherhood, the Southeast Alaska Fisherman s Alliance, and is a lifetime member of the United Fishermen of Alaska and the American Legion. Independent Nominees Raymond AUSTIN: I am a candidate for an independent Sealaska Board of Directors. I ask for your support by voting for me as your independent candidate of choice by voting directed and supporting the resolution for Term Limits. I believe I am qualified to represent shareholders. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Bellevue University. Throughout my 30 year career, I ve worked with Information Technology and have worked hard as an analytical thinker. I can deploy my skills in planning, monitoring finance and budget of businessthresholds. I believe that Our Youth are our Future and want to see increased funds in education and Sealaska s businesses need to create more employment opportunities for shareholder hire. I want more shareholder involvement in the Sealaska scholarship programs and Sealaska Heritage Institute. It is time for shareholders to manage these programs and separate the Sealaska Board from program committees and management. The role of Sealaska in these programs is to function as a silent partner and a funding source. Sealaska Board s sole focus should only be on Sealaska business ventures. Please read my notes-section in my Facebook webpage, Kindeshaun Tinghaatah and my other FB website called Sealaska Shareholders. Ray Austin, kindeshaun@gci.net, AGE: 60 address: Argonite Drive NW, Albuquerque, NM PRINCipal OCCupation: Supervisory Information Technology Specialist EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Bellevue University affiliations: none provided William MICKLIN: My name is Will Micklin. My Tlingit name is Yaan Yaan Eesh, Shangukeidi (Wolf tribe), Teikweidi, Kaats Hit, Tantakwaan (Tongass Tribe), Gusik kwaan yadi, Ganax.adi duchxaan. I am Chief Executive Officer for the Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians since 1995, and the last 4 years Executive Director of the state- wide non-profit inter-tribal association representing California tribes. I have served the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes as 1st Vice President for the term and 5th VP for the term, and Delegate since I am appointed to the Office of Indian Energy Indian Country Energy Committee and the IRS Advisory Committee for Indian Tribal Governments, and am co-chair of the Tribal Self Governance Title IV Amendment Task Force. Previously I founded Native American Investments, Inc. I believe in the economic potential for renewable energy markets and biomass fuels in SE Alaska and globally, the mutual benefit of business venture opportunities between Sealaska and Central Council, and in cooperating with SE Alaska villages for the protection and preservation of sacred sites and objects for clan possession. I ask you to direct your votes to me. Please see my Facebook page and my profile at Gunalcheesh and Howah. AGE: 54 address: PO Box 1855, Alpine, CA PRINCipal OCCupation: CEO, Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians EDUCATION: BA, English Literature, University of Washington, 1981 affiliations: ANB Camp #14, National Congress of American Indians (lifetime member), Native American Finance Officers Association Edward SARABIA Jr.: I am Tlingit. I live in Connecticut but my heart is in Southeast Alaska with my family and lifelong friends. My mother is Helen Sarabia. My father is Edward T. Sarabia Sr. I was born and raised in Juneau. I spent my youth on my dad s boat, the F/V Alert. I believed I would remain a purse seiner and halibut fisherman. But, the State of Alaska changed our fishing seasons to field openings and fishing at Inian Islands eventually ended. Our culture and lives changed as well and we were not ready for that change. Sealaska Corporation financially survived all of these events and continues to thrive. Sealaska brought back our cultural pride by sponsoring Celebration every two years. I went to college in Seattle and commercially fished between college s summer and fall quarters. I raised two children on my own. I believe I can help Sealaska thrive. There is Native politics, state politics and federal politics. I am aware of them and have experienced them in my job. I believe I can represent you our Shareholders on Sealaska s Board. I ask for your vote. I believe I can help Sealaska well into the 21st century. AGE: 63 address: 206 Great Pond Road, South Glastonbury, CT PRINCipal OCCupation: (American) Indian Affairs Coordinator education: Bachelor of Arts from Seattle University, 1975 affiliations: Board of Trustees, Institute for American Studies

6 6 INSIDE SEALASKA SUBSIDIARY NEWS Synergy Breaks Ground on Bureau of Prisons Project Synergy Systems, a wholly owned construction management subsidiary of Sealaska, recently broke ground on a new contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Under the contract, Synergy Systems will design and build a 35,000 square foot facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. The new building will add capacity to the current BOP Field Acquisition Office. Synergy Systems General Manager Bob Wysocki says the contract is a direct result of an existing partnership between Managed Business Solutions (MBS), an information technology subsidiary of Sealaska, and BOP. This is a great example of the benefits of Sealaska sister companies working closely together, said Wysocki. One of our key objectives is to build strong relationships with our clients, like BOP, which leads to a more comprehensive understanding of their business needs and goals, said Jon Duncan, MBS president and CEO. Our relationship with, and knowledge of, the client enabled us to position the combined Sealaska value proposition, and specifically Synergy, to drive value for both BOP and Sealaska. Wysocki says the three-story concrete building should be completed by September Carl Moses, Nez Perce tribal member, will act as project manager. Sealaska Environmental Services (SES) Receives STAR Award Impeccable safety record recognized SES received a Safety Through Awards and Recognition (STAR) Award from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest, a federal entity that delivers facilities-lifecycle support to Navy and Marine Corps commanders worldwide, for work performed at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego. The award recognizes the project team's excellent safety record and outstanding performance evaluation for the North Island contract. In congratulating the team, Bob Schilling, SES s southwest operations manager, stated, "I am extremely proud of this team and of the honor that has been bestowed on SES as a result of the team's outstanding performance." Sealaska Strengthens Alliance with New Mexico Pueblos and Develops New Markets for Alaska Native Art After endorsing Sealaska's land legislation, All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC) invited Sealaska board members to New Mexico for the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow, a celebration of Native cultures in Albuquerque. Members of Sealaska s board visited Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue building relationships with New Mexico Native organizations and Pueblos. As Sealaska works to finalize the land legislation, it s important to continue building relationships and show members of Congress, like Senator Bingaman from New Mexico, that we have national support on the bill, said Sealaska Board Chair Albert Kookesh. While in Albuquerque, Sealaska board members experienced the Gathering of Nations Pow Wow. New Mexico has proven to be a cultural hub where tribal leaders and Native artists from across the nation congregate to display their cultural heritage and strengthen commerce for Native artists. This offers significant potential for the Sealaska Heritage Institute to develop new art markets for tribal member shareholders. The tribal nations of New Mexico continue to lead the way for perpetuating and building awareness of their indigenous art forms, said Dr. Rosita Worl, Sealaska vice chair and president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute. Like us, they live their values and work to strengthen their culture and communities. As we continue to strengthen our relationship we have learned we can support and lift each other up as Alaska Native and American Indian people. Gathering of Nations officials estimate at least 3,000 dancers and drummers participated. Visit Sealaska.com to view a slide show of the events. Jingle Dress dancers, 2012 Gathering of Nations

7 sealaska heritage institute 7 SHI to Collaborate with Juneau School District, University of Alaska Southeast First joint project scheduled in August Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Juneau School District and University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau Campus, in an effort to increase communication and collaboration among the organizations. Proxy Donations Will Support New Center & Cultural Programs Contributions made by tribal member shareholders through proxy donations will help build the new Walter Soboleff Center for the perpetuation of Native art and culture. Proxy donations also will help fund cultural and language programs at Sealaska Heritage Institute. To contribute your $25 voting incentive to SHI, check the box on your proxy. You may also make the contribution in memory of someone, and that information will be posted on SHI s website. It builds on the years of experience we have working together, said SHI President and CEO Rosita Worl. It s formalizing our relationship and what we see for the future. University of Alaska Chancellor John Pugh expressed excitement about what the partnership means for the future. This MOA confirms some of the things we are doing now, but it also marks an era where we re seeing a real shift in thinking, Pugh said. We re going to commit to moving forward even further. The organizations will work together through the William G. Demmert Memorandum of Agreement to provide enhanced cultural, instructional, academic and career placement opportunities for Juneau s students. Architectural rendering of Walter Soboleff Center Worl s Work Honored Throughout Alaska From L to R Richard Caulfield, UAS Provost and Executive Dean, School of Career Education; Patty Newman, the district s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; Laury Scandling, Juneau School District Assistant Superintendent; John Pugh, UAS Chancellor; Rosita Worl, SHI COO; Lee Kadinger, Sealaska Director; Joe Nelson. The Alaska Women s Hall of Fame recently inducted new members, including SHI President and CEO Rosita Worl. Worl is one of two women from Juneau to be inducted by the group, which seeks to honor in perpetuity women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Alaska in any field. Worl also received an honorary doctor of sciences degree from University of Alaska Anchorage, where Worl was an assistant professor of anthropology. I am honored to receive this award from an Alaska institution I hold in such high esteem, she said. In Memory Sealaska pays tribute to shareholders who have recently passed on: Jennifer R. Abeyta San Juan Pueblo, NM (65) Joseph P. Akagi Bothell, WA (63) Martina E. Armstrong Poulsbo, WA (57) Christopher Barr Waldport, OR (89) Neil T. Brown Anchorage, AK (51) Lucille Carrillo Juneau, AK (87) Powell W. Charles Hydaburg, AK (71) Andra Crippen Anchorage, AK (61) Samuel Joseph DeAsis Olympia, WA (45) Rufina I. Della Seattle, WA (86) Clifford P. Demmert Seattle, WA (32) Joseph F. Demmert Seattle, WA (27) Steven N. Dewitt Kent, WA (51) Bobbie Jo Dovell Bakersfield, CA (40) Roxanne Dee Epan Long Beach, CA (50) Anne M. Fears Portland, OR (88) Ella K. Fortin Juneau, AK 83) Mary Gilpin Juneau, AK (54) Kenneth Goodrich Ketchikan, AK (73) Norise Hanlon Sitka, AK (76) Shirlie A. Hicks Cottage Grove, OR (74) Sherry W. Hon Douglas, AK (63) Adelaide L. Jacobs Sitka, AK (81) Leonard Kato Klawock, AK (75) Ronald M. Keizer Ketchikan, AK (55) Ralph Knudson Sr. Juneau, AK (80) Dick Kuwata Battle Ground, WA (81) Anita E. Lafferty Juneau, AK (79) Cerilo B. Lapuz Panapaan Vi Bacoor Cavite, Phillipines (74) Catherine "Tiny" Logan Sitka, AK (69) Jean D. Mayes King City, OR (91) Pearl Maze Anchorage, AK (77) Johnny John Mazon Juneau, AK (59) Alice Mork Sitka, AK (89) Deborah A. Nathan Anchorage, AK (31) John A. Nelson Craig, AK (53) Calvin Oakleaf Redmond, WA (78) Gonzalo N. Pelayo Sr Everett, WA (57) Clara G. Peratrovich Klawock, AK (79) Kenneth L. Perkins Juneau, AK (70) Shirley M. Perry Sisters, OR (75) Lorraine Phillips Anchorage, AK (82) Jerry L. Powers Eatonville, WA (73) Gloria (Johnson) Plummer Juneau, AK (61) Elanore H. Priest Newport, OR (90) Ashton E.M. Reyes Everett, WA (22) Richard Rinehart Sr. Wrangell, AK (85) Alvin R. Roberts Klawock, AK (56) Edna Ann Samuel Tacoma, WA (75) Linda S. See Sitka, AK (62) Alf R. Skaflestad Hoonah, AK (75) Margaret Sturtevant Anchorage, AK (82) James L. Thomas Juneau, AK (72) John P. Ward Lakewood, WA (65) William J. Watson Grants, NM (71) Thomas J. Widmark Sitka, AK (57) Edward D. Willard Fairbanks, AK (43) Brenda L. Williams Meza, AZ (60) Rosa L. Wisniewski Yelm, WA (70)

8 In This Issue All Indian Pueblo Council Supports Sealaska s Land Legislation Page 1 Sealaska Offers Testimony to U.N. Officials Page 1 Officers' Corner Page 2 HR Update Page 2 How to Complete Your Proxy Page 3 Endorsed Board Slate Nominees Page 4 Independent Nominees Page 5 Sealaska Strengthens Alliance with NM Pueblos and Develops New Markets for Alaska Native Art Page 6 Synergy Breaks Ground on Bureau of Prisons Project Page 6 Sealaska Environmental Services (SES) Receives STAR Award Page 6 Proxy Donations Will Support New Center and Cultural Programs Page 7 SHI to Collaborate with Juneau School District, University of Alaska Southeast Page 7 Worl s Work Honored Throughout Alaska Page 7 In Memory Page 7 Q Sealaska Corporation One Sealaska Plaza, Suite 400 Juneau, AK toll-free This is your Sealaska Quick Guide to Voting A B C D Vote Online: Go to and find the link to Online Voting. You will need the information from your printed Proxy Card. OR vote your paper Proxy Card: Complete BOTH SIDES of the Proxy. Be sure to SIGN and DATE the Proxy. Mail it in the return envelope provided. OR you can fax BOTH SIDES to VOTE FOR DIRECTORS: Vote Discretionary or Directed to vote for nominees. If you vote Quorum Only, no nominees get your votes. Information on all nominees is in your Proxy Statement. Sealaska requests your support by voting Discretionary for the Board Slate Endorsed Nominees. the Term Limits Resolution: Statements FOR and AGAINST are in your Proxy Statement. Check the box YES or NO on this resolution. The Sealaska Board recommends a NO vote. VISIT E F Early Bird deadline for Proxies is June 8, 2012! Proxy must be received by 5 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time. This applies to all forms of delivery: online, fax, mail. The FINAL DEADLINE for voting by proxy is June 21, All proxies must be received by 5 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time. Thank you for exercising your right as a tribal member shareholder by voting for the 2012 Sealaska annual meeting. PRESORTED FIRST CLASS MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID JUNEAU, AK PERMIT NO. 98 Our MISSION is to create opportunities for the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian and strengthen Alaska Native land, culture and communities through business excellence grounded in Alaska Native values. Our VISION is to be the global leader of values in action. The Sealaska Shareholder is published for shareholders free of charge by Sealaska Corporation. Subscription information for non-shareholders is available by writing the Office of Corporate Communications. w w w.sealaska.com Printed on 30% post-consumer recycled paper.