Save the Date for 2004 CIRI Potlatches

The CIRI Potlatches are an opportunity for CIRI shareholders, descendants and family to get together and celebrate the Alaska Native cultures and heritage. The Potlatches will begin at 11:00 a.m. with displays and activities. Food service for elders begins at 11:30 a.m.; food service for all other guests begins at noon. Please note that the Kenai and Anchorage Potlatches are changing their traditional locations to Kenai Middle School and to the new Dimond High School.

Seeking Nominations for CIRI Shareholder of the Year

The CIRI Shareholder of the Year Award will be presented at the CIRI Friendship Potlatch in Anchorage this October, which means it is time to submit your nominations. The shareholder will be recognized both for their accomplishments and contributions to Alaska Natives and to the preservation of the Native culture and community.

Past recipients of this prestigious award have included Sava Stephan, Sr., and Feodoria Kallander Pennington, 2003; Katie Wade, 2002: Lillian Lapp, 2001; Daisy Demientieff, 2000 and 1995; Emil Dolchok, 1999; Janie Leask, 1998; Joseph Oskolkoff, 1997; and Howard Wilson, 1996. Each of these award winners was nominated by fellow shareholders for exemplifying dedication to Alaska’s Native culture and heritage.

All Shareholder of the Year nominations must include the following:

• Name of nominee
• Address of nominee
• Telephone for nominee
• Email address for nominee
• Nominee’s occupation
• Name of person submitting nomination
• Phone number, address, and email address of nominator

The nomination should also answer the following questions:

• How has the nominee promoted pride in Alaska Native cultural heritage?
• How has the nominee demonstrated a commitment to promoting the economic and social well being of other Alaska Natives?
• How has the nominee helped to preserve the customs, folklore, and traditional arts of Alaska Natives?