According to Alaska Business Monthly, to qualify as a Top 49er the company must be operated for profit, have significant operations in the state, and be owned at least 51 percent by Alaskans. Ranking is based on gross revenue.

Arctic Slope Regional Corp. has ranked number one on the list for the past nine years. CIRI moved from the number four spot to number two. The other seven corporations listed include Bristol Bay Native Corp., Calista Corp., Chugach Alaska Corp., Doyon Ltd., Koniag Inc., NANA Regional Corp. Inc., and The Aleut Corp.

"Being an Alaska Native regional corporation, we find ourselves in an interesting situation. Unlike most American businesses, we are striving to maximize our profitability while also enhancing the lives of our shareholders economically, socially, and culturally," said Carl Marrs, CIRI president and CEO and president of the Association of ANCSA Regional Corporation Presidents/CEOs. "Here we are in 2002, 30 years after the signing of the Act, and we find ourselves achieving many of these conflicting goals."

In addition, three other Native organizations were listed in the Top 49ers: Chenega Corp., Goldbelt Inc., Klukwan Inc., and Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corp.