Native Corporations, A Legacy of Sharing” shows that after 30 years, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, which is considered to be an experiment in capitalism on a grand scale, has proven successful. The report, documenting data for 43 corporations for the year 2001, highlights the impact Native corporations have on the Alaska economy.
Compiled by the Association of ANCSA Regional Corporation Presidents/CEOs, the report summarizes how the corporations have positively affected the state’s economy for the year 2001, as well as the philanthropic contributions and employment opportunities they have provided.

“Native Corporations, A Legacy of Sharing” is the third in a series of reports released by the Association of ANCSA Regional Corporation Presidents/CEOs.

“Our goal is to show the key contributions Native corporations make to the Alaska economy,” said Vicki Otte, executive director of the CEOs organization. The corporations contribute to the economy through jobs, revenue and commitment to the economy, she said, noting that the collective contribution is substantial. She pointed out that the report includes economic data for 2001 for the 43 corporations, suggesting that since there are many more Native corporations and organizations within the state, the overall impact is even greater than that documented in the report.

“Over time, we hope to include even more corporations and organizations,” Otte said.
The report begins by briefly reflecting on a sharing provision of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, considered a “grand experiment.” Over time, the act has become a mainstay within the Alaska economy.

Today there are several hundred Native organizations, including Native corporations, non-profit organizations and other entities that have resulted from the passage of ANCSA. And collectively these companies and organizations are trying “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.

Highlights of the 2001 findings for the 13 regional and 30 village corporations surveyed are:

• Revenue of $2.9 billion and assets of $2.9 billion;
• $52.1 million in dividends and $434 million in payroll (within Alaska);
• Statewide employment of 13,062;
• $9.3 million donated to charitable organizations and $4.1 million distributed for scholarships to 2,821 recipients;
• Thirteen of the 23 corporations included in this report were included in Alaska Business Monthly’s 2002 list of Alaska’s top 49 most successful Alaskan businesses. to meet the needs of the Native community while fostering pride in Native cultures.