CIRI shareholder Ronald Simpson authored a book "Legacy of the Chief." The 800 page book is a historic story of Chief Nicolai of Taral and the people of 'Atna'tuuts'itu beginning in 1838 to present time. He tells of prospecting, development, and operation of the historic Kennecott Copper Co., the Copper River, and Northwestern Railway of Alaska.

Simpson said that the book took twelve years of research and 45 days of writing to make the book. Inspired by his ancestry and relation to Chief Nicolai, writing the book provided an opportunity to learn about himself. "Legacy of the Chief" is the first book he has written; he had to share the story of what he learned while rebuilding the Copper River Northwestern Railway into tavern as a tourist destination.

The book was made possible by the CIRI windfall distribution in 2000 and 2001. The second edition of the book is available in stores or at www.amazon.com.

CIRI shareholder Dustin Woodhead of Anchorage was recently profiled as one of seven American Indian Student Role Models featured in the 9th annual "Winds of Change" college guide published by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization that nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values.

In his profile, Woodhead tells of the difficulties he has overcome, gives words of wisdom for new college students and praises the organizations that have helped in his educational success. Woodhead is a sophomore at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., studying business and also is a Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership program student at the school. He was recently selected for the National Dean's List. Only one-half of one percent of college students receive the award. Students are nominated by their college deans or administrators for this award.