As we look to the new millennium, we must remember to look to our past as well, and learn from both the good and bad in what has evolved. Most of all, we cannot forget who we are and where we came from. Let's look to our elders and their understanding, because being proud of our culture and our heritage is a very important part of our education.

Our progress as Native people depends on understanding the world we live in and the changes that are taking place ever more rapidly. We must learn to live in both worlds as we head into the future. This does not mean giving up our traditions. It means helping our non-Native neighbors understand the importance of those traditions as we learn and understand the importance of their traditions.

Let's find ways to work and live together. If we take care of ourselves as Alaskans first, the other issues will come together and make this a better place for all.

When I reflect upon the major changes that have taken place in Alaska's political, economic and social structure as a result of ANCSA, as well as the creation of Native corporations, I find myself in awe of what our elders' vision and guidance have been and continue to be. I appreciate their great wisdom more and more ­ especially as I grow older.

At the same time, we must also listen to our younger generations because they are the voices of our future. The new book to be published by The CIRI Foundation, Growing Up Native in Alaska, will help us hear some of these young voices. I also hope these younger generations will be patient and listen and learn from their elders. As they say, patience is a virtue. While I had very little patience myself growing up, I was fortunate to benefit from the patience and understanding of the people who helped lead me to where I am today.

We have been taught that we are people who are part of something larger than ourselves. And it is this intangible quality that makes it most difficult for those outside the Native community to understand just what it is that Native corporations are about. Native corporations were created by Congress as the embodiment of a desire to craft a settlement "in conformity with the real economic and social needs of Natives." I've cited these words on a number of occasions and I will continue to cite them, for this is what CIRI and its board and management have been striving to achieve these past 28 years.

Make no mistake, 28 years after the passage of ANCSA, Native corporations are coming of age. We are a major business force in Alaska and across the United States in every sense. Our leaders are attempting to collect good, even great, returns for their shareholders in financial terms. This in turn helps us reach our social goals.

It occurred to me recently that, among Alaskan businesses, Native corporations are the largest importers of revenues and profits to Alaska, with some of our biggest business enterprises operating outside Alaska.
While we continue to do business in the Lower 48 and throughout the world, we remain committed to Alaska and to bringing the money back for our shareholders whenever the profits are made. This is why we will continue to grow for the betterment of all Alaska.

How is this going to have a direct effect on you, the shareholder, in the new millennium? We will continue to ask ourselves how the power and the profits of Native corporations can best be harnessed to empower our people and honor our cultures. As we seek to answer that question, it is best for us to look at the things that will help us most.

We know that education is the key to success. We are also aware of our elders' needs. While our shareholders have a variety of real needs, we know CIRI cannot be everything to everyone. Having said that, let me assure you CIRI is dedicated to developing opportunities that will fulfill as many of those needs as possible in the most reasonable amount of time.

We hope to present an elders' plan for shareholders to vote on early this year. We hope to increase the corpus of our education foundation this year and be able to increase scholarships for the educational benefit of CIRI shareholders and their descendants. We would also like to increase support for the important cultural programs of our people. And we are looking closely at our investments so that we can pay even larger cash dividends in the near future. I know a lot of shareholders would like to see increased dividends now, and we would like to accommodate those shareholders. But, with your patience, I believe we will be able to provide you with good news before too long.

In stating the above, I may have stepped out on a limb. But I believe your continued patience with the CIRI board and management will soon be rewarded. Over the years, a small group of shareholders have questioned whether the CIRI board and management have had the best interests of our shareholders at heart. They have every right to ask questions. But I'm here to tell you that, after being with CIRI for 26 years and having started at the very bottom of the company, I know enhancing the lives of our shareholders is all the board has ever had in their hearts and on their minds. I see some very significant successes on the horizon for CIRI, and I believe you will soon realize the benefits of those years of patience and hard work.

Perry is the president and owner of Microware Computers, Inc., and president of the Alaska Computer Training Center in Anchorage. A graduate of Oregon State University with a bachelor's degree in business, Perry also

completed the Advanced Minority Business Executive Program at Loyola University. In 1998, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Journal of Commerce selected Perry as one of the "Top Forty Business Leaders Under Forty."

"I have learned a great deal about what it takes to run and grow a business as an entrepreneur and business owner," said Perry. "I now feel it is time for me to take my knowledge and skills and put them to work for my corporation and fellow shareholders."