CIRI Offers New Stock Will Form

Most people think they are prepared for unexpected events, but that doesn't always include keeping a current will to direct CIRI on what to do with your shares in the event of your death. Executing a valid CIRI Stock Will ensures that your CIRI stock will be distributed in the manner you intend.

You can also dispose of your CIRI stock in a general will. However, under Alaska law, your CIRI Stock Will bequest will govern the distribution of stock unless you execute a later general will that specifically identifies and disposes of your CIRI stock.

In the absence of a valid will, CIRI is required to transfer your shares according to Alaska state laws of interstate succession. When a person dies without a will, state law governs which relatives shall inherit that person's stock. Neither the shareholder's family nor CIRI can alter who will receive the shares under the law.

Even if you have executed a CIRI Stock Will or a general will in the past, you should make sure it is kept current. Marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, inheritance, or other changes in plans or circumstances are all reasons to consider completing a new will to dispose of your CIRI stock.

The CIRI Stock Will is a special will that affects only CIRI stock, and the new form and instructions for completing the will are available online at www.ciri.com, or by contacting CIRI's Shareholder Relations department at (907) 274-8638 or toll-free at (800) 764-2474. Answers to many frequently asked questions about the estate settlement process are now available online as well.

Please take a few minutes today to complete a CIRI Stock Will. Doing so could save your loved ones much headache and heartache.

We The People March

Four thousand to five thousand people are anticipated to march through downtown Anchorage in the fifth annual We The People march on Aug. 22, 2002. According to We The People march planners, the event is staged to recognize, demonstrate, celebrate, acknowledge, and respect Alaska Native cultures.

This year's theme is "Alaska's Tribes: the Next 10,000 years."

"The theme (of this year's march) emphasizes that indigenous communities of Alaska and their members, whether they are shareholders of Alaska Native corporations or members of Alaska's ancient tribes or both, are here to stay," said Larry Merculieff, We the People planning co-chair. The event is co-sponsored by the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council, Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP), and the Native American Rights Fund.

According to event planners, members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; the conservation community; Alaska Conference of Churches; as well as Chinese, Hispanic, Japanese, Korean, and Samoan community members have marched alongside Alaska Natives in past marches. For more information on the event, contact the planning committee in Anchorage by phone at (907) 279-2511 or email tdowney@ruralcap.com.

Register to Vote

July 28, 2002, is the deadline to register to vote and register party affiliation with the Alaska Division of Elections to vote in the August 27 primary election. As a result of a new law passed this year, Alaska's 2002 primary election will be different from any primary election ever held in the state. There will be six ballots - one for each recognized political party. Voters will receive the ballot of ONE party. Those who are registered nonpartisan, undeclared or other will choose one party's ballot at the polls and will vote for candidates belonging to that party only.

Shareholders may register to vote in person while visiting the CIRI Shareholder Relations department, contacting a State of Alaska Division of Elections office, or other voter registrar. The Alaska Division of Elections contact information is available in local telephone books or online at www.gov.state.ak.us/ltgov/elections/.

Get Out the Native Vote

To help voters find out more about current elections, Get Out the Native Vote is a nonpartisan organization representing all Alaska Natives and encourages Native representation at the polls during elections. GOTNV is tasked with providing information about candidates running for office and how they feel about issues important to Alaska Natives. The information provided by GOTNV helps Alaska Natives make an informed choice when voting and makes a difference in the lives of all Alaska Natives.

"The lives of all Alaskans depend on whether our voice is heard. Legislators make life-altering changes that affect Alaska Natives. GOTNV ensures that both rural and urban elected officials understand Alaska Natives' concerns as they relate to various issues including subsistence, education, and local control," said Cindy Allred, Get Out The Native Vote coordinator.

Visit www.aknativevote.com for information about voting and news about Native issues in Juneau and Washington, D.C. Interested individuals may also volunteer to help get the word out about GOTNV and issues in government. Alaska Natives can make changes for a better future by being involved in government. GOTNV's message phone is (907) 265-4519.

Dimond Center Hotel Opens in Anchorage

Seldovia Native Association's Dimond Center Hotel recently opened its doors for business in south Anchorage next to the Dimond Center. Managed by Richfield Corporate Management, the 109-room boutique hotel includes a café, lounge, in-room WebTV and refrigerators, as well as two meeting rooms accommodating up to 30 and 70 people. A continental breakfast with fresh Belgian waffles is complimentary to all guests and 24-hour airport transportation is provided.

"Seldovia Native Association has worked very hard to create a property that reflects the unique majesty and beauty of Alaska, and we are very proud of the result. From the Ultimate Dream Beds with down comforters to the fine art displayed in the lobby and rooms, we offer our guests an authentic Alaska experience. Everything is grand and over the top, just like Alaska," said Seldovia Native Association President Michael Beal.

Visit www.dimondcenterhotel.com for details and contact information or call (907) 770-5000.

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