Q: I have two questions. First, how can I access the Internet to visit the CIRI web site? Secondly, what's the most efficient way to search for information on the site?

A: Internet access is available in most communities around Alaska and beyond. For small rural Alaska communities, access may be available in schools and perhaps the tribal council or village corporation offices. In Anchorage and other larger communities, Internet access is available in public libraries and their branches, and Internet cafés. Fees may be charged to use computers and access the Internet. The Anchorage Native Primary Care Center provides Internet access free of charge during business hours on a first-come, first-served basis. There are sign-up sheets to use the computers.

The CIRI web site contains more than 600 pages of information ranging from shareholder information and forms, CIRI company and business information, history on the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, news releases, CIRI logo merchandise, and links to non-profit services. A search function helps users to navigate the site and to find fast, meaningful search results. To use the search function, click on the search button, at the top menu bar of every page. The search function quickly looks through all the pages to find the search word(s) typed in. Search results enable users to easily find information.

Periodically, the CIRI webmaster runs reports to help in determining what shareholders are searching for. For instance, the most commonly searched words on the CIRI web site most recently are "scholarships" and "dividends." The webmaster updates pages with new information as it becomes available and makes sure that links work properly.

Previous Article | Top | Next Article | Return to the list of newsletters