Securing Yourself and Your Technology
With the holidays just behind us, you may have received a gift — a smartphone, tablet, TV or appliance — that connects to the internet. It’s important to keep in mind that modern technology gives hackers an opportunity to take control of your device.
SCF Receives Presidential Honor
On Nov. 16, it was announced that Southcentral Foundation, a CIRI-affiliated nonprofit, would receive a 2017 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Visit Tikahtnu Commons for all your Holiday Shopping Needs
An 85-acre shopping center with nearly 50 dining, entertainment and retail options, Tikahtnu Commons serves the growing needs of Anchorage, Eagle River and the Mat-Su Valley.
Shareholder Spotlight: Kenneth Boire
CIRI shareholder Kenneth “Ken” Boire (Iñupiaq) grew up inhabiting two worlds. As a young child, he lived on the edge of Nome in a one-room cabin without plumbing or electricity. The family dog team served as transportation.
Coming Soon: CIRI C3 Experience
Delve into Alaska Native culture, discuss your post-high school plans, receive guidance and counseling on college and careers, learn about CIRI and more!
China King Comes Down to Make Room for New Tenant
Dark and early on Nov. 9, demolition began of the structure that previously housed China King restaurant on Fireweed Lane in Anchorage.
Recipe: Crunchy Caramel Popcorn
As the author wrote about this recipe,“The best caramel popcorn is a two-part process: making stovetop caramel sauce and then baking the coated popcorn in the oven.”
CIRI Compliance Strives for Greatness
As CIRI’s Corporate Compliance manager, Raymie Hamann works hard to monitor and report on current trends and developments in the compliance industry and to identify emerging new risks and evolving industry practices.
Call for Photos: ‘Winter Wonderland’
We invite all CIRI shareholders and confirmed descendants to send us their photos interpreting the theme “Winter Wonderland” by Monday, Jan. 15. Selected photos will appear in a future Raven’s Circle.
2018 Board Election
The CIRI Nominating Committee seeks CIRI shareholders interested in nomination to the 2018 CIRI Board of Directors’ candidate slate.
ANCSA Author Bill Van Ness Passes Away at 79
William J. “Bill” Van Ness Jr. passed away Nov. 21 in Port Townsend, Wash. He was 79.
2018 Shareholder Distributions
CIRI’s dividend policy states that the total CIRI dividend payment to shareholders in any given year is equal to 3.5 percent of total shareholders’ equity, calculated as of Dec. 31 of the prior year.
2017 Shareholder Tax Information
After Dec. 31, CIRI’s accounting and finance department will be able to determine the proper treatment of the various types of distributions CIRI made to shareholders in 2017 with respect to IRS 1099 Form reporting requirements.
Southcentral Foundation 21st Annual Gathering
Southcentral Foundation’s Annaul Gathering is a family-friendly event where you can learn more about services available at SCF and in the community.
Native Corporations Drive Alaska Economy
The results are in: Alaska Native corporations (ANCs) are a major force in Alaska’s economy. Of the 49 top revenue-grossing Alaskan-owned businesses, 22 are ANCs – more than any other industry.
Hitting the Streets to Help the Homeless
What started as a small idea from the Peer Support Group has blossomed into an all-out effort by Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s (CITC) Peer Support Recovery team to lend Anchorage’s homeless community a helping hand.
Correction
An article in the October 2017 Raven’s Circle indicated that, if confirmed, Tara Sweeney would become the first Alaska Native person nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to fill a senior government position.
Descendant Spotlight: Ben Jacuk
Without CIRI, Ben Jacuk jokes, “I’d probably be uneducated and single.” With a new wife and a second master’s degree in the works, Ben credits CIRI with helping him along the path to both higher education and love.
Koahnic Sweeps Native American Journalists Association Awards
On Sept. 8, Koahnic took home awards in six categories at the 2017 Native American Journalists Association awards.
Recipe: Russian Tea Cakes
This recipe for Russian tea cakes was submitted by CIRI shareholder Bernadene Henrie of Anchorage.
2017 Friendship Potlatches
View a photo gallery of the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation 2017 Friendship Potlatches.
2017 CIRI Shareholder, Elder and Youth Awards
Congratulations to Shareholder of the Year Greg Encelewski, Elder of the Year Gemma Gaudio and Youth Recognition Award recipient Julianne Wilson.
CIRI Hosts SPC Meeting
CIRI hosted its Shareholder Participation Committee members Oct. 23-24 at the Fireweed Business Center, the company’s corporate headquarters in Anchorage. The two-day meeting covered a range of topics and issues.
CIRI’s Fourth Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar
Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping while you support Alaska Native artists! To be held Saturday, Dec. 2 at the Fireweed Business Center in Anchorage.
CIRI Opposes Anti-Development Ballot Initiative
Across Alaska, residents will soon be confronted by signature-gatherers asking them to sign a controversial new ballot initiative that claims to “Stand for Salmon.”
Alaska Native Leader Nominated to Oversee Indian Affairs
Tara Sweeney, executive vice president of external affairs for Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), has been nominated by President Donald Trump to the position of assistant secretary of Indian Affairs.
CIRI Participates in the Great Alaska ShakeOut
At 10:19 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, as part of Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills being held nationwide, CIRI staff participated in a Drop, Cover, and Hold On exercise.
CIRI Launches New and Improved Alaska Native Hire Website
Move over, Monster.com. Step aside, Craigslist. A revamped website provides custom tools to help Alaska Native job seekers land the perfect job.
Shareholder Spotlight: Bob Crowe
Bob Crowe likes to keep moving. Whether fighting wildfires, putting out metaphorical fires in his job as an IT network specialist or engaging in his weekend hobby of overland hiking, “it all goes back to mobility.”
2017 CIRI Youth Art Contest
CIRI wishes to thank the participants in this year’s Youth Art Contest who shared their interpretation of the WILDLife in Alaska!
Recipe: Blueberry Cheesecakes for an Alaska Epic-nic
Submitted by Raven’s Circle reader Tammy Ann Thompson of Anchorage, this recipe took first place at the Blueberry Creations Contest at the 2017 Alyeska Resort Blueberry Festival.
Cobell Settlement: Reminder to Submit Documentation
The final deadline for submitting documentation so that payment can be made has been set by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as Nov. 27, 2017.
Fourth Quarter Shareholder Distributions
Fourth quarter dividends in the amount of $10.10 per share will be mailed or directly deposited Dec. 7. Fourth quarter Elders’ Trust payments of $450 will be mailed or directly deposited Dec. 8.
Searching for Alaska Native Territorial Guard Members
An Alaska Territorial Guard task force has been assembled and is searching for ATG members in order to provide them with honorable service records, including an honorable discharge.
Fire Island Wind Project Spinning Strong
For five years, the Fire Island Wind Project has powered Anchorage.
Fire Island Wind Project History
The idea for a commercial-scale wind project was first vetted in the late 1990s by Chugach Electric Association, Alaska’s largest electric cooperative.
Shareholder Spotlight: Autumn Olson
Autumn Olson has some advice for young people interested in applying for CIRI’s summer internship.
In-Region Gravel Agreement Executed
In an effort to bring consistent environmental and commercial standards to future gravel mining agreements, CIRI, six village corps. and one in-region ANCSA group signed a Universal Gravel Agreement July 28.
Ceremony Marks Completion of Major Construction on Hawaii Development
As CIRI’s land development project on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i nears completion, several local honored guests and neighbors, along with execs from CIRI, participated in a traditional Hawaiian dedication/blessing.
Two CIRI Shareholders Named Native American 40 Under 40
Please join CIRI in congratulating Adam Leggett and Raina Thiele!
CIRI Bids 2017 Summer Interns Farewell
A program that creates opportunities for students and recent graduates, CIRI’s summer internship program allows shareholders and descendants to gain insight into the company’s culture and businesses.
Are You a Missing Class Member of Claimant of the Cobell Settlement?
The final deadline for submitting documentation so that payment can be made has been set by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as Nov. 27, 2017.
Alaska Native Leader to be Featured on $1 Coin
For her efforts to fight discrimination on behalf of Alaska Native peoples, Alaska civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich (Tlingit) will be commemorated on a $1 U.S. coin.
Recipe: Salmon Chowder
As the author wrote about this recipe, “It’s rich, smoky and comforting. It’s our ‘Left Coast’ answer to New England clam chowder.”
Save the Date: CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches
Friendship Potlatches offer CIRI shareholders an opportunity to socialize and celebrate important cultural traditions with family and friends.
CIRI Receives Outstanding Partner Award from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
For its role in helping to construct a fuel break around the community of Sterling, Alaska, CIRI has received an “Outstanding Partner” award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Save the Date: 2017 Annual AFN Convention
The 2017 AFN Convention will be held Oct. 19-21 at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage.
Save the Date: CIRI’s 4th Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar
If you are an artist who wishes to sell your handmade arts and crafts at CIRI’s Holiday Craft Bazaar, the deadline to register is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20.
CIRI Resolves Land Issues
When it comes to managing CIRI’s lands, the company abides by a philosophy that strikes a balance between sustainably developing resources and protecting lands for future generations.
Over 30,000 Indian Trust Settlement Class Members Missing
Are you a missing class member or claimant of the Cobell Settlement? The claims administrator is seeking missing class members and claimants and must receive documentation from these individuals by Nov. 27.
Shareholder Spotlight
When it comes to locating missing shareholders, CIRI’s Shareholder Relations department relies on a crack team that includes Lydia Thorne and Lucy Untiet.
Student Conservation Association 2017 CIRI Youth Crew
To ensure Alaska Native youth remain connected with their land, culture and heritage, since 2010 CIRI has sponsored a Student Conservation Association (SCA) Youth Crew.
Recipe: Indian Fry Bread
Indian Fry Bread is a Native American quick bread that’s fried and served either on its own, drizzled with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, or topped with ground beef and other taco ingredients.
CIRI Golf Classic Benefits Four Youth Charities
On a bright and sunny morning, 148 players turned out for CIRI’s 34th Annual Golf Classic, held Friday, Aug. 4 at the Moose Run Golf Course in Anchorage.
The CIRI Foundation Celebrates 35 Years
A private foundation established in 1982, The CIRI Foundation (TCF) has contributed more than $29 million for the Alaska Native beneficiaries of CIRI to participate in post-secondary education.
TCF is Born
TCF was incorporated on July 9, 1982. Its primary purpose was, and continues to be, expanding and enhancing the educational assistance programs made available to CIRI shareholders and their direct lineal descendants.
Shareholder Spotlight: Paneen Petersen
Colorectal cancer took the life of Paneen Petersen’s mother when she was only 45 years old. Paneen was 12 at the time. “I grew up thinking her death was a fluke,” Paneen said.
Shareholder Participation Committee Members
Please join CIRI in welcoming the following new Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC) members!
Meet CIRI’s Summer Interns
As part of CIRI’s commitment to provide shareholders and descendants valuable experience in their career fields, this summer CIRI placed five young shareholders and descendants in temporary positions.
Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Soup
This recipe for hearty cabbage soup was from late CIRI shareholder Irene White’s personal collection. It originally appeared in the 2003 edition of the Ninilchik Community Cookbook.
CIRI, Eklutna Inc. Sign Gravel Pit Agreement
In the spirit of working together, CIRI and Eklutna Inc. recently signed an agreement to open a gravel pit in north Eagle River, Alaska.
Addiction Recovery Center to be Built in Eklutna
CIRI-affiliated nonprofit organization Cook Inlet Tribal Council recently announced plans to build a new residential inpatient addiction treatment center on land owned by Eklutna Inc.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Meets with Alaska Native Leaders at Fireweed Business Center
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke met with the AFN board of directors and the Alaska Congressional delegation June 1 at the Fireweed Business Center, CIRI’s corporate headquarters in Anchorage.
ANJC Develops Sustainability Plan
Alaska Native people face increasingly disproportionate rates of victimization, incarceration and other justice-related issues in Alaska.
New CIRIosity Podcast Episode Available
Download the newest episode of CIRIosity, “TCF at 35,” which explores the history of The CIRI Foundation.
Specialty Finance Bolsters CIRI’s Investment Portfolio
Specialty finance is a term applied to a new line of business CIRI is developing in which the company makes debt investments that are ultimately backed by large, existing industry assets with which CIRI is familiar.
Shareholder Spotlight: Rona Johnson
A self-described “late bloomer” when it came to her career, CIRI shareholder Rona Johnson has more than made up for lost time.
Annual Meeting Recap
Thank you to the nearly 300 shareholders and their family members who turned out for the 2017 Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholders!
Recipe: Rhubarb Cake
This recipe for Susie’s rhubarb cake was from late CIRI shareholder Edna Steik’s personal collection.
2017 Board Election Results
Preliminary results (i.e., subject to final certification by the Inspector of Election) indicate that CIRI shareholders elected five individuals to the CIRI Board of Directors at the company’s 2017 Annual Meeting.
KIT Celebrates Opening of 2017 Educational Fishery
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe officially opened the 2017 Educational Fishery on May 1, welcoming scores of tribal members to the fishery site in Kenai for a day-long celebration.
New Tenant Moves Into Fireweed Business Center
Please join CIRI in welcoming new tenant Umialik Insurance Company to the Fireweed Business Center!
2017 Annual Meeting Prize Winners
The 2017 Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholders included cash prize drawings for shareholders who submitted a valid proxy or who registered to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
2017 Early Bird Prize Drawings
To ensure a quorum is achieved for the Annual Meeting, the Early Bird Prize Drawings seek to reward shareholders who submit a valid proxy by certain dates in advance of the Annual Meeting.
CIRI Invests in Light Industrial Development in Virginia
Just off a busy traffic corridor 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., lies the city of Manassas, Va., a highly sought-after location for light industrial developments.
Shareholder Spotlight: Sarah Whalen-Lunn
A CIRI shareholder of Iñupiaq descent, Sarah Whalen-Lunn has for the last year and a half been working as a traditional Inuit tattoo artist.
Fireweed Conference Center Mixer Draws a Crowd
More than 50 individuals toured the Conference Center at a special corporate mixer, held March 23 to introduce the space to members of the business community.
Reminder: 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
CIRI’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held Saturday, June 3 at Southcentral Foundation’s Nuka Learning and Wellness Center in Anchorage. Alaska Airlines is offering a 5 percent discount to attendees.
May is Stroke Awareness Month
Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. It is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S.
Native Youth Olympics – 2017 Highlights
View highlights of the 2017 Senior Native Youth Olympics, held April 27-29 in Anchorage.
2017 Shareholder, Elder, and Youth Awards
CIRI is accepting nominations for the 2017 awards to be presented at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches this fall. Nomination deadline: June 5.
U.S. Air Force Awards Weldin Five-Year Construction Contract
The hits just keep coming. On the heels of several other contract wins, Weldin Construction was recently awarded a five-year Multiple Award Construction Contract at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan.
Shareholder Spotlight: Argent Kvasnikoff
Argent Kvasnikoff, an artist based in Ninilchik, Alaska, wants young Alaska Native people to embrace their culture – “whatever that culture means to them,” he emphasized.
CITC Opens Early Head Start Center in Anchorage
Finding child care in Anchorage just became a lot easier for Alaska Native families thanks to Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s (CITC) newest project, the Clare Swan Early Head Start Child Care Center.
Guide to the 2016 Annual Report
CIRI recently released its 2016 Annual Report. This document summarizes the company’s performance last year and contains information readers can use to better understand CIRI’s business and investments.
2017 Annual Meeting Prizes
Vote early and win! To encourage early submission of proxies, CIRI is offering $15,000 in Early Bird prizes.
Travel Discounts Available for CIRI Annual Meeting
Alaska Airlines is generously offering discounts to shareholders and their immediate family members attending CIRI’s 2017 Annual Meeting in Anchorage June 3. Although only one discount …
North Wind Acquires Portage Contracts, Past Performance History
As previously announced, North Wind recently acquired Portage Inc., which, like North Wind, is an Idaho-based leading small business in the federal environmental services market. The acquisition brings important new contracts to North Wind.
Fireweed Business Center Achieves ‘Green’ Building Designation
CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center, the company’s corporate headquarters in Anchorage, recently achieved LEED Gold certification.
Shareholder Spotlight: Sharon Padilla
CIRI shareholder Sharon Padilla and her husband, Perry, were settling happily into life as empty nesters when she received an email “out of the blue.”
Fire Island Wind Produces Record Energy Output
A wind turbine project three miles off the coast of Anchorage, Fire Island Wind supplies clean, renewable energy to approximately 7,000 homes in southcentral Alaska.
Traditional Recipe: Halibut with Cream Sauce (two options)
This recipe is adapted from the one used at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches each fall.
Save the Date: 2017 Senior Native Youth Olympic Games
In addition to providing athletic challenges, NYO nurtures tomorrow’s leaders — improving academic performance, confidence and leadership.
Save the Date: Information Meetings, Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Meeting attendance is limited to CIRI shareholders and their immediate family members (i.e., spouse, children) and/or stock custodians.
Arctic Aerial Captures Images ‘From the Earth, to the Air’
Harnessing cutting-edge technology to capture inspiring aerial imagery, Arctic Aerial utilizes drones for photography, videography and data-collection services.
2017 Summer Internship Application Period Now Open
CIRI is now accepting applications for its 2017 Summer Internship program. Whenever possible, students’ interests are aligned with positions we have available within the company and through partnerships in the community.
2017 Shareholder, Elder and Youth Award Nominations
CIRI is accepting nominations for the 2017 awards to be presented at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches this fall.
CIRI Debuts Cloud-Based ‘Granite’ Shareholder Records Management System
Considered one of the most powerful and efficient on the market, the software developed by CIRI to manage its shareholder records can now be adopted by other Alaska Native regional and village corporations.
Shareholder Portal Add-On
In September 2016, CIRI debuted its new online shareholder portal, Qenek. The portal was designed to interface directly with the Granite shareholder records management system.
Development of San Antonio Subdivision Moves Forward
In the ebb and flow of the real estate market, a CIRI-owned development in Texas is beginning to flow. A master-planned subdivision 15 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, Escondido North provides high-quality homes at entry-level prices.
Descendant Spotlight: Alden Butzke
Ambition. Alden Butzke’s got it. From foreign language classes to competitive sports, this 16-year-old Anchorage high-school student participates in a plethora of activities.
CIRI Job and Resource Fair
CIRI wishes to thank the 50 shareholders and descendants and 24 vendors that that turned out for the fifth annual Job and Resource Fair, held Jan. 27 at the Fireweed Business Center in Anchorage.
2016 CIRI Shareholder Tax Information
IRS 1099 forms for the 2016 tax year were mailed to shareholders on January 26, 2017.
CIHA Debuts Mixed-Use Building at 3600 Spenard
With a prime midtown Anchorage location, Cook Inlet Housing Authority’s (CIHA) new mixed-use building combines retail and residential space in a sleek, energy-efficient design.
CIRI Company Makes Major Acquisition
CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group announces the acquisition of Portage, Inc. (Portage) and all its subsidiaries.
45th Anniversary of CIRI’s Shareholder Newsletter
This month CIRI celebrates the 45th anniversary of its shareholder newsletter. From the beginning, CIRI has prided itself on keeping its shareholders informed about the current state and future vision of the corporation.
Apply Now for Sheep Hunting Permits
About 200 miles west of Anchorage, near Farewell, lie CIRI’s two townships of mountainous property. As in previous years, recreational use permits will be issued for access to portions of the Farewell area for Dall sheep hunting in 2017.
Descendant Spotlight: Sam Schimmel
“I want to be a lawyer, so let’s try this out.” Those were Sam Schimmel’s thoughts when he decided to apply to 2016 Color of Justice (COJ).
Elders’ Settlement Trust Payments
First quarter Elders’ Settlement Trust payments of $450 will be mailed or directly deposited on Friday, March 10.
Dividend Reminder
CIRI’s dividend policy states that the total dividend payment to shareholders in any given year is equal to 3.50 percent of total shareholders’ equity, calculated as of December 31 of the prior year.
CIRI Calendar Photo Contest Winners
CIRI received some stunning entries in connection with the 2017 CIRI Calendar Photo Contest, “CIRI Perspectives.” The photos exemplify the diverse lifestyles, cultures and places that define our people.
Recipe: Moose Meat Perok
Recreate the recipe used at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches each fall.
2017 Junior NYO Games
Junior Native Youth Olympics is a program for athletes in grades 1-6, to be held Feb. 24-26 in Anchorage.
Calling All Home Cooks: Send Us Your Recipes!
Submit your favorite recipes to the Raven’s Circle!
Save the Date: Southcentral Foundation 20th Annual Gathering
Celebrate health and wellness and learn more about services available at Southcentral Foundation and in the community.
CIRI Welcomes New Vice President of Business Development and Operations
Please join us in welcoming Thom Holder as CIRI’s new vice president, Business Development and Operations.
Donate Through Pick.Click.Give. Beginning Jan. 1
This year’s Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) filing period runs Jan 1-March 31. A unique giving tradition, Pick.Click.Give. allows Alaskans to share their PFDs with the causes they care about most.
New Quarterly Drawings for an Echo Dot!
Create a Qenek account or access your existing account by March 31 to be eligible for the first-quarter drawing.
Archival Photo
Thank you to CIRI shareholder Alberta Stephan for submitting this photo from her private collection.
