CIRI Invests in Community
Sharing what you have with others is an important Alaska Native value, and CIRI is dedicated to corporate philanthropy. CIRI Board Directors and employees personally engage in community activities through volunteerism, personal giving and sharing, leading local and statewide fundraising efforts, and serving without compensation on the boards of many nonprofit and community organizations. Additionally, CIRI encourages employees to volunteer with the nonprofit of their choice and provides the opportunity to volunteer with several of our community partners throughout the year.
A Word from Our President
Happy holidays to our Shareholders, Descendants and their families!
Apply Now: 2023 Next Gen Day
CIRI Shareholders and Descendants ages 10-17 are invited to attend 2023 Next Gen Day, which will be held Monday, Jan. 16!
Board Corner
In 2021, CIRI conducted an in-depth survey to assess the thoughts and opinions of Shareholders and Descendants related to certain aspects of our corporation, including whether to open our rolls.
Important 2022 Financial Update
2022 will be defined by challenges stemming from geopolitical uncertainty, rising inflation and Federal Reserve interest-rate hikes.
Recipe: Lasagna with Moose Bolognese
This recipe is inspired by the people of Tyonek, Alaska, and the Tyonek Tribal Conservation District’s Tyonek Grown program.
2022 Virtual Friendship Potlatch
CIRI’s annual Friendship Potlatch is available to watch online!
Traditional Foods with Chef Amy Foote
This fall, CIRI staff were treated to a traditional foods presentation and cooking demonstration by Amy Foote, executive chef at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
Shareholder Spotlight: Tayler Higgins
Growing up, CIRI Shareholder Tayler Tanginiq Higgins was affectionally called the “Rondy princess” by her mother.
In Touch: Book Release
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Jessica Bissett Perea, who recently published her first book.
In Touch: Birth Announcement
CIRI Shareholder Randy Standifer Jr. and Elizabeth Willis are pleased to announce their birth of their daughter, Hunter Ava Standifer.
In Touch: Music Release
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Troy Hills on the release of his song, “Count to One.”
Missing Shareholders
The following CIRI Shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
2022-2023 ANHC Winter Schedule
The Alaska Native Heritage Center is now open for its first ever winter season!
Fire Island Wind Celebrates 10 Years
For the past 10 years, CIRI’s Fire Island Wind (FIW) Project has delivered renewable, emissions-free energy to more than 7,000 homes in Southcentral Alaska.
CIRI in the Community: 2022 CIRI Golf Classic
On Aug. 5, more than 140 players from across the country arrived at the Moose Run Golf Course in Anchorage to raise money for two nonprofit organizations.
A Word from Our President
It’s fall in Alaska! No matter where we live, autumn gives us the chance to slow down, settle back into our routines and savor the smaller moments.
As Seen in Our Region
View of Mount Susitna, also known as Sleeping Lady (Dena’ina: Dghelishla), from CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center in midtown Anchorage.
#CIRIVotes in the U.S. Midterm Election!
Alaska Native voices can shape the future of our communities. Make sure your voice is heard by voting in the 2022 U.S. general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8!
Recipe: Two Sisters Salmon Chowder
Chowder is the ultimate food. It’s a meal all by itself, or serve with bread or a green salad.
Board Corner
My name is Sam Spangler, and it is my honor to serve my fellow Shareholders and Descendants as vice chair of the CIRI Board of Directors.
2022 Virtual Friendship Potlatch
We invite all Shareholders, Descendants and their families to join us for this year’s virtual Friendship Potlatch, which will be available online mid-November.
2022 Fourth Quarter Distributions
Dates and amounts for the CST Distribution and CST Elders Distribution Fund.
In Touch: Art Acquisition
Congratulations to CIRI Descendant Danielle Larsen, whose painting “Pilot Boy Summer” was recently purchased by the Alaska State Council on the Arts Contemporary Art Bank.
In Touch: Master’s Degree
Original CIRI enrollee Tony Andrew and Nancy Luke-Andrew are pleased to announce that their daughter, CIRI Descendant Rinnah Andrew (Yup’ik), received her MBA degree.
In Touch: Birth Announcement
CIRI Shareholder James A. Hightower is pleased to announce the birth of his great-grandson, Beau Douglas Bilger, who was born Feb. 14 to CIRI Descendant Mitchell Bilger and Rylee Slauson.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska
Mentorship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Alaska is an opportunity to carry on Alaska Native traditions.
CIRI Endorses Mary Sattler Peltola for U.S. Congress
The Cook Inlet Region, Inc. Board of Directors has voted to endorse Rep. Mary Sattler Peltola’s candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives.
CIRI Celebrates 2022 Summer Interns
This year, CIRI was pleased to host five full-time summer interns.
Video Demonstration: Smoked Salmon
Need tips on how to smoke your summer salmon? Let CIRI’s own Vicki Otte lead you through the step-by-step process!
INTERN-al Affairs
My name is Lauren Culhane, and I am honored to intern with CIRI in the Corporate Affairs department this summer.
Save the Date: 2022 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention
The 2022 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention will be held Oct. 20-22 in Anchorage.
CIRI Summer Interns Visit Chickaloon
Archeological discoveries on tribal lands are essential to preserving Alaska Native identity and transmitting Indigenous ways of knowing from one generation to the next.
In Touch: Achievement
CIRI Shareholder Shirley (Chilligan) Craig and Val Craig are pleased to announce that their son, CIRI Descendant Duane Craig, has been accepted into a talented and gifted program.
In Touch: Associate Degree
Congratulations to CIRI Descendant Jessica Crump, who received her Associate of Business Administration degree from Alaska Pacific University on April 30.
In Touch: Bachelor’s Degree
Congratulations to CIRI Descendant LaVonna Thomas, who received her Bachelor of Social Work degree, magna cum laude, from Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa.
In Touch: Book Release
Congratulations to original CIRI Shareholder Ruth Ann Oskolkoff (Alutiiq), who recently published her third collection of poetry, “The Bones of the Poor.”
In Touch: Exhibition
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Storme Webber (Sugpiaq, Chahta and Black), whose work is being featured as part of the Chicago Field Museum’s latest permanent exhibition.
In Touch: High-School Graduation
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Aleshanee Nikita (Athabascan), who graduated May 26 from the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe as a dance major.
In Touch: Honored
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Timothy “TJ” Gjertson, who was honored with an Alaska First Lady’s Volunteer of the Year Award on May 17 in Juneau, Alaska.
2022 Third Quarter Distributions
Third quarter payments from the CST Elders Distribution Fund will be mailed or directly deposited Sept. 9. Third quarter payments from the CST Distribution Fund will be mailed or directly deposited Sept. 30.
Maple Springs Grand Opening
For many years, Alaska’s senior housing market has struggled to meet the needs of its older residents.
Winners’ Circle
To increase participation in certain programs, CIRI holds periodic prize drawings from the names of those enrolled who meet certain criteria and have a current mailing address with CIRI.
Alaska Native Hire Job Fair—September 22
The Alaska Native Hire Job Fair will be held noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 22 in Anchorage.
CIRI endorses Lisa Murkowski for Senate
(Anchorage, Alaska) Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) announced the corporation’s endorsement of Senator Lisa Murkowski’s reelection to the U.S. Senate in 2022. The CIRI Board of Directors voted on Thursday, August 4, to endorse Senator Murkowski.
CIRI Celebrates 50 Years
On June 8, 1972, CIRI was incorporated as one of 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations, with 6,276 original enrollees.
Anchorage Museum Programs Bridge Past and Future
The Anchorage Museum tells the story of the people and landscapes of the North through its programs, exhibitions and collection.
Recipe: Fireweed Jelly
This recipe was originally published in the Raven’s Circle and online in September 2018. It remains one of CIRI’s most visited webpages!
Conversations with CIRI Shareholders and Descendants
“Conversations” is a video series produced by CIRI that features candid interviews with CIRI Shareholders and Descendants.
2022 Annual Meeting Prize Winners
View this year’s Annual Meeting eVote, Early Bird, GreenLink and Webcast prize winners.
2022 Board Election Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 election of CIRI Directors!
CIRI’s 50th Anniversary—June 8, 2022
CIRI was established June 8, 1972, under terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. CIRI’s 50th anniversary gives us the opportunity to not only reflect, but to reimagine, to learn, adapt, innovate and grow.
CIRI Achieves Highest Revenue, Net Income in 10 Years
CIRI achieved exceptional financial performance in 2021.
In Touch: Fur Rondy Heritage Ambassador
Congratulations to CIRI Descendant Tayler Higgins for being selected as the 2022 Fur Rondy Heritage Ambassador.
Q’eschł Heritage Center
More than a museum, the Q’eschił Heritage Center will celebrate the Ninilchik Tribe’s distinct culture and history.
Descendant Spotlight: Rebecca Taylor
CIRI Descendant Rebecca Taylor’s (Inupiaq) art allows her to both create and release, connect with the past and exist in the present moment.
In Touch: Knik Cultural Charter School
CIRI Shareholder Esther Shade is pleased to announce the opening of the Knik Cultural Charter School.
CIRI in the Community: CARES Act Update
When CIRI received its allocation of CARES Act funding, it committed to working with its family of socially driven enterprises and tribally designated organizations.
Recipe: Herbed Garlic Potatoes
As the author wrote about this recipe, “These potatoes fit any kind of meal, from fancy to burgers—and everyone asks for the recipe.”
2022 Shareholder Distributions
We are pleased to announce that CIRI’s prior-year financial statements have been completed, allowing 2022 distribution amounts to be calculated.
In Touch: Album Release
Congratulations to CIRI Shareholder Allen Anderson on the release of two recent albums.
Information Meeting, Annual Meeting of Shareholders
As the Annual Meeting will be held via livestream, voting in the election of Directors will only be by proxy. Shareholders may vote online at vote.ciri.com.
In Touch: Beaver Tales Coffee
Congratulations to original CIRI enrollee Fredrick Bell, owner of Beaver Tales Coffee in La Conner, Wash.
Apply Now for CIRI’s Virtual Mentoring Program
The next program application deadline is Friday, July 22.
Apply Now to Serve on CIRI’s Shareholder and Descendant Participation Committees
Interested and eligible Shareholders and Descendants are asked to apply by June 24.
CIRI endorses Tara Katuk Sweeney for Congress
The CIRI Board of Directors voted unanimously on Friday, April 22 to endorse Tara Katuk Sweeney’s candidacy for the upcoming election for Alaska’s seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
CIRI CARES Act Funds Enable SCF to Expand Services
While COVID-19 has affected virtually all segments of the population and every aspect of society, the greatest strain of the current pandemic has been on the health care sector.
2022 Farewell Sheep Hunting Permits
As in previous years, recreational use permits will be issued for access to portions of the Farewell area for Dall sheep hunting in 2022.
2022 Shareholder and Elders’ Distributions
The dividend policy adopted by the CIRI Board of Directors in 2007 set total CIRI dividend payments to shareholders in any given year at 3.5% of the total shareholders’ equity, calculated as of Dec. 31 of the prior year.
Thank You to Our 2021 Holiday Craft Bazaar Supporters and Donors
CIRI would like to thank all those who contributed to and supported the 2021 CIRI Holiday Craft Bazaar!
Recipe: Cranberry Nut Bread
Adapted from “Grandma’s Recipes: An Alaska Native Traditional Food Cookbook for Assisted Living Homes” by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium.
2022 CIRI Summer Internship Program
The application deadline for CIRI’s Summer Internship Program is Friday, April 29.
CIRI in the Community
The CARES Act is a federal program that provides relief for individuals and businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shareholder Spotlight: Jeff Hurlburt
CIRI shareholder Jeff Hurlburt has made it his “life’s passion” to assist and support Alaska Native people through his nonprofit organization Dena’ina Strong.
2022 Native Youth Olympic Games
The 2022 Junior Games (athlete registration open through March 1) will be held virtually. The Senior Games will be held in person April 21-23.
Pick.Click.Give. Now through March 31
Among the eligible 2021 Pick.Click.Give. organizations are three CIRI-affiliated community nonprofits: Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native Justice Center and KNBA FM/Koahnic Broadcast Corp.
Winners’ Circle
The following shareholders and descendants have been selected as winners for the most recent CIRI drawings.
