Connection, progress and shared purpose
Connection, progress and shared purpose—as we move toward the end of the year, these objectives will continue to guide our work throughout the CIRI enterprise.
One way we put these objectives into action is through direct engagement, both with our employees and in our communities. Recent visits to project sites managed by subsidiary company North Wind Group allowed us to meet with the employees who work tirelessly—and in some cases, put their lives on the line—for our Corporation. These visits provided an opportunity to not only share more about CIRI, the unique history of Alaska Native corporations and the people we serve, but to listen, learn and answer questions from those directly contributing to our success.
This same spirit of listening and collaboration guided our recent travels within the region. This summer, we visited Kenaitze, Salamatof, Ninilchik and Tyonek, with plans to visit Chickaloon, Eklutna, Knik and Seldovia in the months ahead. Conversations centered on both challenges—such as the impacts of cuts to federal funding—and opportunities for economic development and partnership. Each visit reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the cultural and economic foundations of our villages and Tribes.
Just as we invest in the future of our Corporation, we are equally committed to investing in the people who will shape it. We are in the process of selecting our 2025 Yah Program cohort, and we look forward to introducing these promising Shareholders and Descendants in our next Raven’s Circle. The popularity of this program—and the number of Shareholders and Descendants eager to work for their Corporation—continues to inspire us! We are excited to see current Yah executives Jacinda Mainord and Lexi Trainer stepping into high-level roles within the CIRI enterprise—a clear reflection of the program’s success in developing future leaders.
On the business front, your Board and executive team are focused on positioning CIRI for long-term growth. This means selling older, low-performing assets and reinvesting those funds into better-performing opportunities, rebalancing our portfolio and transforming our Corporation into a true “cash generator.” At the same time, we are actively exploring strategic acquisitions that align with our vision for a stronger, more sustainable future.
Lastly, when the leaves turn, we turn to tradition—and our fall Friendship Potlatches are just around the corner! This year’s Potlatches will be held Oct. 11 in Anchorage, Alaska; Oct. 19 in Soldotna, Alaska; and Nov. 1 in Tacoma, Washington. We were pleased to host our Shareholders and Descendants Aug. 23 at CIRI’s offices in Washington, D.C. Whether in Alaska or across the country, these gatherings remind us of the strength of our CIRI family and the importance of staying connected.
Together, we remain committed to honoring our heritage, supporting our people, and creating lasting value for generations to come.
With respect and gratitude,
Swami Iyer
CIRI CEO
Tabetha Toloff
CIRI President
