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.
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.
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.
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.”
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: 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.
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.
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).
Calling All Home Cooks: Send Us Your Recipes!
Submit your favorite recipes to the Raven’s Circle!
Archival Photo
Thank you to CIRI shareholder Alberta Stephan for submitting this photo from her private collection.
Shareholder Spotlight: Erma Syers
Honoring those who have passed on is a labor of love for CIRI shareholder Erma Syers.
Take the Next Generation to Work Day: Monday, Jan. 16
For the third year, CIRI invites young shareholders and descendants to explore future career paths by spending a day at CIRI on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an Anchorage School District holiday. (Take the Next Generation to Work Day is annually scheduled to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to eliminate the need for participating youth to miss any school.)
Connect with Qenek
CIRI’s shareholder portal, Qenek, is a free online resource that provides shareholders easy access to a wealth of information.
2017 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. The CIRI Board has approved the distribution dates shown in the table below for 2017.
Q: Why Did CIRI Do Away with the Christmas Dividend?
A: In 2007, the CIRI Board of Directors adopted an equity-based dividend policy, with dividend payments in any given year equal to 3.5 percent of the company’s total shareholders’ equity calculated as of Dec. 31 of the prior year.
CIRI Hosts SPC Members
To better increase two-way communication between CIRI and its shareholders, CIRI relies on its Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC).
Shareholder Spotlight: Tammy Ashley
Tammy Ashley drinks a lot of coffee. With a full-time job, a busy family life and volunteer commitments that range from Girl Scouts to emergency medical response, it’s easy to see why. “I don’t really sleep,” she admits.
2016 Friendship Potlatches
CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches offer CIRI shareholders an opportunity to socialize and celebrate important cultural traditions with family and friends.
Congratulations to CIRI’s 2016 Shareholder, Elder and Youth of the Year
Read about this year’s Shareholder and Descendant award recipients.
CIRI’s Oldest Living Shareholder Passes Away at 100
Original CIRI shareholder and 2016 CIRI Elder of the Year award recipient Fiocla (Sacaloff) Wilson passed away Oct. 8 at Heritage Place continuing care facility in Soldotna, Alaska. She was 100.
Job Fair Survey
To assist CIRI in planning its annual Job Fair, interested shareholders and descendants are asked to complete an online survey by Friday, Jan. 6.
CIRI Youth Crew Improves Habitat on the Kenai Peninsula
Members of the Student Conservation Association’s (SCA) 2016 CIRI Youth Crew this summer tackled a month-long environmental challenge on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula that met a critical habitat need and improved access for visitors to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR).
Shareholder Spotlight: Deb Winkelman
After 25 years as an elementary-school teacher, Deb Winkelman was looking forward to retirement. But it wasn’t the life of leisure she envisioned. “I knew I wanted to own my own business,” she said.
CIRI Shareholder Handbook Available Online
CIRI’s Shareholder Handbook has been prepared by CIRI to provide shareholders convenient access to information about the company, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, corporate policies and procedures, and much more.
Great American Smokeout Event
Join others across the nation using the Great American Smokeout as a day to quit tobacco forever.
2016 CIRI Youth Art Contest
CIRI wishes to thank the participants in this year’s Youth Art Contest. The continued success of our company depends on young shareholders and descendants who think creatively and strive for greatness.
Security Tip
Most of us know not to respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (e.g., name, birthdate, Social Security number, credit card or bank account information) by phone, mail, email or online. To protect our shareholders’ confidentiality, it is equally important that we know who we are speaking to before releasing any information.
CIRI Debuts Shareholder Portal
Qenek is a Dena’ina Athabascan word that means “news” or “information.” CIRI’s shareholder portal, aptly named Qenek, is a free online resource that provides shareholders easy access to a wealth of information.
Long-Serving CIRI Board Member Jerry Brown Passes Away at 82
Long-serving CIRI Director and CIRI Elders’ Settlement Trust trustee Gerald “Jerry” Grant Brown passed away July 30 at home in Everett, Wash., surrounded by his family. He was 82.
Eklutna’s Annual Meeting Returns to the Fireweed Business Center
Cutting-edge technology, spatial comfort and streamlined design – for the second straight year, Eklutna Inc. chose CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center as the location of its annual meeting, held Aug. 20 in Anchorage.
Controlling Invasive Species in Beluga, Alaska
The auburn-colored flowers with the long, slender stem may look innocent enough, but orange hawkweed are an invasive (not native to Alaska), quick-spreading plant that can threaten animal and marine life by altering their habitats.
CIRI Summer Interns Embrace the Present, Plan for the Future
Insight into CIRI’s culture and businesses, development and mentorship opportunities, professional networking and resume building – CIRI’s summer interns took full advantage of the myriad opportunities offered them (and had lots of fun while doing it!).
Save the Date: 2016 Annual AFN Convention
50 Years: Reflect, Refresh, Renew
October 20 thru October 22, 2016
Carlson Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
Koahnic, KNBA to Broadcast 2016 AFN Live
Once again, KNBA will provide live coverage of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention proceedings, Oct. 20-22, broadcasting from the Carlson Center in Fairbanks to public stations across Alaska.
North Wind Tackles Cleanup in Idaho’s Silver Valley
Due to its earlier success in aiding mine remediation efforts in Idaho’s Silver Valley, CIRI subsidiary North Wind Construction Services (NWCS) was recently awarded two contracts: one to remove all mine tailings and contaminated materials from the now-defunct Success Mine, and the second to receive and manage those waste materials.
Culture Camp Teaches Youth About Mat-Su Valley’s First People
Honoring the profound significance of salmon to both the lifestyle and spirituality of Alaska Native cultures, Knik Tribal Council’s (KTC) annual summer culture camp treated youth in grades K-6 to a lesson in how to catch, identify, handle and process this most precious resource. But “Shan Qayeh,” or “fish camp,” is much more than a training ground for future salmon enthusiasts.
Shareholder Participation Committee Update
CIRI welcomes new Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC) members.
CIRI Turns Former Headquarters into Money Maker
Prior to CIRI’s 2015 move to its new home, the Fireweed Business Center, it was headquartered at 2525 C Street in Anchorage.
Crime Reform Bill Signed into Law
A bill that reinvests $99 million into crime reduction programs was signed into law July 11 by Alaska Gov. Bill Walker. Nonpartisan Senate Bill 91 was authored by Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, and Sen. Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage.
Descendant Spotlight: Rosemary Berg
Originally from Point Hope, Rosemary Berg isn’t your typical beauty pageant contestant – and that suits her just fine. Initially, the half Inupiaq, half African-American woman “had a stereotype of what a pageant queen looks like…
Download The Newest Episode Of Ciriosity, “Today’s Descendant’s, Tomorrow’s Shareholders”
The latest episode of the CIRIosity podcast is available at www.ciri.com/ciriosity. Or you can subscribe to iTunes, and new episodes will download automatically to your smartphone or device.
Moose Mamas Aims To Increase Moose Population On CIRI Land
“I feel like I was born for this,” Dana DeBernardi says as she hikes up to the fenced enclosure that houses six moose calves. The calves, either abandoned or orphaned, have been at Moose Mamas about a month. The goal of the Anchorage based nonprofit is to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned moose calves back into the wild.
CIRI Golf Classic Benefits Local Charities
Despite the rain, 148 participants turned out for CIRI’s 33rd Golf Classic, held Friday, Aug. 5 at the Moose Run Golf Course in Anchorage.
Shareholder Spotlight: Olive Blumenstein
An uprooted childhood, a Navy career fueled by wanderlust, family lost and found – Olive Blumenstein’s life reads like the most incredible fiction.
Save the Date: Unity in Community Voter Picnic
Join the Alaska Federation of Natives and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for a picnic to celebrate summer and get energized for the 2016 elections. FREE food, fun and family activities!
Winners’ Circle – Second Quarter 2016
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.
Download the Newest Episode of CIRIosity: ‘A Dip of Cool, a Sip of Swagger’
The latest episode of the CIRIosity podcast is available at www.ciri.com/ciriosity. Or you can subscribe to iTunes, and new episodes will download automatically to your smartphone or device.
Every Vote Counts!
Alaskans can now register to vote online in both the 2016 Primary Election (Tuesday, Aug. 16) and the 2016 General Election (Tuesday, Nov. 8). Eligible shareholders and descendants may also register when visiting CIRI’s Shareholder Relations department.
Shareholder Spotlight: Storme Webber
In many ways, CIRI shareholder Storme Webber defies categorization. A mixed-race woman of Aleut, African-American and Choctaw descent, she is a poet, playwright, educator and interdisciplinary artist.
2016 Board Election Results
Preliminary results indicate that CIRI shareholders elected five individuals to the CIRI Board of Directors at the company’s 2016 Annual Meeting June 4 in Puyallup, Wash.
CIRI Honors Muldoon Elementary Staff with Appreciation Week
In appreciation of their efforts, CIRI honored the 60-member Muldoon Elementary staff with an Appreciation Week, held May 2-6 at the school. Each day, staff received a special treat.
Alaska Native Heritage Center 2016 Summer Schedule
ANHC, a CIRI-founded nonprofit organization, showcases Alaska Native cultures and serves to educate visitors about the history and traditions of Alaska Native people.
Question: Did CIRI Sell Its Old Office Building?
Answer: No. Before CIRI’s 2015 move into its new home, the Fireweed Business Center, it was headquartered at 2525 C Street in Anchorage.
Birth Announcement
CIRI shareholder Debbie J. Standifer is pleased to announce the recent births of four grandchildren.
Graduation Announcement
Congratulations to CIRI shareholder Alanna Goins on her graduation from Ninilchik School, a K-12 school in Ninilchik, Alaska.
2016 Annual Meeting Prize Winners
The 2016 Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholders included cash prize drawings for shareholders who submitted a valid proxy by the proxy deadline (May 26) for any proxyholder or candidate, or who registered to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
2016 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 for any proxyholder or candidate by certain dates (April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20) in advance of the Annual Meeting.
CIRI invests alongside Doyon in Nenana basin oil and gas exploration
Doyon, Limited (Doyon) and Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), both Alaska Native Regional corporations, announce CIRI’s investment alongside Doyon in the current oil and gas …
CIRI Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The 43rd Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholder took place Saturday, June 4, in Puyallup, Wash. The preliminary results of the election for CIRI Directors indicate the following individuals will serve a three-year term ending in 2019..
Shareholder Spotlight: Sabrina Walker
The first time she ran the 16-mile Lost Lake Run, CIRI shareholder Sabrina Walker (Tlingit) was greeted by a face at each half-mile marker. The faces were photos of Alaskans who had been affected by cystic fibrosis (CF).
Shopping for Alaska Native Artwork?
CIRI’s new Alaska Native Artist Directory provides an online space for shareholder and descendant artists to connect free of charge with potential customers, including other shareholders and descendants and members of the general public.
Info Meetings: Anchorage and Seattle
Spring is the season for CIRI Information Meetings. The Anchorage meeting was held April 23 at the CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center. The Northwest meeting took place May 7 at the Marriott Hotel near the SeaTac Airport.
Coming Soon: Qenek Shareholder Portal
CIRI is in the final testing phase for a new shareholder portal with plans to go live in the next couple of months. Qenek (a Dena’ina Athabascan word that means “news or information”) will provide easy access to a wealth of information and allow shareholders the convenience of making certain record changes online.
North Wind Group Scores Large, Multi-Year Contracts
CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group – which oversees several companies primarily focused on environmental, engineering, construction and technical consulting – notched a pair of impressive wins to begin the year.
Guide to the 2015 Annual Report
Understanding CIRI’s financial statements CIRI recently released its 2015 Annual Report. This document summarizes the company’s performance last year and contains information that shareholders and …
CIRI Involved in Supreme Court Case
“It seems to me the Park Service doesn’t have jurisdiction.” Those were the last words Justice Antonin Scalia spoke from the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court before his passing earlier this year. The case involved Alaska. And, indirectly, CIRI.
CIRI’s Oldest Living Shareholder Turning 100
“It’s not your nationality that counts as much as it is your character and your personality.” These were a teacher’s words of wisdom to CIRI shareholder Fiocla Wilson […]
2016 Shareholder, Elder and Youth Award Nominations
Nomination Deadline: June 10, 2016
CIRI is currently accepting nominations for the 2016 Shareholder of the Year, Elder of the Year and Youth Recognition awards to be presented at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches this fall.
Save the Date: Information Meetings and Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Meeting attendance is limited to CIRI shareholders and their immediate family members (i.e., spouse, children) and/or stock custodians. Shareholders must check in with their guest and present identification. Refreshments will be provided.
Other Important CIRI Dates, 2nd Quarter 2016
May 30: Memorial Day holiday: CIRI offices closed
May 31: Address change and direct deposit deadline for the second quarter Elders’ Settlement Trust distribution […]
2016 Annual Meeting Prizes
Vote Early and Win! To encourage early submission of proxies, CIRI has added $14,000 in new Early Bird prizes! If you own voting shares, you …
2016 Kenai Information Meeting
Nearly 200 CIRI shareholders and their families came together for the Spring Information Meeting April 16 in Kenai. Attendees enjoyed a nice lunch, heard a …
Day 001: Voices of Recovery
Produced by 90.3 fm KNBA, a Koahnic Broadcast Station, “Day 001: Voices of Recovery” celebrates the true stories of Alaskans overcoming alcohol addiction. Each mini …
With Sincere Appreciation
Neshech’ Kahtnuht’ana: “A story feather created to implement productive communication and discover resolution. Whomever holds this feather, may speak, while others listen. Remember to pass your story feather often.”
Missing Shareholders, March 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
Shareholder Spotlight: Nikki Graham
CIRI shareholder Nikki Graham hadn’t even been to her first meeting of the Alaska Native Professional Association (ANPA) when one of the organization’s directors encouraged her to consider joining the board.
2016 Summer Internship Application Deadline: April 22
CIRI is now accepting applications for its Summer Internship program. Intern positions within CIRI include Corporate Communications, Real Estate, Land and Resources, Shareholder Programs and Outreach, and Accounting and Business Development.
Veterans Museum Honors Late CIRI Shareholder
When you learn about the life and times of CIRI shareholder Percy Blatchford, you can’t help but be impressed. A collection honoring Blatchford’s 30- year career in the military is now on display in the Alaska Veterans Museum in downtown Anchorage. Although Blatchford passed away in 2003, his story continues to resonate with people. Even when they stumble upon it by accident.
Important CIRI Dates, 1st Quarter 2016
March 11: First quarter Elders’ Settlement Trust distribution March 14: Deadline to sign up for direct deposit for the first quarter dividend and resource revenue …
2016 CIRI Dividend Update
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. As the first step in calculating dividend amounts, CIRI’s prior-year accounting books must be “closed,” which means all prior-year expenses and income must be received and either paid or properly accounted for.
2015 CIRI Shareholder Tax Information
CIRI mailed IRS 1099 forms to all shareholders for the 2015 tax year on February 1, 2016. Please note that you may receive more than one type of Form 1099, depending on the type of income received from CIRI, and the proper IRS forms and schedules to use when completing your tax return may vary depending on the types of CIRI payments received.
Accepting Recreational Use Permit Applications Farewell Area
Application Deadline: March 31
Once again, recreational use permits will be issued for access to portions of the Farewell area for sheep hunting purposes in 2016. Recreational use permits are awarded through a random drawing for sheep hunting. CIRI shareholders, CIRI employees and the general public may apply for access; however, CIRI shareholders and shareholder family members and employees have first choice for the opening period before others are permitted to hunt for sheep.
Fire Island Wind Lauded for Best-In-Industry Performance
When CIRI initially launched its Fire Island Wind project, there was concern about whether the company would be able to bring the project to fruition and, if so, how well it would operate. Four years after the project became operational, Fire Island Wind has been lauded by General Electric Company (GE) as one of the top four wind energy projects across the country.
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation Alaska Native Annual Art Auction
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation held its 21st Annual Alaska Native Art Auction on Feb. 18. This annual fundraising event and celebration of Alaska Native culture features artwork by Alaska Native artists from throughout the state.
PFD Application Deadline March 31
As a reminder, Alaskans completing their PFD applications can support one or more nonprofit organizations through Pick.Click.Give, which provides a searchable list of eligible organizations, including five CIRI-affiliated nonprofits: the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native Justice Center, The CIRI Foundation, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation/KNBA 90.3 FM and Southcentral Foundation.
PFD Voter Campaign Delivers
The PFD Voter Registration ballot initiative group announced it had collected more than 42,000 signatures in an effort to get the measure on the Alaska ballot for voters to decide.
GED @ CITC
Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) offers a General Education Diploma (GED) program to assist participants with obtaining a GED diploma. The program provides GED classes and testing at no cost to eligible participants.
Opportunities Abound: 2016 Take the Next Generation to Work
CIRI hosted its second annual Take the Next Generation to Work Day on January 18, when ten CIRI shareholders and confirmed descendants ranging in age from nine to 18 years spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day learning about the their company’s history and business strategies, as well as CIRI’s current corporate giving, volunteer and outreach activities.
Opportunities Abound: CIRI Job and Resource Fair
With more than 135 attendees and 26 vendors, CIRI’s fourth annual Job and Resource Fair was held on January 29 at the Fireweed Business Center. Participants had the opportunity to connect with CIRI, its affiliated entities, other Alaska Native corporations and private employers in the Cook Inlet region to learn about potential employment and training opportunities.
Be an Attendance Champion!
CIRI places a high value on youth. We want youth to succeed, and to do that, we know they need to get to class, and then stay in school until graduation. In fact, studies show that there is a direct correlation between reading and math proficiency and school attendance rates.
Congratulations to the Youth Educational Incentive Winners
Five CIRI youth win the second CIRI Youth Education Incentive awards.
Missing Shareholders, February 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
CIRI Executive Helps Lead Push to Reform Alaska Criminal Justice System
When a special commission released its list of recommendations to reform Alaska’s criminal justice system, it was CIRI shareholder and executive Greg Razo who stood at the podium to deliver the findings.
Shareholder Spotlight: Michael Clark Sr.
Michael Clark Sr. has a reputation. When he goes to art shows, the other artists know him as the ATM killer – the guy who persuades customers to pull out cash and buy his stone carvings until the ATM is empty. It’s a pretty good reputation to have.
CIRI Champions Color of Justice
Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. (AKST) Friday, Feb. 5, 2016
Ever thought of becoming a lawyer? Arguing a big case? Fighting for civil rights? Helping advance a new business venture for a large company? For many highschool-aged teenagers living in rural Alaska, it just became easier to find out what it might be like to do these things.
Missing Shareholders, January 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
Thank You for Making the 2015 AFN Convention Possible!
Thank you to AFN’s sponsors and we look forward to seeing you for AFN’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Fairbanks next year!
Shareholder Spotlight: Charles Peter Toloff
You see a lot over the course of 94 years. But as CIRI’s oldest original shareholder can tell you, some things stay the same, too.
2016 Board Election
The CIRI Nominating Committee seeks CIRI shareholders interested in nomination to the 2016 CIRI Board of Directors’ candidate slate.
Missing Shareholders, December 2015
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
The Art of the Sale
For the second year in a row, Alaska Native artists and crafters sold their handmade wares at CIRI’s Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, held on Friday, Dec. 4.
Tikahtnu Forum Held
The Tikahtnu Forum gathered for its quarterly meeting on Monday, Nov. 30, at CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center.
Shareholder and Descendant Spotlight: Cy Two Elk
“The idea behind this was to create a business where we could control our own schedules and keep our family close together,” says CIRI descendant Cy Two Elk.
Missing Shareholders, November 2015
CIRI has received returned mail for the following shareholders.
2015 Fall Friendship Potlatches
Photos from the 2015 CIRI and TCF Fall Friendship Potlatches.
Spotlight: Allison Knox
Growing up, CIRI shareholder Allison Knox says her parents were always encouraging her to explore, travel and be open to learning new things. In high school, Knox wanted to follow her parents into the tourism industry.
Missing Shareholders, October 2015
CIRI has received returned mail for the following shareholders.
Spotlight: John Warren Jr.
In 2008, a study revealed that sanitation was a serious issue in Kivalina. CIRI shareholder John Warren Jr. was moved to do something about the situation. “As an engineer, I couldn’t look the other way,” Warren says.
New directory to connect artists with buyers
After the success of last year’s inaugural Holiday Craft Bazaar, CIRI shareholder and employee Carolyn Bickley wondered if there was another way she could help connect CIRI artists with customers.
CIRI’s Next Generation: Haiku Challenge
CIRI shareholders and confirmed, registered CIRI descendants who are 10-17 years of age, and have permission from the parent or guardian, are invited to write …
A Village Visit: Seldovia
Throughout 2015, this newsletter will showcase a series of profiles on the seven ANCSA-certified villages in the Cook Inlet region. We’ll take a look at …
Reminder: Youth deadlines approaching
Don’t miss your opportunity to enter the CIRI youth art contest or to apply to be a CIRI youth representative!
Local perspective
“I’ve been all over Alaska, but this is my home,” says 82-year-old CIRI shareholder Joseph Carlough Sr. of Seldovia.
Spotlight: Tyonek’s community garden
Getting food from Anchorage is a problem nearly everyone in Tyonek faces — which is part of the reason why, in 2008, the village made it a priority to start growing fresh local vegetables.
CATC discounts for shareholders
CIRI Alaska Tourism provides discounts to CIRI shareholders and their immediate family.
Art installation
CIRI shareholder Rebecca Lyon was invited to design and install a piece of artwork along Anchorage’s Tony Knowles Coastal Trail by the nonprofit Alaskans for Litter Prevention and Recycling.
Perfect attendance
Congratulations to CIRI shareholder Leona Rose Riley, her daughter, CIRI descendant Judah Riley-Chute, and her son, Michael An, on their recent achievements.
Guide to the 2014 Annual Report
CIRI recently released its 2014 Annual Report. This document summarizes the company’s performance last year and contains information that shareholders and interested readers can use to better understand CIRI’s business and investments.
Youth educational incentives introduced
CIRI is implementing new incentives to encourage young CIRI shareholders and descendants to attend and excel at school: $100 cash prize drawings for students who maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or above and for students with perfect attendance.
Spotlight: Albert Harrison and Lisa Wade
Every Thursday, between 20 and 75 people gather for the weekly Elders’ Lunch in Chickaloon—an opportunity for folks in the community to catch up, connect and share stories.
A Village Visit: Eklutna
Throughout 2015, this newsletter will showcase a series of profiles on the seven ANCSA-certified villages in the Cook Inlet region. We’ll take a look at what life is like in each village: the attractions, the opportunities, the challenges.
Our second village is Eklutna.
Spotlight: Debbie Fullenwider
“I haven’t retired. I keep hearing that rumor, but I never said I was retiring,” insists Debbie Fullenwider. Since 1973, she’s served in a variety of leadership positions on the Eklutna Inc. board of directors, including president and vice president.
Sign up for eNewsletter
The winner of the fourth quarter eNewsletter drawing for a Kindle Fire HD was CIRI shareholder Janie Leask of Homer, Alaska.
Stock Will prize winner
The winner of the February 2015 $200 Stock Will Participation Prize was Marcella L. Henrie.
North Wind opens new offices
CIRI subsidiary North Wind, whose headquarters is located in Idaho Falls, Idaho, opened new offices in Las Vegas, Nev., and Aiken, S.C. The Las Vegas office is focused on heavy civil construction, environmental remediation and mine reclamation projects in the southwest U.S.
CIRI youth explore future careers
A group of forward-thinking young CIRI descendants got a peek at potential future careers when they participated in the first-ever Take the Next Generation to Work Day at the CIRI corporate offices on Jan. 19. “I’ve been a youth representative for the Shareholder Participation Committee, but I still learned stuff about what CIRI does,” said CIRI descendant Parker Pickett, age 14.
Connecting people with opportunity
Though chilly temperatures kept some folks at home, about 100 job-seekers still came out for CIRI’s third annual Shareholder Job and Resource Fair on Jan. 29. The fair brought shareholders and descendants together with a variety of CIRI-affiliated companies, nonprofits and other non-CIRI businesses and organizations looking for promising new employees.
New prize drawing for confirmed descendants
In an effort to encourage descendants to keep their information updated, beginning in 2015, quarterly prize drawings for a Fitbit will be conducted from the names of all confirmed, registered descendants (those who have been issued a CIRI descendant identification card).
Stock Will incentives continue in 2015
Along with the $200 monthly prize drawings, special incentives will continue in 2015 with quarterly drawings for an Apple iPad. Drawings will be conducted for the quarters ending March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
2014 CIRI shareholder tax information
CIRI mailed IRS 1099 forms to all shareholders for the 2014 tax year on January 29, 2015. You may receive more than one type of Form 1099, depending on the type of income received from CIRI. The 1099 forms reflect payments including:
Affordable Care Act update
IRS Tax Form 8965, “Health Coverage Exemptions,” is now available. Alaska Native and American Indian people can use this form to apply for the Indian Exemption to the Affordable Care Act when filing their 2014 federal income tax returns.
ANELP grows tomorrow’s leaders today
A graduate of the first cohort of students from the Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program (ANELP), CIRI employee Rhonda Oliver recently found herself back in class – this time not as a student, but as a guest speaker.
Spotlight: Hallie Bissett
“I literally worked from the ground up to get on the CIRI board,” says Hallie Bissett, CIRI shareholder and member of CIRI’s Board of Directors. She landed her first CIRI job – as a groundskeeper – at age 14.
Birth announcement: Scarlett Addison Locklear
CIRI descendant Amariah Faith Rude Locklear and Stephen Locklear are happy to announce the birth of daughter Scarlett Addison Locklear. She was born on Oct. 6, 2014, in Anchorage. Amariah is the daughter of CIRI shareholder Ronalda Rude and the granddaughter of the late Ernest Rude. Stephen is currently deployed in the Navy.
Graduate announcement: Da’Hmir Lamarr Hale
CIRI descendant Da’Hmir Lamarr Hale graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Social Science and an Associate in Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from the Allen Hancock College May 2014 in Santa Maria, Calif. He is the son of CIRI shareholder Donna Jo Hale and grandson of CIRI shareholder Florence W. Hale.
Engagement announcement: Geraldine Mayer
CIRI shareholder Geraldine Mayer was engaged to Joseph Amarok on Oct. 18, 2014. Mayer and Amarok are pictured here with Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
CIRI Nominating Committee seeks applicants for 2015 board slate
The CIRI Nominating Committee seeks CIRI shareholders interested in nomination to the 2015 CIRI Board of Directors’ candidate slate. To be considered, all Board slate applicants, including incumbents, must complete and return a candidate nominee application to CIRI by 3 p.m. AKST, Monday, Jan. 19, 2015.
Reminder to apply by Jan. 9
Hey, kids: Don’t forget to apply! CIRI is hosting its first Take the Next Generation to Work Day, a new program dedicated to helping young CIRI shareholders and descendants explore future career opportunities by inviting them to spend a day at CIRI on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015.
Spotlight: Arlen Fisk
Building from adrenaline: CIRI shareholder Arlen Fisk (Aleut) isn’t afraid to work hard. December 2013 found him staying late in the labs at the University of Alaska Anchorage, doing homework for…
Alaska Native and American Indian Affordable Care Act Exemption
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), every American must have health care coverage, but there are special exemptions that exist for Alaska Native and American Indian people.
CIRI employment and the marijuana initiative
In the recent election held Nov. 4, Alaska voters passed a ballot measure that will legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Alaska. CIRI wants applicants of any job with CIRI or its subsidiary companies to be aware of the following:
Looking for a job?
Mark your calendars: the third annual CIRI Shareholder Job and Resource Fair will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room and Atrium at the CIRI building.
2014 Bazaar showcases shareholder arts and crafts
This December, 37 CIRI shareholder and descendant artists showcased their handmade Alaska Native arts and crafts at the first annual CIRI Holiday Craft Bazaar. The event came from an idea inspired by the strategic areas of focus CIRI set for 2013 – 2015.
Surprise bounty for Tyonek
[lightbox link=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Tyonek-whale-harvest-crew.jpg” thumb=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Tyonek-whale-harvest-crew-300×279.jpg” width=”300″ align=”left” title=”Tyonek whale harvest crew” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”The crew of Tyonek shareholders that helped harvest the beluga whale at Bird Creek. Courtesy …
Spotlight: Elaine Stefanowicz
1982: “The world was not as accessible then,” says CIRI shareholder Elaine Stefanowicz (Iñupiaq) of Tacoma, Washington.
2014 Friendship Potlatches
With sincere appreciation Thank you to the following donors for helping to make the 2014 CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches possible: Alaska Native Heritage Center …
Shareholder estate settlement
When CIRI shareholders pass away, locating their family members is often a difficult task and it may delay settlement of the deceased shareholder’s stock estate. CIRI is looking to contact the individuals listed below in connection with following estates:
Spotlight: Caitlin Stewman
At 14, few people have the presence of mind or emotional maturity to handle the pressures of a professional job. Most are too busy with Instagram and YouTube to think about employment.
CIRI embarks on more robust descendant registry
Descendant identification cards to be issued Even before they receive shares of stock, CIRI encourages descendants to become more involved in their corporation and learn …
Save the date: CIRI, TCF Friendship Potlatches
It’s that time of year again! CIRI and The CIRI Foundation’s annual Friendship Potlatches are just around the corner, so mark your calendars.
Work it: Fireweed Business Center provides shareholder job opportunities
[smart-grid captions_color=”#666″ font_color=”#666″ lightbox=”magnific-popup” title=”false”] When CIRI shareholder Anthony Chudocken rides the elevator to the top of the work-in-progress that is the Fireweed Business Center, …
Spotlight: Gretchen Sagan
Imagine a seal slicing through frigid water, climbing through fathoms toward a hole in the ice. Just before he breaks the surface to take a breath: This is the moment that interests CIRI shareholder Gretchen Sagan (Iñupiaq).
Missing shareholders, September 2014
When CIRI mail is returned as undeliverable, the CIRI records are placed on hold and any distributions are held pending receipt of a valid address. …
Wedding announcement, July 2014
[lightbox link=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Dorothy-Bismark-e1411768632876.jpg” thumb=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Dorothy-Bismark-e1411768632876-224×300.jpg” width=”224″ align=”left” title=”Dorothy and Ben Peters” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=”Dorothy and Ben Peters”]CIRI shareholder Dorothy C. Bismark and Joseph “Ben” Peters were married …
Telephone survey and focus groups
This fall, CIRI will launch a telephone survey and host several focus groups, each of which will be conducted by Craciun Research Group, Inc. This …
Follow us – and have a chance to win!
You’ve probably already liked CIRI on Facebook, but did you know you can follow CIRI on Twitter, too? Follow @CIRI today for a chance to …
Share your announcement in the newsletter
Shareholders and descendants may submit an announcement or achievement for consideration to include in the newsletter by dropping it off to the CIRI reception desk …
Stock Will Prize winner, August 2014
[lightbox link=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ipad-mini.jpg” thumb=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/ipad-mini-234×300.jpg” width=”234″ align=”left” title=”ipad mini” frame=”true” icon=”image” caption=””]The winner of the Aug. 2014 $200 Stock Will Participation Prize is Jennifer Lee Stephan. Shareholders …
Koahnic, KNBA to broadcast AFN live
[smart-grid captions_color=”#666″ font_color=”#666″ font_size=”12px” font_weight=”100″ lightbox=”magnific-popup” title=”false”] CIRI shareholder selected as co-keynote speaker [lightbox link=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Joaqlin-Estus.jpg” thumb=”http://www.ciri.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Joaqlin-Estus-300×225.jpg” width=”300″ align=”left” title=”KNBA News Director Joaqlin Estus.” frame=”true” icon=”image” …
Spotlight: Rochelle Hellmann
“I’m one of those people who isn’t great at interviewing,” CIRI shareholder and descendant Rochelle Hellman, of Anchorage, admits when she sits down to talk about her experience as the new CIRI Real Estate Intern.
Stock Will Prize winner, July 2014
The winner of the July 2014 $200 Stock Will Participation Prize is Lois Irene Boyle. Shareholders will have two more opportunities to win an Apple …
Missing shareholders, August 2014
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record. When CIRI mail is returned as undeliverable, the CIRI records are placed …
Ranger station in Talkeetna renamed to honor Alaska Native climber
CIRI shareholder and employee Johanna Harper doesn’t like the spotlight. “I like to be the worker in the back, helping to keep things going – …
Native leader and land claims pioneer passes away at 84
A driving force behind the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and former president of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), CIRI …
Village of Tyonek unites to fight and recover from recent wildfire
On May 27, when a much-needed rain descended upon Southcentral Alaska, residents of Tyonek saw the beginning of an end to a wildfire that had …
Wells Fargo donates historically significant land near Eklutna village
Amid the dance performances and festivities at this year’s Native Village of Eklutna Dena’ina Potlatch and Pow-wow, a historic moment took place as Wells Fargo …
Reminder: award nominations, youth art contest entries and youth representative applications due Aug. 14, 2014
Shareholder of the Year, Elder of the Year and Youth Recognition Award Nominations We need your help to recognize CIRI shareholders who have made incredible …
