When the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act passed, 13 Alaska Native regional corporations were created and each enrolled Alaska Native individual received 100 shares of stock in their regional and/or village corporation. These shares of stock represent ownership of the corporation. 

Today, more than 9,100 Shareholders own CIRI stock. With that stock ownership comes three important responsibilities: 

  1. Keeping current records with the CIRI Shareholder Relations Department 
  2. Voting in corporate elections
  3. Maintaining a valid, up-to-date Stock Will on file at CIRI. 

More information on being a CIRI Shareholder or Descendant below:

 

CIRI’s Shareholder Handbook has been prepared by CIRI to give its Shareholders information about the company, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and corporate policies and procedures. The information covered in the handbook may change from time to time, and when that occurs the handbook will be updated as soon as possible.

View the current version of the handbook  

CIRI invites Descendants of CIRI Shareholders to register their information with the corporation. This allows CIRI and its family of socially driven enterprises to communicate regarding potential opportunities and items of interest and assist in making eligibility determinations for certain programs and services. Submitted information is treated confidentially and used only for these purposes, unless otherwise approved by the applicant. 

The CIRI Descendant Registry is for direct lineal Descendants (e.g., the children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.) of CIRI Shareholders. 

To register, Descendants must submit a completed registration form and a copy of the state-issued birth certificate establishing the relationship to a CIRI Shareholder. If the Descendant’s name differs from the name on the birth certificate, or if the Shareholder’s name on the Descendant’s birth certificate is different from the name CIRI has on file, copies of the legal document(s) substantiating the name change are also required (e.g., a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption decree or other legal document). 

Identification cards are issued to confirmed Descendants. 

CIRI regularly communicates with Descendants through e-newsletters and announcements regarding items of interest (e.g., educational, training and job opportunities; upcoming events; and new programs and services). CIRI primarily communicates electronically but may occasionally send mailings on important topics. It is important for Descendants to maintain up-to-date contact information. A  Contact Information Update Form is available for this purpose. Descendants who are 18 years of age or older and who have Qenek accounts may update their mailing address, phone numbers and email address and opt in to receive text messages with the latest updates and news. Descendants who regularly access their Qenek accounts have their names included in quarterly prize drawings. 

Voting in the annual election of directors and participating in advisory and other votes ensures that your voice is heard in any decision-making process.   The ANCSA Amendments of 1987 allow that regardless of blood quantum, inherited shares also carry voting rights if the recipient is a “Descendant of a Native.” The amendments define “Descendant of a Native” as a lineal Descendant of a Native, or an adoptee of a Native or Descendant of a Native whose adoption occurred prior to his or her majority and is recognized at law or in equity.  To ensure voting rights remain in Alaska Native hands, a Shareholder who inherits CIRI stock must provide proof that he or she is Alaska Native or is of Alaska Native descent before voting stock can be issued.  If you are Alaska Native or an Alaska Native Descendant but you hold non-voting shares of CIRI stock, we urge you to provide proof of your Native descent so that your shares can be reissued to carry voting rights. To encourage participation and ensure the presence of a quorum, CIRI provides a mix of prizes in connection with its Annual Meetings of Shareholders. By voting (for any proxyholder or candidate), you would become eligible to have your name included in those prize drawings. Additionally, service on the CIRI Board of Directors is limited to voting CIRI Shareholders. 


CIRI needs your help locating missing Shareholders.
 

We have received returned mail for the following Shareholders. When CIRI mail is returned as undeliverable, distributions are held and the Shareholder does not qualify to participate in any prize drawings until the address is updated. 

 

Shareholders can fill out the Change of Address Form at CIRI’s offices, or send a signed and dated letter that includes the new address, telephone number, birth date and the last four digits of their social security number. Shareholders with Qenek accounts may update their addresses electronically. 

 

Click here for current list list of missing Shareholders. 

CIRI typically holds Information Meetings in the spring, the Annual Meeting the first Saturday in June, and Friendship Potlatches are in the fall. During the pandemic, these were all held virtually. In 2023, we anticipate meeting again in person. Stay tuned for additional information and dates for these events. 

For a list of current events please click here.