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 and is an important responsibility of a CIRI Shareholder.
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.
