CIRI Summer Interns Gain Real-World Work Experience While Immersing Themselves in Culture
CIRI was thrilled to host interns Elyse Decker, Maddie Mulcahey and Chloe Tetpon this summer!
Tribal Conservation Districts Prioritize Traditional Knowledge
In Alaska, tribal conservation districts (TCDs) combine local knowledge with technical resources to actively manage natural resources on traditional lands, the goal of which is to set local priorities for conservation and ensure sustainable use of natural resources for subsistence, economic opportunity, resource development and cultural preservation.
2023 Board Election Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2022 election of CIRI Directors!
Cook Inlet Region Leaders Come Together to Identify Priorities
CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich kicked off two days of Alaska Native leadership meetings with a call to unity.
Village of Tyonek Welcomes VPSO
Congratulations to the village of Tyonek! Thanks to a coordinated effort among the Native Village of Tyonek (NVT), Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA) and the …
Save the Date: 2023 Information and Annual Meetings
For the first time since 2019, CIRI will host in-person Information Meetings in Anchorage; Kenai, Alaska; and Puyallup, Wash. The Annual Meeting will be held …
2023 CIRI Summer Internship Program
Application deadline: Friday, April 28 CIRI is now accepting applications for its 2023 Summer Internship Program! To be eligible for consideration, applicants must: Be a …
2023 Board Recruitment
Board write-in Candidate Information deadline has closed.
As of noon Alaska Standard Time on Wednesday, February 15, the deadline to submit Board write-in candidate information has closed.
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.
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 Celebrates 2022 Summer Interns
This year, CIRI was pleased to host five full-time summer interns.
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.
CIRI Achieves Highest Revenue, Net Income in 10 Years
CIRI achieved exceptional financial performance in 2021.
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.
ANCSA Celebrates 50 Years
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, signed into law Dec. 18, 1971, settled Alaska Native peoples’ aboriginal land claims and distributed 44 million acres of land and nearly $1 billion to 12 land-based Alaska Native regional corporations, including CIRI.
The Alaska Native Heritage Center: An American Cultural Treasure
Created by a unanimous vote at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in 1987, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a long-standing educational and cultural institution.
CIRI Surveys and Focus Groups
This spring, Craciun Research will be conducting shareholder and descendant surveys and focus groups on CIRI’s behalf.
North Wind Group Merges with Engineering Company
CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group closed out 2020 with exciting news.
CIRI Year-End Updates
2020 has proven a challenging year for well-managed businesses throughout Alaska and across our nation.
2021 Board Recruitment
The CIRI Nominating Committee is seeking CIRI shareholders interested in nomination to the 2021 CIRI Board of Directors’ candidate slate.
Urgent Request: Respond to the 2020 U.S. Census!
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced it will wrap up the survey Sept. 30, a month sooner than previously expected.
Your 2020 U.S. Census Questions Answered
If you’re confused or have questions about the 2020 U.S. Census, you’re not alone!
CIRI Updates
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, CIRI is focused on innovation, identifying opportunities and defining new ways of working.
Outstanding Year for CIRI Subsidiary North Wind Group
2019 proved to be another exceptional year for CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group, with record-breaking financials, a new office location, prestigious safety awards and recognition in top industry publications.
CIRI Invests in Assisted Living Facility
Changing demographics will shape Alaska’s future economy.
CIRI Addresses Trespass Issues
When it comes to mitigating trespass and protecting CIRI lands, we need our shareholders’ help!
Alaska Contends with a Busy Wildland Fire Season
If you looked outside your window this summer, you know that Alaska faced an extremely active fire season.
Second Annual CIRI C3 Experience Bigger and Better than Before
Whether delving into Alaska Native culture, preparing for college or figuring out what it takes to make it in the “real world,” participants at the second annual CIRI C3 Experience were eager to embrace it all.
Meet CIRI’s 2019 Summer Interns
As part of CIRI’s company-wide recommitment to deliver benefits that allow shareholders and descendants an opportunity to advance in their careers and lives, in 2015, CIRI significantly expanded its summer internship program.
Alaska’s Future
Along with many Alaskans, CIRI leadership has been closely monitoring the Alaska State Legislature and the governor’s work on the fiscal year 2020 budget.
Calculating 7(j) Distributions
How does CIRI pay its resource revenue distributions? To answer this question, the Raven’s Circle recently sat down with Rhonda Oliver, vice president, CIRI corporate controller.
CIRI Delivers Solid Financial Performance in 2018
2018 proved an exciting and challenging year for CIRI that ultimately resulted in solid financial performance.
CIRI Increases Ownership in CINGSA
Playing a vital role in ensuring sufficient year-round gas supplies for Southcentral Alaska, Cook Inlet Natural Gas Storage Alaska (CINGSA) is an underground gas storage facility capable of storing up to 11 billion cubic feet of natural gas.
Next Gen Day Revamped for 2019
Now in its fifth year, CIRI Shareholder Engagement Senior Manager Darla Graham decided Take the Next Generation to Work Day needed a facelift.
Banner Year for CIRI Subsidiary North Wind Group
Strong financials, new office locations, and numerous awards and industry recognition – 2018 proved a banner year for CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group.
CIRI Audit Process Ensures Accuracy of Company’s Controls and Records
The word “audit” is known to strike fear into the hearts of companies and organizations. However, that’s not the case at CIRI.
CIRI Aids Conservation Efforts in Farewell, Alaska
A microscopic bacterium with an outsized name, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi) is a pathogen that increases mortality from respiratory disease in wild sheep, goats and musk ox.
Inaugural CIRI C3 Experience a Success
The Denai’ina phrase “un nitqetni” translates to “they’re calling one another to come,” and it was the theme behind the first-ever CIRI C3 Experience.
Overview of Settlement Trust After 2017 Tax Act
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Amendments of 1987 permit Alaska Native corporations (ANCs) to establish settlement trusts, which were designed as a mechanism for replacing or supplementing corporate dividends.
ANVCA Shines Light on Contaminated Lands Issue
Unbeknownst to them at the time, hundreds of contaminated sites would be conveyed to ANCs under ANCSA – including 650 “known” tracts of land, according to a 1998 U.S. Department of the Interior report.
New Permitting Process for Access to CIRI Lands
For the first time this summer, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association will assist CIRI in issuing permits to members of the general public who wish to access CIRI lands along the Kenai River for the purpose of sportfishing.
Mat-Su Timber Deal Could Make Harvesting of Beetle-Killed Spruce on CIRI Land Viable
Though only a quarter inch in length, spruce bark beetles can wreak outsized devastation. Over the past 35 years, spruce beetle outbreaks in Alaska have contributed to the loss of an estimated 3 billion board feet of timber.
CIRI Delivers Strong Financial Performance in 2017
A combination of hard work, wise investments and employing the right people to fulfill CIRI’s mission – these are the keys to maintaining a strong, prosperous company that can withstand challenges and seize new opportunities.
Fire Island Wind Achieves Record Production
When it comes to wind energy, it seems reasonable to assume that the windiest months produce the most energy. Not so, says Chris Jimenez, operations manager for the Fire Island Wind Project.
CIRI Closes in on $1 Billion in Gross Assets
In 2017, CIRI set an ambitious goal: to grow the company’s asset base to $1 billion. This encompasses everything the company owns, including the value of our business operations, investments, buildings, real estate and equipment.
CIRI Expands Shareholder and Descendant Opportunities
For 45 years, CIRI has developed business ventures across Alaska and beyond, with the well-being of our current and future shareholders at the center of every decision.
SCF Receives Presidential Honor
On Nov. 16, it was announced that Southcentral Foundation, a CIRI-affiliated nonprofit, would receive a 2017 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
Native Corporations Drive Alaska Economy
The results are in: Alaska Native corporations (ANCs) are a major force in Alaska’s economy. Of the 49 top revenue-grossing Alaskan-owned businesses, 22 are ANCs – more than any other industry.
CIRI Opposes Anti-Development Ballot Initiative
Across Alaska, residents will soon be confronted by signature-gatherers asking them to sign a controversial new ballot initiative that claims to “Stand for Salmon.”
Fire Island Wind Project Spinning Strong
For five years, the Fire Island Wind Project has powered Anchorage.
CIRI Resolves Land Issues
When it comes to managing CIRI’s lands, the company abides by a philosophy that strikes a balance between sustainably developing resources and protecting lands for future generations.
The CIRI Foundation Celebrates 35 Years
A private foundation established in 1982, The CIRI Foundation (TCF) has contributed more than $29 million for the Alaska Native beneficiaries of CIRI to participate in post-secondary education.
Specialty Finance Bolsters CIRI’s Investment Portfolio
Specialty finance is a term applied to a new line of business CIRI is developing in which the company makes debt investments that are ultimately backed by large, existing industry assets with which CIRI is familiar.
CIRI Invests in Light Industrial Development in Virginia
Just off a busy traffic corridor 30 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., lies the city of Manassas, Va., a highly sought-after location for light industrial developments.
U.S. Air Force Awards Weldin Five-Year Construction Contract
The hits just keep coming. On the heels of several other contract wins, Weldin Construction was recently awarded a five-year Multiple Award Construction Contract at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kan.
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.
CIRI Debuts Cloud-Based ‘Granite’ Shareholder Records Management System
Considered one of the most powerful and efficient on the market, the software developed by CIRI to manage its shareholder records can now be adopted by other Alaska Native regional and village corporations.
CIRI Company Makes Major Acquisition
CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group announces the acquisition of Portage, Inc. (Portage) and all its subsidiaries.
CIRI Subsidiary North Wind Heads Up Facility Management at Nuclear Site
When you work for North Wind Solutions (NWSol) at its project site in southern Ohio, it’s never “just another day at the office.” That’s because the office is the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
CIRI Invests in Clean-Energy Power Plant
Natural gas has for years been becoming the fuel of choice for new power plants looking to supply low-cost energy while curbing carbon emissions. CIRI is among the companies investing in this growing energy market.
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.
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.
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Visits Alaska
With the goal of improving public safety in rural communities throughout Alaska, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and Alaska tribal leaders June 10 in Anchorage.
Solar Project Furthers CIRI’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
High above the bustling streets of midtown Anchorage, the sun’s solar energy is now being used to help power CIRI’s new Fireweed Business Center, the company’s corporate headquarters.
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..
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.
CIRI Leads Effort to Launch Color of Justice Rural Student Initiative
When the distinguished judges and legal professionals addressed the students at the Color of Justice program, they saw something big staring back at them: Alaska. All of Alaska. From the North Slope to the Aleutians Islands.
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.
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.
A Piece of Alaska Adorns U.S. Capitol Lawn
Standing 74-feet tall, a Lutz spruce from the Chugach National Forest near Seward, Alaska, is this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C.
CIRI Improves Shareholder Employment Programs
Over the past year, CIRI’s Human Resources (HR) department launched new initiatives targeted at encouraging increased shareholder and descendant job hire and engaging the next generation of shareholders.
CIRI Makes Major Energy Investment
CIRI has become one of the major investors in a large natural gas-fired, combined cycle power plant in Ohio that has been under development for several years and has now reached financial close.
Satisfy your CIRIosity!
Now you can connect with CIRI in an exciting new way! CIRIosity is the new podcast that takes you behind the scenes to hear the stories and voices of CIRI’s history, businesses, shareholders and descendants.
Opportunities abound for CIRI youth
Every year, CIRI seeks out new ways to engage young shareholders and descendants in the company’s business and management. But there are two time-honored youth opportunities CIRI is pleased to announce each June.
CIRI charts path to professional careers
Starting this summer, CIRI’s expanded internship program is making the first step into a professional career a little easier for graduates and undergraduates.
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.
A day at Tikahtnu Commons
In just seven years, Tikahtnu Commons has become Anchorage’s largest retail and entertainment center, representing one of CIRI’s most successful investments.
Tikahtnu Commons gains media attention
KTVA-TV, Anchorage’s CBS affiliate, recently reported on new developments at CIRI’s Tikahtnu Commons Retail and Entertainment Center.
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 …
CIRI lifts hold on recreational use permits
Recent rains have allowed the CIRI Lands Department to begin re-issuing recreational use permits to access its lands. The dry conditions that contributed to the Funny River Road and Tyonek fires in May, prompted CIRI to close its lands to public use. However, conditions have moderated.
Voter Registration Deadline, July 20
Alaskans who want to act on behalf of our state’s future need to be sure they are registered to vote by Sunday, July 20, 2014. What if all eligible …
CIRI companies score high marks from employees in Best Places to Work survey
CIRI and its subsidiary CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation placed among the top ten best places to work in Alaska according to an independent survey conducted for the Alaska Journal of Commerce.
CIRI prepares for shareholder meetings
CIRI is preparing for its shareholder information meetings and annual meeting. This year, the events begin in Anchorage where CIRI welcomes shareholders on the evening …
New Kenai Fjords Tours vessel to join fleet
Every summer, tourists and Alaskans alike flock to Seward looking for an unparalleled experience on the waters of Resurrection Bay and deep within Kenai Fjords National Park with Kenai Fjords Tours (KFT), a CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation (CATC) subsidiary.
CIRI acquires piece of Anchorage skyline
CIRI has joined two other partners to become the new owners of one of Anchorage’s largest office complexes, which features the tallest building in Alaska.