PROTECTING OUR TRADITIONAL HUNTING RIGHTS

Transcription

SPRING 2015
PROTECTING OUR TRADITIONAL HUNTING RIGHTS
Ahtna seeks federal legislation to co-manage
wildlife on our land for our shareholder-owners
TRAINING AHTNA SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS FOR GREAT JOBS
From engineers to laborers, Ahtna’s Shareholder Development
Department helps train tomorrow’s leaders
Spring 2015
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
10
19
Shareholderowners get bird’s
eye view of
Ahtna lands
15
18
22
25
Ahtna helps
staff “toughest
checkpoint”
Training
for tourism
jobs
Program
produces
Alaska Native
engineers
A leader who
will always be
remembered
Modern education, the
Ahtna way
20 Training shareholde-owners to do
it right
17
23 Walk for Tsucde honors
Katie John
24 Getting ready for this year’s annual meeting
Meet 2014 Mister and Miss Ahtna
Michelle Anderson
Roy J. Tansy Jr.
Kathryn Martin
William M. Tisher
Joe Bovee
President, AI
Executive VP, AN
Senior VP, AI
CFO, AI
VP of Land & Resources
Douglas Miller
Chris Layton
VP of Human Resources
Coporate IT Manager
Interim CEO, AN
Ahtna Subsidiary Presidents
Craig O’Rourke
Brenda Rebne
Pamela Finnesand
Susan Taylor
Jason Hart
David O’Donnell
President, AGSC & ADB
President, AFSI & APSI
President, ASTS
President, KEC & AKHI
President, AES & AEI
President, AC & PPC
Acting President ATSI
If shareholder-owners would like to submit articles for
For questions or more information about the Kanas,
the next issue of the Kanas, the submission deadline is
please contact Media and Communications Manager
Friday, May 29, 2015.
Lamafana “Fish” Tuimalealiifano at (907) 868-8227 or
[email protected]
Spring 2015
2014 HIGHLIGHTS
Dear fellow shareholder-owner,
As we go into 2015, I’d like to reflect on a few notable
moments in 2014. Our corporation certainly had its share of
challenges, but despite that, everyone – our board members,
managers, partners and staff – worked hard to fulfill our
corporate mission and vision and bring value back to our
shareholder-owners.
Working together, we were able to accomplish
some great things in 2014:
• Shareholder-owners voted to establish the Ahtna
Settlement Trust at the 2014 Annual Meeting, making us
one of the few corporations with such a trust in place.
Once we reach our goal of $10 million, the Ahtna
Settlement Trust is intended to be a protected fund that
will provide long-term distributions for shareholder-owners.
While this fund is building, the process that we’ve all
become used to – where the board meets at the end of
the year and makes a decision regarding shareholderowner dividends – is still in place. Dividends are
declared based on a number of factors, including current
year and prior year earnings, compliance with bank
covenants and company liquidity.
Speaking of dividends, in accordance with our
earnings distribution policy, we were able to declare a
shareholder-owner dividend of $1,035,408 and a total
of $63,600 for Elder dividends in 2014. This is Ahtna’s
second-highest dividend per share in the last 10 years.
PLEASE NOTE: The 2014 distribution is the last taxfree dividend. From 2015 on, dividends from Ahtna
will be federally taxed.
Ahtna, Inc. and Ahtna Netiye’ Senior Management Team
2
Productive 2014 lays foundation for another year of accomplishments
14
Protecting
our lands –
and our way
of life
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS
• Thanks to you, our annual meeting continues to be a
success, and I’d like to personally thank our shareholderowners for voting in such high numbers. For the last
several years, we’ve met our quorum well before the
annual meeting date. The lead-up to the annual meeting
was especially rewarding, especially our candidate
forums, which were well-attended and an opportune
time to visit with fellow shareholder-owners and answer
their questions. If you haven’t been to one, I’d like to
personally encourage you to attend. These forums are
really good opportunities for you to meet and talk with
the candidates who wish to represent us on the board.
Also, management provides corporate updates for both
Ahtna Inc. and Ahtna Netiye.’(see schedule, page 5)
•Created Ahtna
Settlement Trust
•Declared shareholder-owner
dividend of $1 million
•Issued $63,600 in
Elder dividends
•Held successful
annual meeting
While it’s appropriate to reflect on the past and be thankful,
it’s important to keep moving forward. Here are a few of the
projects that our family of companies is focused on:
Wildlife co-management on Ahtna lands: Ahtna
Inc., the Ahtna Villages, Chitina Native Corporation,
Copper River Native Association and Mount Sanford Tribal
Consortium are united in seeking federal legislation that
will allow our people to manage wildlife on our lands. This
proposed federal legislation will create one management
regime that provides for federal and state management on
their respective lands but also adds an equal voice to the
Ahtna people on Ahtna-owned lands (1.2 million acres). This
proposed legislation will not change the hunting access of
other state residents. Put another way, for those who have a
favorite hunting area on state lands, there will be no change.
The two significant changes are (1) Ahtna will be one of three
votes (state, federal, Ahtna) that make management decisions
for wildlife on our respective lands, and (2) Ahtna obtains
management authority on our lands as well as an equal voice
in the decision-making process that establishes rules and
regulations for hunting in our traditional territory.
Since the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement
Act (ANCSA), the State of Alaska has been unable to
permanently provide for customary and traditional hunting
and fishing, and so subsistence continues to be a publicpolicy issue today. Attempts by the state to fulfill this
commitment are hindered by language in the Alaska State
Constitution. While we continue to work with the state to
agree on regulatory changes that are never guaranteed and
oftentimes short-term, we still seek federal legislation to help
secure our customary and traditional hunting and fishing well
into the future.
We are deeply thankful to our congressional delegation for
working with us. Sen. Lisa Murkowski hosted a subsistence
listening session in Glennallen in May 2013, which kickContinued on page 4
3
Resource development: Late last year, Ahtna completed
a draft Comprehensive Land and Resource Plan that covers the
entire Ahtna traditional-use area. The plan provides detailed
information on wildlife, minerals, recreation, etc. and lands
available and unavailable for future development and can
be used to assist regional leaders in their land-development
projects. Copies are available at local tribal offices and Ahtna
for those interested.
In addition, although our mineral exploration agreement with
Raven Gold was terminated late last year, there are other
mineral and exploration companies who are interested in
working with Ahtna to explore some of our properties. We’ve
also partnered with two oil and gas developers for further
assessment of our Tolsona license area. We feel very confident
of the potential results with a new gas well being planned in
late 2015 or early 2016.
Government contracting: Our subsidiaries continue to
be focused on contracting opportunities with various local,
state and federal agencies. Our chances of winning these
lucrative contracts are helped by our strong Experience
Modification Rating (EMR), which is used by insurance
companies to gauge both past cost of injuries and future
changes of risk. A low EMR for Ahtna results in lower premiums
for our workers’ compensation insurance and increases our
chances of receiving work. An EMR of 1.0 is considered the
industry average and for the last three years we have been
able to keep our EMR at 0.77. Our low EMR is the direct
4
Spring 2015
R
TH
A
result of past successes in safely delivering a high-quality
product and service to the government, and we are very
pleased with our subsidiaries’ efforts to lower their EMR over
the last few years and provide a safe work environment for all
Ahtna employees.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
PLOYE
M
E
While we appreciate and recognize the phenomenal support
I’ve mentioned, none of this would be possible without the
constant vigilance and representation of our Ahtna leaders
through the last 45 years – many of whom are no longer
with us. If Ahtna leaders had accepted that our traditional
hunting and fishing should not exist, should not be practiced
and should not be protected – we wouldn’t be having
this conversation today. The strength of our people shines
through in our fearless leaders, who speak from the heart
about promises made and traditional needs unmet. This
legislation, once passed, will not only benefit Ahtna people
for generations to come – it will provide opportunity for other
ANCSA regions that seek unified management.
Continued from page 3
OF
started discussion within Alaska on wildlife co-management
and set our path for talking with decision-makers in Juneau and
Washington, D.C. Special thanks and appreciation are also
due to Rep. Don Young, who is courageously championing
a solution that works for all Alaskans. We received amazing
support, too, from our sister Alaska Native corporations
and Alaska tribes. Resolutions of support were also passed
by the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Affiliated Tribes of
the Northwest Indians, the Central Council of Tlingit and
Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and the National Congress of
American Indians. We have been blessed with the best legal
representation. Heather Kendall Miller was unstoppable in
the original Katie John case and John (Sky) Starkey is working
tirelessly with our board and staff to protect our interests in
Alaska courtrooms, as well as working with us on our
federal legislation.
-
E
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS
E YE
Netiye’,
Inc.
2014
Employees
of the Year
Staff transitions: Ahtna continues to evolve as a family
of companies. Over the past year, we’ve said farewell to
several longtime employees. We’ve been joined by new
team members who come with tremendous experience and
knowledge in their respective fields and a willingness to make
a commitment to you, our shareholder-owners.
Some changes at the parent company in 2014 included
the hiring of our Vice President of Human Resources Doug
Miller and Vice President of Finance/Chief Financial Officer
Matt Tisher. Both gentlemen come to Ahtna with outstanding
credentials and a determination to make Ahtna exceptional.
Management changes at the holding company Ahtna Netiye’
include ASTS President Vicky Dunlap, AES/AEI President Tim
Finnigan, AC&PPC President David O’Donnell and AES/AEI
Vice President Tim Gould. Each of these individuals, a couple
of whom have been with the Ahtna family of companies for a
very long time, joins a group of managers and staff who are
absolutely committed to doing the best they can for Ahtna.
Annual meeting: Staff is planning for our annual meeting
on June 6. Shareholder-owners will be notified with our regular
annual meeting mailings that will include candidate forum
information and other meeting dates and deadlines provided
as part of our annual report/proxy statement packet. The
annual report and proxy statement will be mailed to you on
April 22. Five board seats, including two at-large, are up for
election this year, so we’re counting on all of you to put in your
votes and make this election count. As in previous years, you
will be able to vote online (more information about that will be
provided in your packet).
Candidate forums and informational sessions will be held in
Glennallen, Anchorage and Fairbanks (Check the calendar
on page 5 for dates, times and locations). I encourage
every shareholder-owner who is able to attend at least one
of these meetings to go – it’s a great way to get to know the
candidates and those of us who work for you!
As we head into 2015, please know that everything we do
at Ahtna supports our vision: “Our culture unites us; our land
sustains us; our people are prosperous.”
Event
March 31
Closing of books
April 22
Proxy/Annual Report
mailout
April 25
Glennallen (Regional)
Candidate Forum Bill Linnell
Teamster
Michala Iverson
Project Assistant II
Monica Oakley
Environmental Scientist
Ahtna Construction and Primary
Products Corporation
Ahtna Design-Build Inc.
Ahtna Environmental Inc.
Tracy Smith
Construction
Operations Manager
Estelle Shiroma
Senior Project
Manager
Ahtna Engineering
Services LLC
Ahtna Facility
Services Inc.
Leslie Villaraza
Marketing Manager
Ahtna Government
Services Corporation
Eileen Ewan
Shareholder
Services Manager
Ahtna Inc.
Tsin’aen,
Yodene John
Accounts
Payable Clerk
Patricia Silva
Detention Officer
Ahtna Technical
Services Inc.
Scott Bouchard
Technical Support
Engineer II
Location & Time
Kluti-Kaah Memorial Hall
Copper Center, AK
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 2
Anchorage
Candidate Forum Ahtna Anchorage
Office
110 W. 38th Ave.
Anchorage, AK
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 9
Fairbanks
Candidate Forum Westmark Hotel 813 Noble St.
Fairbanks, AK
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
May 10
Mother’s Day
May 25
Memorial Day
May 31
Katie John Day
June 6
Annual meeting
I hope you enjoy this edition of the Ahtna Kanas.
Michelle Anderson
President (AI) & Interim CEO (AN)
Udzisyu (Caribou) Clan
Date
June 14
Father’s Day
June 15
Ahtna Day
Location to be
determined
Ahtna Support and Training
Services LLC
Each awardee received an
“Employee of the Year” certificate,
a monetary gift and no small amount
of thanks for their outstanding
contributions, exemplary service and
steadfast dedication to the Ahtna
family of companies.
Ahtna Netiye’ Inc.
5
SUBSIDIARY ARTICLES OF INTEREST
A Pipeline TIMELINE of
Ahtna Construction's Humble Beginnings
Answers to questions provided by AC & PPC
Senior Program Manager Scott McIlroy
Currently, what does AC&PPC do?
AHTNA PROJECT LOCATIONS
WITHIN THE US (2014)
Where Ahtna works
•
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Alaska
Alabama
Arkansas
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
•
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Ahtna Construction is involved in the following
work sectors: Civil Construction, Pipeline
Maintenance, Emergency Preparedness and Oil
Spill Response.
Washington
North Carolina
North Dakota
New York
South Carolina
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wyoming
1974
1973
North Dakota
Massachusetts
New York
Michigan
Wyoming
1975
June 10
Copper River Natives Corp. changed
to Ahtna Construction and Primary
Products Corporation (AC&PPC).
Trans-Alaska Pipeline Authorization
Act enabled Alyeska and owner
companies to begin construction.
AC&PPC enter into a JV with
Trans-Alaska Engineering Company.
1974
July
Ahtna & Alyeska enter into
Omnibus Agreement.
Virginia
California
Missouri
Kentucky
North Carolina
Arizona
South Carolina
Arkansas
Alabama
Texas
Alaska
Hawaii
Georgia
Florida
1977
Ahtna, Chugach Regional Corporation
and Voss Int'l form ACV Contracting
for non-union opportunities available
under the operational phase of oil
pipeline construction and operations.
Are there any notable projects AC&PPC
has worked on?
Quite a few, especially with
our long history. Most of it
has involved trans-Alaska
pipeline work, including
mainline integrity
investigations,
high point vent
investigations
and pipeline
cathotic
protection
improvements.
What are
AC&PPC's goals and
aspirations – what is
the company striving to
accomplish?
1977-78
ACV reorganizes to form
Meridian Construction Contractor,
which results in over $20 million
of contracts with Alyeska.
1978
October
Ahtna Board of Directors agree to
lock the gates that provide access to
the pipeline in protest of Alyeska's
use of Ahtna lands.
If you’re interested
in working for Ahtna
Construction, please
contact the Ahtna HR
Department at
(907) 868-8250 or
[email protected].
All Ahtna Construction job
openings can be viewed
online at:
www.ahtnajobs.net/jobs.
Ahtna Construction seeks to provide safe,
environmentally responsible, reliable and costeffective pipeline services that benefit Ahtna and
its shareholder-owners. We are also working hard
to become the preferred contractor for Aleyska
Pipeline Service Company in the areas of spill
response, repairs and maintenance.
How does the work of AC&PPC benefit
shareholder-owners?
1979
AC&PPC receives a major maintenance
contract for Pump Station 12
through 2006.
#18
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all of our employees,
Ahtna Inc. and the Ahtna family of companies were ranked
#18 (one spot higher than 2013) on the list of Top 49 Alaska
Businesses of 2014, according to business publication Alaska
Business Monthly. Many thanks to everyone who helped to get
us to #18!
6
Spring 2015
1986
1989
AC&PPC constructs the Jim
McKinley Building in
Copper Center.
AC&PPC forms a JV with H.C. Price
(Price/Ahtna) for a two-year
maintenance contract with Alyeska.
We employ shareholder-owners and the
paychecks they take home support their families
and typically stay in the local communities.
GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS to make us better
1988-90
AC&PPC constructs the visitor center
in Denali National Park.
1 SAFETY We respect, value and safeguard
people, property and the Alaska environment.
2 TEAMWORK We share responsibility for
1991
Price/Ahtna maintenance contract is
extended to 1992.
AC&PPC purchases Barricades and
Safety Equipment Inc. in Fairbanks,
which later became a subsidiary of
Ahtna Inc.
3
1994
AC&PPC completes phase I of the
HAARP Project in Gakona.
Ahtna Construction’s mission and the resources
entrusted to us. We value our communities, our
business partners and the shareholder-owners
we serve.
INNOVATION We leverage knowledge
and creativity to continuously improve our
operations and increase our efficiency.
50 employees total
1997
October 21
AC&PPC pays the first dividend to the
parent company of $750,000.
*Of the 50, 20 are
shareholder-owner
employees
7
SUBSIDIARY ARTICLES OF INTEREST
AES WINS AGC AWARDS
ASTS WINS BIG CONTRACT
The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of
Alaska recently presented AES with its Excellence
in Construction Award for “Vertical Construction
with Specialty Contractor as Sub-Contractor.” The
award is based on work for the Federal Aviation
Administration’s Kuiu Island self-sustained outlet radio
communications facility replacement project. AES
also won the AGC’s Marsh & McLennan Agency
Excellence in Safety Award for “Excellence in Safety
– General Contractor or Subcontractor (Small),”
based on it’s safety record and commitment to safety
in 2014.
ASTS was awarded a contract for the Department
of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs
Enforcement Port Isabel Detention Center for detention
guard, food and local transportation services. The $312
million contract is for a term of seven years.
ASTS will provide armed and unarmed detention
officers, food services and transportation services.
The Port Isabel Detention Center is a government-owned
facility in Los Fresnos, TX, that spans 375 acres and has
an operational capacity of 1,200 detainees.
The contract is an 8(a) set-aside competitive acquisition
that was previously held by ATSI. Project manager is
Rick Durham.
NEW MANAGEMENT HIRES Welcome aboard!
Dave O’Donnell: President, Ahtna Construction
Dave O’Donnell brings to Ahtna 25 years
of experience in the management of civil
construction, operation and maintenance
organizations. Dave spent the last 10 years
as vice president and general manager
of civil construction for the Bristol Alliance
David O'Donnell
of Companies, an Alaska Native-owned
corporation with more than $150 million
in revenues. Dave thoroughly understands equipment,
be it involved in heavy and civil construction – including
road construction – oil field applications, water and
wastewater infrastructure or drainage engineering.
“I am excited about the opportunity to join the Ahtna
team,” Dave said. “AC&PPC is prime to strengthen
our Alyeska pipeline relationship and expand on
the opportunities that exist both in and out of the
Ahtna region. My goal is to provide dividends to our
shareholder-owners while building the foundation for future
generations.”
Tim Finnigan: President, AEI and AES
AES CONTINUES WORK ON
ALASKA STAND ALONE PIPELINE
Since May 2013, AES has held a subcontract
with Michael Baker Jr. Inc. to provide geotechnical
support for the early design phase of the proposed
Alaska Stand Alone Pipeline (ASAP), which would run
727 miles from the North Slope to Point MacKenzie,
west of Anchorage, including 40 miles that travel
through the Ahtna region.
AES supplies Baker with geotechnical borehole logs
in addition to field operation oversight. Our scope
of work includes the safe and efficient routing of
drill rigs, monitoring wilderness conditions at each
allocated borehole site, logging and collecting soil
samples, tracking drilling locations with GPS devices
and producing electronic borelogs with the use of
gINT software.
In 2014, we completed 220 miles and will complete
at least 140 miles in the upcoming field season,
including segments within the Alaska North Slope
region, which will require staff to work in winter
months and log permafrost borings.
8
Spring 2015
NEW AEI OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA
AEI has a new office in Pleasant Hill, CA, located in
the San Francisco Bay area. The office is an extension
of AEI’s successful Southwest Environmental Operations
Group led by Chuck Holman out of Monterey, 2.5
hours south of the Bay Area. The initial focus of the new
offices will be on expanding AEI’s footprint in Bay Area
remediation projects. Initial staffing includes engineers,
scientists and managers.
over 44 years in the construction/environmental industry,
Tim has spent the last 20 years interfacing directly with
government and commercial agencies for remediation
and construction projects. Tim will be based out of the
Anchorage office.
“I am excited for the future of AEI/AES. As a team, we
can accomplish a great deal,” Tim said. “I look forward
to contributing to the overall growth and success of Ahtna,
the family of companies and shareholder-owners.”
Tim Gould: Vice President, AEI &
AES
Tim Gould brings to Ahtna a wealth of
skills, industry knowledge and extensive
work experience, including multiple roles
directing, managing and overseeing
facilities, energy, environmental and
transportation projects for federal, state and
local governments.
Tim Gould
A registered Professional Engineer in Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Tim said, “I am impressed
with the underlying business foundation at AEI and AES.
I look forward to working with the team to continue
growing as we move forward.”
Tim Finnigan is a long-time Ahtna employee,
having been with the Ahtna family of
companies since 2008. A secondgeneration Alaskan construction professional
with over 14 years in an executive role and
Tim Finnigan
STAR AWARDS
Recent winners:
•Jocelyn Marcus and Jeremy Dantes of the West
Sacramento office both received Level 1 STAR Awards
for their outstanding Safety, Health and Environmental
Program (SHEP) contributions on AFSI’s NPR1 project.
This project has logged over 125,000 work hours
without an OSHA recordable mishap.
•Jimmy Sabon, an ADC custodian at the Ahtna
Anchorage office, received a STAR Award for
recognizing a potentially dangerous situation at the
office and taking corrective actions to ensure the
safety of other employees.
•Brett Larson, Ashley Gaskell and Aubrey Santillan are
all AGSC Storm Water practitioners who received
their Level 2 STAR Health & Safety Awards for their
excellent safety and service records during their many
storm water inspections throughout California over
the last two years. These inspections are typically
conducted in very poor weather conditions as they
are required prior to, during and/or following
significant storm events. All three are outstanding
representatives of Ahtna who have educated internal
and external audiences that occupational safety and
health are core values, not just priorities.
•AGSC Receptionist Lindsey Gonzalez received a
Level 2 STAR Award for her contribution to what were
two very successful Safety Day training programs
as well as her continued support to the Ahtna SHEP
manager and the entire SHEP administrator and
coordinator team.
•Randy Rogers received a Level 1 STAR Award for
outstanding safety commitment and performance with
over 15 years of service with AGSC and no health
and safety incidents on the many projects he has
worked on and managed.
Congratulations to all for a job well done!
9
PROTECTING OUR
LANDS
For thousands of years, the Ahtna people have called the Ahtna region
home. Through their wise stewardship, the land is bountiful with fish
and game that sustained the Ahtna people for generations.
AHTNA MOVES TO PROTECT TRADITIONAL SUBSISTENCE RIGHTS
THROUGH FEDERAL LEGISLATION
SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ABOUT THE WILDLIFE CO-MANAGEMENT LEGISLATION
T
What current rights and access to public lands
would no longer be available to the rest of
Alaskans?
This legislation will only directly affect Ahtna lands. Federal
and state lands will continue to be regulated under
current laws.
he Ahtna people are fast losing the opportunity to continue
their customary and traditional (C & T) hunting way of life
under current laws and the ineffective system of dual federal
and state regulation of their traditional hunting practices.
to maintain healthy moose numbers. Just seven days for taking
youth to hunting camp to learn from Elders the art of hunting,
preparing and preserving the meat, tracking, all the skills
and stories that preserve knowledge and tradition, all the
experience necessary to learn about their traditional lands and
waters. Seven days, even on lands Ahtna selected as part of
indigenous land claims settlement for hunting.
Ahtna has no role in these management systems – not even
on lands Ahtna was conveyed through the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Ahtna
must be substantively involved in managing
A unified tribal-state-federal co-management structure must
hunting throughout its traditional territory
be established for the benefit of healthy ecosystems, wildlife
for its own well-being. The uncoordinated
and expensive dual management system
population, the Ahtna way of life and all those who wish to enjoy
also impacts the health and conservation
the public lands that lie within Ahtna’s traditional territory.
of the wildlife populations that know no
boundaries and are suffering under the
impact of global warming.
Ahtna’s problems arise from the two central facts. First,
Alaska’s major population centers, and the roads that connect
Examples of the hardship Ahtna has suffered under the current
these centers, surround Ahtna’s traditional hunting area. The
dual management system are numerous and constant. Not
moose and caribou populations upon which Ahtna depends
too long ago, the Alaska Board of Game – which regulates
are highly desirable and accessible to these large urban
hunting on state lands and lands conveyed to Ahtna through
populations. The competition is fierce and the hunting grounds
ANCSA – adopted a regulation limiting Ahtna’s moose
are crowded. Urban hunting groups apply constant pressure
hunting season in the tribes’ traditional territory to a single
to state institutions to optimize their sport use and minimize
season lasting seven days. Seven days for a group of tribal
protection for Ahtna’s C&T hunting practices. Federal law and
people with a culture and tradition of hunting throughout the
regulations provide minimal protection due to the small amount
year, taking just what was needed, when it was needed,
of accessible federal lands within Ahtna’s traditional hunting
respecting the moose and understanding what was needed
territory.
Continued on page 12
10
Spring 2015
Haven’t the courts decided this issue? Isn’t this
using the federal government to bypass the
state’s right to manage its resources?
There is federally authorized co-management for marine
mammals by Alaska Native organizations pursuant to the
Marine Mammal Protection Act, which has never been
challenged, and tribes throughout the Lower 48 have
authority, granted through treaties or federal law, for lands
owned or held in trust by those tribes. Providing for comanagement and for Ahtna to manage its own lands and
extending the right to hunt on federal lands to all Ahtna
tribal members has a solid legal foundation. No court has
ever engaged on these specific issues because this would be
new federal legislation that departs from the current statefederal subsistence framework for Alaska. It would create
new management structures.
Will this provide an opportunity for other Alaska
Native Corporations to manage wildlife on their
lands and for co-management?
The proposed federal legislation would authorize only Ahtna
to manage hunting on its ANCSA lands; however, if this
structure of wildlife management is a success, the model
could be extended to other regions in Alaska.
If Alaska Tribal Wildlife co-management were
enacted, would this give Ahtna shareholders
an advantage over other Alaskans in regard to
hunting rights?
Management plans would be developed through
co-management for moose, caribou and other wildlife
populations that would include hunting regulations.
Recommendations would be forwarded from the comanagement structure to the Federal Subsistence Board,
Alaska Board of Game and the Ahtna Inter-Tribal Wildlife
Commission for application of the management plans to
federal, state and Ahtna lands.
Can urban shareholders participate under the
proposed co-management bill?
The Federal Subsistence Board will continue to regulate
according to the mandates of Alaska National Interest
Land Conservation Act (ANILCA), although Ahtna tribal
members who are not rural residents will also be allowed to
subsistence hunt on federal lands within Ahtna’s traditional
territory, except when there is not enough harvestable surplus
to provide for rural residents eligible to hunt in that area.
11
PROTECTING OUR LANDS
Continued from page 10
SOME FACTS TO CONSIDER - ALASKANS SUPPORT AHTNA’S POSITION
is part of the Ahtna Inter-Tribal Resource Commission
which would manage hunting and wildlife conservation on
Ahtna lands. The Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission,
not Ahtna, Inc., would be the governance council.
The legislation would also authorize Ahtna, the state
and the Federal Subsistence Board to enter into a comanagement agreement for the lands within Ahtna’s
traditional territory (state, federal and ANCSA lands).
The goal of the co-management structure would be to
coordinate state and federal laws and regulations, and
Ahtna’s ordinances and policies, to ensure conservation
of wildlife populations and to provide the hunting
opportunity necessary to for Ahtna tribal members to
continue their tribal hunting way of life.
Second, Ahtna has no meaningful role in regulating
hunting, even on Ahtna lands. Our traditional and
local knowledge is given no weight in decision-making.
Elders and tribal leaders are reduced to a mere threeminute period of public testimony to try and influence
regulations of their C&T hunting practices. Ahtna
has no influence over how the state manages wildlife
populations for conservation, and federal agencies
are passive and reluctant to take on the state over its
management practices. During the enactment of ANCSA,
the United States government promised that Alaska
Native subsistence rights would be protected. The state
promised during the passage of ANILCA to manage all
lands – state, Native and federal – for a rural
subsistence priority.
Proposed solution
Spring 2015
Ahtna’s proposal would greatly improve the ineffective
dual federal-state subsistence wildlife management
system with a federal-state-Ahtna co-management
structure. Co-management would advance tribal
self-determination, build tribal capacity and create
opportunities for tribal youth to work for their tribal
These promises have been broken and Ahtna is left with diminishing hunting
opportunity and no voice in how their way of life and the conservation of
wildlife populations will be managed. This is completely at odds with the firmly
established federal policy of self-determination for Native Peoples.
Ahtna’s proposed
federal legislation is
all about sustainable
management practices.
This legislation does not change hunting practices of
other Alaskans on state and federal lands. This legislation
authorizes Ahtna to manage wildlife, including hunting,
on lands Ahtna was conveyed through the ANCSA and
Native allotments held in trust by Ahtna tribal members.
Ahtna was instrumental in helping to establish a tribal
conservation district that includes the eight federally
recognized Ahtna tribes. The tribal conservation district
12
The Secretary of Interior would be required to enter into
co-management with Ahtna. The state would be afforded
the opportunity to join but not required to do so. There
would be no change to the state’s current authority to
manage wildlife on lands owned by the state. The intent
is to unify wildlife management throughout Ahtna’s
traditional territory to the maximum extent possible,
recognizing the differences in state and federal law and
Ahtna’s authority over lands it owns. The practical impact
of Ahtna’s proposed solution on other Alaska hunters
would be minimal since the amount of moose, caribou and
other wildlife resources necessary to meet Ahtna’s needs
is only a small percentage of the total take of wildlife
within Ahtna’s traditional territory. Moreover, Ahtna
intends to increase the current moose population through
enhancement of habitat on Ahtna lands.
•Alaskans recognize that hunting and gathering
is a primary value for Alaska Native
people. 94 percent of Alaskans agree
that it is important for Alaska to preserve
94%
its Alaska Native culture. Of the 94
percent, 70 percent strongly agree.
•4 in 5 Alaskans believe people living in rural areas,
whose primary food source is fish and game, should
have the first chance to hunt and fish.
•Just like sharing history, art and language, more
than 80 percent of Alaskans recognize that hunting
and gathering is a primary value within Alaska
Native culture.
The current system is not working.
•84 percent of Alaskans don’t agree or know if the
present system of dual management on state and
federal lands is working.
•A majority of Alaskans believe fish and game
populations would be healthier and more abundant
and fish and game regulations would be better
if there were a co-management and cooperation
agreement between the state, federal and
tribal governments.
This is not just a Native or rural issue.
•80 percent of Alaskans believe Alaska Native
people should take the initiative, when needed,
because they understand the need to protect the
land, fish and other wildlife.
•85 percent of Alaskans hold the
position that Alaska Natives should
have access to the wildlife on their
property for customary and traditional
hunting and fishing.
•77 percent of Alaskans agree that all Alaskans
would benefit from a co-management agreement
with Fish and Game.
The solution.
•86 percent of
Alaskans hold
the position
something
needs to be
done in
Alaska to
safeguard
the existence
of fish and
wildlife for all
future generations
to harvest.
Want to know more? Check out our
videos. Copies are attached at the
back of this publication:
• Alaska Tribal Wildlife
Co-Management, Culture
Units-Land Sustains:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=dqEJwuhudao
• Voice of the Ahtna Elders:
https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=8-l_qT4uTXQ
•87 percent of Alaskans agree knowledge of their
culture and environment could help Alaska Native
people work to preserve fish and wildlife for
future generations.
•75 percent of Alaskans agree fish and
game regulations would be better if
there were more cooperation between
the state, federal and
tribal governments.
75%
Data from Craciun Research, “Ahtna Statewide Alaskan
Voter Opinion Survey,” Feb. 26, 2014.
85%
We remember and miss you.
In Loving Memory
Of All Of Our
Dearly Departed
Shareholders
communities. Such co-management has proven to be
highly successful for conservation and management
in many parts of the U.S., including Montana. Several
Ahtna leaders visited with the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes to view and discuss the tribes’
co-management with the State of Montana.
13
LAND DEPARTMENT NEWS & UPDATES
LAND MANAGERS VOLUNTEER ON THE CB300
T
he Copper Basin 300 Sled Dog Race (CB300) is
sometimes referred to as “the toughest 300 miles
in dog racing.” And if that’s true, then the CB300
Sourdough checkpoint could probably be termed,
“the toughest checkpoint in dog racing,” as it is
notoriously one of the hardest checkpoints to find
volunteers to staff. It is traditionally one of the
coldest checkpoints, there are very few amenities
there and it’s void of communication
with race central because it is
down in a hole. For the last few
years, land managers in the area
have recognized these difficulties
and have pitched in to find ways to
be supportive of the community’s
efforts and provide help where
there’s been a huge need.
FLYING OVER AHTNA LANDS – AN AMAZING VIEW
A
htna shareholder-owners Wilbur Joe and Brenda
Tyone had no idea they were in for a treat when
they won the “Ahtna Lands Flyover” drawing at the 2014
annual meeting. Only in its second year, the drawing
gives two randomly selected shareholder-owners the
opportunity to see the vastness and beauty of Ahtna
lands in a way few ever get to see – cruising high above
in an airplane.
Wilbur and Brenda, joined by Ahtna
Land & Resources Specialist Heide
Lingenfelter, flew out on a sunny
July day with pilot Chuck McMahan,
a longtime resident of the region.
Their chariot was an old but wellmaintained red and white Cessna
185. The flight took three and a half
hours, even though it did not include
the lands surrounding the Ahtna
villages of Cantwell or Mentasta.
Spring 2015
Next on the itinerary was the Klutina River and then the
Copper River Native Association
retreat out by Hudson Lake. From
there they flew to the Tazlina River
to Lake Louise Airport where they
landed and took pictures.
From left: Wilbur Joe, Brenda Tyone and Chuck
McMahan (Gakona Guide Service)
The group boarded at Gulkana
Airport, which is about nine miles
north of Glennallen, but the trip didn’t officially start
until the group flew over Gulkana Village and its nearby
traditional fish wheel sites. It then crossed the Gulkana
River to Chelle Lake and its mud volcanoes. The group
also went up to Mt. Drum to see Dall sheep and the
volcanic landscape in the mountains. “I never knew there
was a mud [volcano] out there,” recalls Brenda. The group
saw moose, sheep and caribou, but no bison.
14
The group then winged its way over the Dadina River to
Dadina Lake, down the river to Chitina, up the Tonsina
River and across the Edgerton Highway so they could get
a look at Wilbur’s house. “Yeah, we flew over my house,”
recalls Wilbur. “And then [we went] back up the creek,
back where I used to moose hunt.”
By Marnie Graham
for communication with race central, which helped
provide very important updates to anyone watching
the race online or from afar.
“I really want to commend the volunteer race
organizers of the CB 300,” stated BLM Glennallen
Field Manager Dennis Teitzel. “They have done an
outstanding job of communicating their race needs
for use of public lands with our
office. This allows the BLM time to
issue the required permit and to be
flexible enough to adapt permitting
to existing trail conditions. It also
gives us and others time to find
ways to partner and volunteer for
the benefit of the race and the
community,” he added. “This is the
kind of relationship we like
to foster.”
Operation of the Sourdough
Ahtna crew stay warm at the
checkpoint this year was a
Sourdough checkpoint
Sourdough checkpoint volunteers
cooperative effort that included
from Ahtna included Vice President
volunteers and staff from the
of
Land
&
Resources
Joe Bovee; Natural Resource
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Glennallen
Technicians
Noble
Sherwood,
Gerry Northway
Field Office, Wrangell St. Elias National Park and
and
Ernest
Titus;
Special
Projects
Manager Bruce
Preserve, U.S. Forest Service Alaska Region and
Cain; and Senior Vice President Kathryn Martin. All
Ahtna, Inc. Volunteers set up the checkpoint with
volunteers are based out of the
warming tents, burn barrels, wood and warm stew
Glennallen office.
for the mushers. They also helped set up staging
areas for dog teams and organized the food drop
Marnie Graham is a public affairs specialist at the BLM
station. Volunteer checkers were available around
Glennallen Field Office
the clock – starting at 11:53 a.m. Sunday when the first
musher arrived until 11:30 a.m. Monday when the final
musher departed. They even provided satellite phones
Next up were the Susitna and Tyone
Lakes, up to the Alphabet Hills
and then past the proposed site of
the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project. Once back on the Denali
Highway, the group followed the
road to Tangle Lakes, Paxson and
then back to Gulkana Airport.
“I thought it was wonderful,” says Wilbur. “I think that’s
a good idea for Ahtna to try and fly people out,” adds
Brenda. “For our people to look out there, just to see
what our land looks like, what we have. It makes me
proud to be an Ahtna Indian.”
15
the
2014
LAND DEPARTMENT NEWS & UPDATES
Mister and Miss Ahtna
2014 UPDATE FROM LAND DEPARTMENT
• In 2014, Land Department staff was able to
complete 96 percent of ANCSA 14(c) 1 claims for
residential and subsistence sites.
• The Mentasta and Gulkana Map of Boundaries are
complete and have been submitted to the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM). Mentasta and Gulkana
14(c) are scheduled for survey during the 2015
summer season.
• The villages of Cantwell, Chistochina and Gakona
14(c) 3 (community lands) are waiting for approval
of land selections from the State of Alaska
Department Commerce, Community & Economic
Development.
• Ahtna and the Alaska Department of Transportation
continue to work together to complete the airport
move in Chistochina.
• The current projection is that all ANCSA 14(c)
claims will be completed, except for Cantwell, in
2015. After 40 years of working through the federal
process, land adjudication and surveying, we expect
to begin issuing deeds to the 14(c) property owners’
properties sometime in late 2015 or early 2016.
• In 2014, Land Department staff completed 13
Merger Land Use Program (MLUP) for a total of
18 MLUP leases issued to date. A requirement of
the MLUP is that shareholder-owners have either a
will or testamentary disposition on file with Ahtna
Shareholder Records before being issued property
under the MLUP. Staff can assist shareholder-owners
with their testamentary dispositions. Please call in
advance to make an appointment or if you have
questions regarding this program.
• Under the terms of the Ahtna Merger Agreement,
Ahtna continues to provide technical assistance to
shareholder-owners and Ahtna Villages.
at the
• For those shareholder-owners who applied for land
under the ANILCA 1407 program, please note
that our research indicates that this program was
transferred to the 1980 Ahtna Merger Land Use
Program. Approximately 269 Ahtna shareholderowners applied for this program in the early 1980s
and staff is contacting each individual applicant to
notify them of their ability to still receive land under
the MLUP.
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
• Ahtna completed a draft Land and Resource Plan
in late 2014. The plan encompasses the entire 30
million acres of the Ahtna traditional use area with
a more detailed plan and inventory surrounding the
eight federally recognized tribes. The plan provides
information on wildlife, minerals, recreation, etc.
and lands available and unavailable for future
development. The land and resource plan will assist
current and future tribal and Ahtna leaders in their
development projects and will also be helpful in
litigation when we are asked to prove traditional
and historical use, development and occupancy
of lands. Please view a copy at your local tribal
office or request a copy through the Ahtna Land
Department.
• The mineral exploration agreement with Raven Gold
on property south of Mentasta was terminated by
the explorer in late 2014. At this time several other
mineral and exploration companies are interested
in the Mentasta property, as well as other investors
in an area east of Chitina and at the headwaters of
Elliott Creek.
• After receiving a State of Alaska Oil and Gas
Exploration License on state lands west of
Glennallen in 2013, Ahtna partnered with two
independent oil and gas developers – Rutter and
Wilbanks based in Texas and Santa Petroleum from
Australia – to further assess the Tolsona license
area. In late 2014, Ahtna and our partners
conducted 40 miles of new 2D seismic, and we
feel very confident of the potential results with a
new gas well being planned in late 2015 or early
2016.
• The Land Department remains open to pursuing
passive development options that include trails,
overnight camping, permitted trips and possible
partnerships with state and federal agencies
and others in the region interested in promoting
planned tourism development. Several small tourist
companies hold commercial permits for accessing
Ahtna lands. We also view development of
planned recreation spots as part of our trespass
control program.
OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS
• The Land Department continues to issue permits to
shareholder-owners and non-shareholder-owners
for certain permissible activities on Ahtna land. To
learn more about Ahtna’s Permit Program, or if you
would like to purchase a permit, please visit our
permits site at: https://permits.ahtna-inc.com.
• In 2014, Land Protection Officers (LPOs) began
retraining as Natural Resource Technicians (NRTs).
While NRTs will continue to provide trespass
enforcement and issue land use permits, they
have begun new training to create more value for
shareholder-owners. NRTs will now assist the Land
Department in obtaining wildlife data to be used in
efforts that allow Ahtna to manage its own wildlife
populations and hunting seasons. NRTs will also be
required to assist in the field work associated with
the ANCSA 14(c) and Merger Land Use Programs,
among other things. Currently, Ahtna employs four
fulltime NRTs and one seasonal NRT.
First Annual Ahtna Pageant
hosted by the
Ahtna Heritage Foundation
Edward Greybear
Kristina Clark
*As “Miss Ahtna”, Kristina was Ahtna's representative at the 2014 Miss
World Eskimo Indian Olympics (WEIO) Pageant, where she
placed 2nd Runner-up.
Kristina is the daughter of Carol and Troy Cozzen and Kyle Clark (biological
father). She is the maternal granddaughter of Evelyn Hash Koonuk and
paternal granddaughter of Ron Clark.
2014 Ahtna Pageant Winners (by category)
Ahtna Baby
Little Miss and Mr. Ahtna
Terrance Jordan
Trinity Vincent
(birth to pre-school)
(kindergarten to 5th grade)
Markus Johns
Junior Miss Ahtna
(junior high & high school)
GUIDE TO REGALIA
Nezahe'snelyaayi
Necklace
Ndaas yo'
Dance dress
Lilly John
Mr. and Mrs. Ahtna
(married couple)
Lagets'
Gloves
Kentsiis
Shoes
16
Spring 2015
Ray and Valerie Stickwan
17
SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS DEVELOPMENT UPDATES
TRAINING PROGRAM PREPARES SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS FOR TOURISM JOBS
L
ast year, three Ahtna shareholder-owners – Melissa Trantham,
Shawnda Salinas-Johns and Shilah Kellos – along with
shareholder-owner descendant Kyle Tyone, took part in a
training program administered by Shareholder Development
to prepare them for summer
employment at the Copper River
To find out how Shareholder
Princess Wilderness Lodge,
Development can help you contact:
enable them to explore a
career in the tourism and
Email: [email protected]
hospitality industry and
Online Ahtna Shareholder Portal:
http://shareholder.ahtna.net
embrace the idea
that they are cultural
Corporate Headquarters in Glennallen:
ambassadors of the
Mercedes Starr Knighten
Ahtna
people.
Shareholder Development Coordinator
The trainee program helped each trainee to learn more about
their own career goals and how to achieve them. Each was
grateful for the opportunity and made the most of it. Thanks to
its success, Ahtna plans to continue this training initiative and
expand upon it in upcoming years.
Ahtna encourages shareholder-owners who are thinking about
their future careers to pursue career paths that will allow them
to be successful.
P.O. Box 649
Glennallen, Alaska 99588
Tel: (907) 822-3476
Fax: (907) 822-3495
The program was
a partnership among
Ahtna, Inc., the State of
Alaska Department of Labor
Workforce Initiatives and
Holland America Princess Alaska,
which operates the Copper River Princess Wilderness Lodge.
Training partners included the Ahtna Heritage Foundation,
Alaska Native Heritage Center, Prince William Sound
Community College, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Wrangell
Institute for Science and Environment, Bureau of Land
Management, National Parks Service and the fine folks at the
Dimond Center Hotel, which is owned and operated by the
Seldovia Native Association.
Melissa, Kyle and Shawnda successfully moved onto to the
next phase, which was fulltime employment at the lodge,
where they had opportunities for cross-training, coaching and
exposure to work in other key operations. Shilah was offered
an opportunity to work elsewhere and Shawnda later found
another opportunity outside of Princess Hotels.
T
his drum, which was made and gifted
by Kalani Parnell with artwork by
Ahtna shareholder-owner Zachariah
Martin (pictured with drum on the right),
tells the interns’ story of how their
individual “Rivers of Life” join up into
a stronger river. Their participation in
the trainee program is represented by a
circle of people who believed in them,
including family, friends and fellow
members of their communities. The
mountains represent their connection to
the land, its importance to Ahtna’s future
and of Keltane – the One that Everyone
Sees – Mount Sanford.
18
Spring 2015
Kyle Tyone and Melissa Trantham spent last summer working at
the Copper River Princess Lodge
What was it like?
Of the four, Kyle and Melissa worked at the lodge until it
closed last fall.
“The training program was really helpful,” says Kyle. “It
helped me to think and speak clearly and to be more open to
people. It taught me not to be so quiet and to get to know the
environment of the careers I’m interested in.”
“I thought it prepared me a lot for working in a hotel and
working in general,” adds Melissa. “[The program] taught me
a lot. We took classes and did different things that just opened
my eyes to what’s out there.”
While the artwork is not traditional, it
is representative of life for most of the
younger Ahtna generation, balancing
what they know of Ahtna culture with the
modern world, giving it a contemporary
feel that is a part of their identity. The
story drum is currently on display at
the Ahtna Anchorage office. In gifting
the drum to Ahtna, the trainees wanted
to leave something behind that would
inspire other shareholder-owners to go
after their own dreams and goals and
to understand the huge part they play in
securing Ahtna’s future.
MODERN EDUCATION – THE AHTNA WAY
S
upporting the educational goals of Ahtna shareholderowners is a corporate value that’s been a part of the
company culture since Ahtna was first incorporated.
Ahtna is preparing shareholder-owners for leadership roles
and responsibilities in their chosen fields and within the
corporation. This culture of empowering, sustaining and
preparing future leaders is an Ahtna value.
Ahtna is currently the largest funding contributor to
the Ahtna Heritage Foundation, a Glennallen-based
nonprofit organization that, among other things, provides
scholarships to Ahtna shareholder-owners who are
attending college. Other ways that Ahtna contributes to
recognizing educational success is done through monetary
congratulatory gifts to shareholder-owners who complete
high school (or its equivalent) and accredited programs
at the undergraduate, graduate and post doctorate level.
Ahtna also routinely recognizes and spotlights shareholderowners who have achieved their education goals by
featuring articles in our newsletter, social media outlets
and annual shareholder-owner reports. Our early leaders
knew the path to corporate and personal success depends
on our ability to provide for the educational needs of
our shareholder-owners. Ahtna is proud of all of our
shareholder-owner graduates, including the following:
Barbara Blake, Juneau, AK:
“Ahtna supported me throughout my
undergraduate and graduate degree
programs, which I achieved as a
single parent. They provided financial
contributions toward my education, which
provided me the support needed to
provide for my family.”
Tina Chapman, Anchorage,
AK: “Ahtna provided me with the
resources necessary to succeed in
school and I have felt supported
in my efforts. I completed my
bachelor’s degree with the
aid of scholarships and tuition
reimbursement and I am currently utilizing scholarships for
my master’s.”
Peter Ewan, Grand Prairie, TX: “For
me, education provided a way to benefit
my professional and personal life. I was
able to earn my bachelors of science
in communication with an emphasis in
public relations from [my college]
without debt.”
Julieanna Orczewska, Anchorage, AK: “Ahtna
provided scholarships and positive recognition within
our community that helped to
reinforce my desire to succeed
within my educational programs.
Even after completing my
undergraduate and graduate
degrees, Ahtna has continued to
be active in my career pursuits and is a constant supporter
for my continued success. I have no doubt that my own
educational achievements would not have been possible
without the support of Ahtna.”
WALTER CHARLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
The Walter Charley Memorial Scholarship, which is generously funded by Ahtna, Inc., provides scholarships for
Ahtna shareholder-owners who are full- or part-time college students. The fall semester deadline is July 15.
Undergraduate level
• Part-time students are eligible for $1,000 per fall and spring semester
• Full-time students are eligible for $2,000 per fall and spring semester
Graduate level
• Part-time students are eligible for $1,500 per fall and spring semester
• Full-time students are eligible for $3,000 per fall and spring semester
19
TRAINING SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS AND OTHERS TO DO IT RIGHT
T
he Alaska Laborers Training School (AKLTS), which has
training centers in Fairbanks and Anchorage, provides
training and retraining for construction craft laborers
in Alaska.
AKLTS currently supports two labor unions – Local 341 out
of Anchorage and Local 942 out of Fairbanks – which
supply the workforce for major construction projects in
the state.
According to Suzanne McCarthy, training director for
AKLTS in Anchorage, “[AKLTS’s] job is to make sure that
[their laborers] are highly trained and highly qualified”
so that when contractors and the unions need skilled and
trained laborers, the workforce is there, available and
ready to go.
AKLTS also offers an apprenticeship program to help
develop the next generation of highly skilled, well-trained
and productive construction workers. Applications for the
program are accepted year-round and training
sessions on a variety of subjects such as first
aid/CPR, job safety and health and task-specific
special skills are held throughout the year.
depending upon completion of a minimum of 4,000 hours
of on-the-job training as well as a minimum of 144 hours
yearly of related classroom and hands-on instruction in
technical and theoretical subjects to supplement on-the-job
training. Apprentices are also subject to a probationary
period of the first 1,000 hours of on-the-job training.
“For young people, the apprenticeship program is a great
way to get in,” adds Suzanne. “You’re going to gain those
skills and experiences you need to make that high wage
for your entire career.”
Her comments are seconded by one of her Anchorage
trainers, Christopher Cummins, who is an Ahtna
shareholder-owner. Chris, whose family is originally
from Chitina, called the apprenticeship program very
important because AKLTS trains people who have little
or no experience and makes them much more safe and
knowledgeable workers.
Photo courtesy of Suzanne McCarthy, AKLTS
From left to right: Gabe Hardy, AKLTS training coordinator; Suzanne McCarthy,
AKLTS training director; Chris Cummins, AKLTS trainer; Roy Eskilida Jr., AKLTS
trainer; Clinton Brittain, trainee; Roy J. Tansy Jr. and Jason Ashenfelter, trainee.
AKLTS also considers other factors during the
selection process. AKLTS typically looks for
applicants who show a strong work ethic; are reliable,
dependable and committed to the apprenticeship program
and what it entails; understand the nature of construction
and the fact that it’s hard, physical work that they’re
signing up for; and are willing to go where the work is.
“[Apprentices] can make a good wage and be able
to provide for their family,” Suzanne says. Through the
unions, apprentices are afforded a number of fringe
benefits, including a generous benefits package that
includes retirement, a pension plan, health and welfare
plan, legal plan and a revolving training opportunity plan.
Successful applicants who become apprentices can
achieve journeyman status in approximately three years,
Photo courtesy of Ahtna Heritage Foundation
O
ver the past several years, the Ahtna Heritage
Foundation (AHF) has held several language
workshops, hosted language classes, offered language
sessions at culture camps and produced language
materials for children and adults. Although these efforts
have generated interest in the Ahtna language, it was not
yielding the significant results the board desired.
The plan also includes several additional short- and longterm goals for AHF as well as suggestions for what all
Ahtna people can do to help save the language. One
of AHF’s long-term goals is to have at least three Ahtna
people successfully complete a Teacher Training Program
to become language teachers. These teachers can then
host language classes for all age groups.
AHF staff began soliciting ideas for the development of a
language program back in December 2013 and hosted a
language program planning meeting at the Ahtna Cultural
Center the following January. It was well attended by
Ahtna Elders, interested language learners, parents and
staff from the Copper River School District, the Alaska
Native Language Center and AHF. The group spent the
day answering several important questions regarding the
development of a formal language revitalization program.
Other initiatives
include a language
apprenticeship
program where
an Ahtna Elder
and a youth
are paired
up for
oneon-one
language
training,
with the
apprenticeship
counting towards
school credit.
A draft plan for the language program was then circulated
to each of the villages for input and feedback, particularly
looking for suggestions on how AHF could best provide
support to those who want to learn the language but reside
outside of the immediate Copper River valley. The plan
was then officially adopted later that spring. New ideas,
approaches and initiatives can be added to the plan and
the plan will be updated as tasks are completed
or modified.
How to get into the program
To become an apprentice, applicants must
be at least 18 years of age, have a high
school diploma or a certificate of equivalency
(GED), have reading/language comprehension
sufficient to perform the work of the occupation,
be physically fit without regard to any
occupationally irrelevant physical handicap,
have a valid Alaska Driver’s License and
have been an Alaska resident for the last 12
consecutive months.
AHTNA HERITAGE FOUNDATION’S
LANGUAGE PROGRAM
Ahtna Elders and staff are pleased with the parts
of the plan that have been implemented, including
“Ahtna Thursdays,” which are held in one of the village
community halls. After a potluck dinner, Elders lead a
language lesson, which attendees are encouraged to
practice throughout the week. Then, if time allows, Elders
may share other traditions they feel are important for the
younger generations to learn.
If you would like to support the language
program, please consider making a donation
to AHF. You can do so by donating online at
http://ahtnaheritagefoundation.com/
donors.html or by mailing it to Ahtna
Heritage Foundation, PO Box 213,
Glennallen, AK, 99588.
If you would like more information about the
program, please call AHF at (907) 822-5778
or email [email protected]. You
can also follow AHF on Facebook for event
notices and updates about this and our other
programs that support our Ahtna people.
AHF remains committed to pursuing funding to support
programs that will preserve and promote the Ahtna
language, including applying for grant funding, soliciting
donations through various programs and leveraging our
resources.
We put people to work
A seasoned worker in the insulation and abatement
construction sectors, Chris said successful applicants
should be “smart workers, good listeners, quick learners,
and must not to be afraid to ask for help.”
“I encourage people in the Ahtna Region and all of rural
Alaska to apply for apprenticeships,” Suzanne says. “It’s
hard to make a living out [in the region] and there’s not
a lot of work … [Here at AKLTS], we put people to work.
There is a direct correlation between our training and
jobs. [We know] that these opportunities to make a living
can definitely transform people’s lives.”
Ahtna Elders Andy Tyone, Phillip Sabon and Markle Pete. Photo courtesy of Ahtna Heritage Foundation.
20
Spring 2015
21
UNIQUE PROGRAM PRODUCES ALASKA NATIVE ENGINEERS
By Grant Rebne
T
he Alaska Native Science Engineering Program
(ANSEP) was created to graduate skilled Native
engineers and other STEM professionals and keep them
and their knowledge in Alaska, preferably in their
Native villages.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math.
ANSEP founder Herb Schroeder saw a real need for
the program while working on rural village sanitation
projects in 1995. More than 105 villages were without
plumbing at the time and suffered from very high infant
mortality rates, along with other elevated health risks. The
number of Native engineers was small as most students
either chose a different career path or failed to graduate.
Something drastic needed to be done – and ANSEP
turned out to be the answer.
ANSEP fosters and provides guidance, inspiration and
direction for students from the 6th grade level on through
doctorate programs. Through constant advanced goals,
expectations and program requirements, ANSEP students
achieve and maintain higher levels of understanding and
fluency in STEM fields of study than the average student.
ANSEP has a proven track record of advancing their
students above others. Upon finishing the 8th grade, 83
percent of ANSEP middle school students have completed
Algebra I compared to the nation-wide average of
26 percent.
Studying these subjects at higher levels is advancing
Alaska Native students by increasing STEM program
enrollment, graduation and employment rates. The
majority of students who are
involved in
For more information about ANSEP,
please visit their website at http://
www.ansep.net/ or call them at
(907) 786-6362.
ANSEP before college graduate high school engineeringready. That is to say that these students have already
completed enough college-level STEM credits to enter an
engineering program!
Another great benefit of participating in ANSEP’s
program is the opportunity to be exposed to the big
city environment and the chance to learn about college
life without a full academic load and normal college
pressures. One of the more difficult challenges that Alaska
Native students face when they leave their villages to
attend college is coping with the drastic rural-to-urban
change. This is a common factor in rural students not
finishing college.
During ANSEP workshops, students stay in University of
Alaska Anchorage dorms and are exposed to life at a
manageable rate before becoming completely engaged in
the fully-charged, fast-paced college life.
Student peer groups are also formed, creating a network
of like-minded students who will be able to assist and help
each other throughout their college years. ANSEP requires
its college students to attend recitation sessions where
students study together and help each other with difficult
assignments. Students also gain team building skills as
well as practical knowledge and experience teaching as
they teach each other in group settings.
ANSEP also assists their students with funding and
financial aid for their college education with partial tuition
assistance and paid summer internships. BP, Shell, Alyeska
Pipeline Service Co., ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and
the Department of Fish and Game all provide summer
internships. With full involvement in the program students
can graduate with little to no debt.
HOW ANSEP CHANGED ONE
SHAREHOLDER-OWNER’S LIFE
“ANSEP has helped me to realize that an individual’s potential
has no bounds as long as they work with others to achieve a
common goal. Through ANSEP, Dr. Herb ‘Ilisaurri’ Schroeder
has established a landmark of inspiration for Indigenous
Americans and any individuals wishing to pursue a degree in
STEM fields.”
That’s how Arthur Stevens describes his experience with
ANSEP, the Alaska Native Science Engineering Program.
“One day soon there’s going to
be thousands of Alaskan Native
scientists and engineers. All
with the seat at the table when
decisions are made about the land
that they have lived on and cared
for the last 10,000 years.”
- Herb Schroeder
“My accomplishments and aspirations are
heavily owed to the support of ANSEP. As an
ANSEP alumni, I strongly feel that I can go
anywhere and accomplish anything.”
Arthur, who says he’s always had a “profound
respect for my Native heritage,” is an Ahtna
and Han Gwich’in Athabascan. He is a
member of the Naltsiine Tahneezy tribe,
“which my late great grandmother, Katie John,
translated to mean “middle of the river.”
Arthur Stevens
Not only did ANSEP give Arthur the study
skills and support needed to graduate, it
also covered the bills. “Students who are
in compliance with the ANSEP program’s standards are also
eligible for a scholarship. In my case, being 100 percent selfsupporting while also raising a child, it was often a challenge
just to stay in school. Having these financial responsibilities met
by ANSEP and not having to worry as much about how I will
get my schooling paid certainly helped me to put more focus on
my studies.”
Photo courtesy
of ANSEP
HONORING KATIE JOHN: WALK FOR TSUCDE’
By Lorna David ( Katie’s granddaughter)
T
he 2014 Walk for Tsucde’, which was done in
remembrance of Ahtna Elder Katie John, a renowned
Native and subsistence rights advocate, started off in the
Alaska village of Dot Lake at the home of Doris Charles
and Gene Henry (both deceased), but the fight for
subsistence began many years before.
In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state and assumed
management of fish and game within its borders in 1960.
The state closed down subsistence fisheries at many
traditional fishing sites in 1964, including the Batzulnetas
fish camp. Nevertheless, Katie, who passed away on
May 31, 2013, and other Mentasta residents continued
to use their traditional fishing sites, even though they were
sometimes subject to harassment by state officials.
22
Spring 2015
23
Glenn Highway. He also helped build the Tok Cut Off and
the Gulkana Airport. He always told stories of how he was
on the first crew that began to clear cut for the highway
in Glennallen when there were only trees there once
upon a time. He later learned how to operate a grader
and eventually bought his own grader. He volunteered to
plow the village roads whenever he could. Grandchildren
always stood still on the side of the road until he would
eventually stop and give them a coveted ride in his grader.
He had many stories about building roads. He retired in
1977.
SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS NEWS
ANNUAL MEETING SLATED FOR
JUNE 6
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE UPDATES
The 2015 annual meeting of shareholder-owners will be held
on Saturday, June 6. The location of the meeting is to be
determined.
Ahtna shareholder-owner descendants who wish to
become shareholder-owners may apply to become a
Class L stockholder. To do so, applicants must fill out the
Class L application, meet several eligibility requirements
and submit any necessary additional paperwork. Learn
more online.
Shareholder-owners will be mailed their annual report
and proxy materials on April 22. As in previous years,
shareholder-owners will be able to vote online. Instructions
for online voting will be included in the annual
report/proxy packet.
Shareholder-owners who complete their proxies by the early
bird proxy deadline will be eligible for the early bird
prize drawing.
Candidate Forums: Candidate forums are opportunities
for shareholder-owners to get to know the board candidates.
It is Ahtna’s hope that shareholder-owners will use the
information provided at these forums to help them make a
more informed decision regarding who they want to elect.
This year, forums will be held in Glennallen, Anchorage and
Fairbanks. Shareholder-owners are highly encouraged to
attend, ask questions and voice their concerns. Please see
calendar on page 5 for dates, time and locations.
Needed - Annual meeting temp hires: The annual
meeting is just around the corner! Do you want to be part of
the team that makes it all happen?
Ahtna is now accepting applications for:
You can find more
information about this
year’s and previous years’
annual meetings at
http://ahtna-inc.com/sh_
annualmtg.html or contact
Eileen Ewan, Shareholder
Services Manager, at
(907) 822-3476 .
Class L stock enrollment
Eligibility requirements:
•Lineal descendant of an original Ahtna
shareholder-owner (such as child, grandchild, etc.)
•¼ or more Alaska Native blood quantum
•Be born after Dec. 18, 1971
•Be a United States citizen
•Not be a shareholder-owner of another ANCSA
Regional Corporation (except by gifting
or inheritance)
Required documents:
•Class L Stock Application
•Original birth certificate – An original birth
certificate is the only document that will be
accepted. If you do not have an original birth
certificate, contact your local Vital
Statistics Office.
•Original Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB). For
assistance regarding CIBs, contact the Bureau
of Indian Affairs.
• Greeter/assist Elders
•Additional documents (required if applicable):
• Food servers
•Proof of name change (if name is different from
that listed on birth certificate)
• Set-up/take-down crew members
• Custodian
• Runners
• Camera/video
• First aid station
• Cooks/helpers
Please visit www.ahtnajobs.com to apply for any of the
positions. Be sure to indicate your shareholder-owner status
at the top of the application. If you are interested in several
positions, indicate “Annual Meeting” where it asks for
position applied for.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact
Ahtna’s Human Resources Department at (907) 868-8250 or
[email protected].
•Proof of custodianship (if not a biological or
adoptive parent)
•Paternity affidavit (if parent is not listed by one or
both parents on birth certificate)
•Adoption court order (if adopted by one or
both parents)
IMPORTANT: If you are a Class L shareholder-owner, are
of age and have received your high school diploma,
GED or equivalent, please remember that Shareholder
Services needs proof of graduation/completion, such
as a copy of your diploma, so they can transfer your
remaining shares to you. When first enrolled, a Class
L shareholder-owner receives 30 shares of Class L stock.
Upon turning 18 and receiving a high school diploma,
GED or equivalent, Class L shareholder-owners receive
an additional 70 shares of Class L stock, for a total of
100 shares.
24
Spring 2015
THE LATE AHTNA TRADITIONAL
FIRST CHIEF BENJAMIN NEELEY
– A LEADER WHO WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED
O
n Jan. 4, 2014, Ahtna Traditional First Chief
Benjamin Neeley, Sr. passed away in his home
in Gulkana. As in life, he was surrounded by family
and friends at the time of his passing. His funeral was
held the following week in the Glennallen High School
Gymnasium. It was attended by hundreds of people, all
of whom had come to pay their respects to one of Ahtna’s
great leaders, a strong God-fearing man who embodied
the values and principles of the Ahtna culture. A humble
person through and through, Chief Neeley’s simple yet
powerful message to his people will never be forgotten:
love one another, get along and work together.
Chief Neeley’s eulogy
Traditional Chief Ben Neeley was born on March 1,
1914 to Tom and Fanny Neeley. He grew up living the
customary and traditional way of the Athabascan lifestyle.
He traveled between hunting camp and fish camp by
foot and lived in tents. Chief Neeley was a very shy boy
growing up. His first traditional giving was when he was
five years old. He harvested a rabbit and was told by his
dad to give it to his aunt along with $5. He was so shy
he ran by her tent and threw the rabbit and the money in
the tent and kept on running. Chief Neeley did not attend
school; however he learned to read by studying “comic
books.” One of his sayings was to “put your mind over
it,” meaning to be determined to complete your task. This
was fitting since his Indian name was Tinighitiisen, which
means to “Keep your mind focused.”
Chief Neeley traditionally married Hazel Ewan in 1945.
He loved her dearly until the very end and always said
how blessed he was for her to choose him. He always
had her on his mind and made sure she was taken care of
before him. He bought her flowers and dresses for every
occasion. They had eight children together. He was also
a great provider for his family. He worked at Slate Creek
Mining in 1937 and for the DOT in 1941, building the
He grew up with his lifelong best friend, current Ahtna
Traditional Chief Fred Ewan. They always said they never
fought with each other, even when they were drinking. The
family never tired of the stories of Chiefs Ben and Fred
growing up, working, being set free from alcohol then
getting saved and starting a relationship with Jesus and
both becoming Pastors then Chiefs.
Chief Ben loved taking his grandchildren hunting, fishing
and berry picking. This burned a passion in his children
and grandchildren for hunting, camping and berry
picking on the Denali Highway. The family has many fond
memories with him on the Denali Highway. He always told
them, “This is your country.”
He was known as a colorful and vivid Indian dancer. He
loved to teach his culture to all Ahtna children. He always
had a story to tell. He had a great mind and always
watched for each family member at functions. He would
inquire why someone wasn’t there to make sure they were
okay. He had a very sharp mind throughout his lifetime.
He was also known for his love for each person. If you
were a guest or stranger, he went out of his way to make
sure you felt welcomed and comfortable, which he also
did for all the in-laws. He truly wanted you to know he
accepted you the way you are. He was also known for his
kind, encouraging words, humbleness and always being
thankful. His desire was for everyone to work together and
love one another.
Above all, he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, like no other.
When he started a relationship with Jesus, it grew into
a real friendship. He was definitely a friend of God.
Because of his love for God, he learned to play the
harmonica and accordion so that he could play them
in church. He also had a passion to spread the gospel.
He went on many gospel team trips throughout Alaska.
He became ordained in the 1960s and was a pastor at
Gulkana Chapel. Many, even now,
enjoy his pastoral messages on
KCAM Radio. He was very proud of
his son-in-law for starting the Sunday
night church in Gulkana and also the
Sunday morning church in Gakona.
He wanted everyone to share the
good news of the gospel of
Jesus Christ.
25
SHAREHOLDER-OWNERS NEWS
HONORING KATIE JOHN
- Continued from page 23
In 1985, a lawsuit was filed after state officials rejected a
request from Katie and two other Elders, Doris Charles and
Gene Henry, to access their fish camps for subsistence
use. The legal fight went on for decades before Katie
finally prevailed in 2001. In 2013, former Gov. Sean
Parnell asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the Katie
John Case but his request was denied in April of 2014.
Walk as well, walking for three hours from Louis Pena
field on the corner of Muldoon Road and Boundary
Avenue to an empty parking lot south of the Medical
Center. Although the day was cold, wet and windy, the
support was unwavering, the resolve unfaltering, and so
the people kept walking until it was no longer required for
them to do so.
Months before the Walk for Tsucde’
actually began, Fred John (Katie’s son)
“You know, right now, I getting old. Down in my
prepared himself by walking on a
treadmill and eating healthy through the country, there’s no more old people. Just the young
long winter. Fred is the fifth youngest
people growing up. That’s why I work on this tape. How
of Katie’s 14 biological children.
much I know from my parents, that why I put it down.
Accompanying Fred the entire trip
were Debbie Titus of Tetlin, Pam Sam
So that way when, if I gone, they can use the tape and
of Venetie, Harry John (Fred’s brother),
find out.” - Katie John
Diane John (Harry’s wife) and Becky
Semler (Fred’s sister-in-law). With high
spirits and camping gear in tow, this
close-knit group of walkers was ready to go.
The gloomy weather, overcast skies and biting winds
did not stop the atmosphere surrounding the ending
There were multiple stops at different villages and towns,
celebration from feeling light and welcoming. After
where the locals would sometimes hold dinners for the
all, this was a celebration – complete with good food,
walkers and give them gifts in support of their efforts.
traditional dancing, singing and drumming – and
Sometimes, people would join the walk, usually holding
people were here to commemorate what the “Walk,”
signs, singing traditional Native songs and telling stories
especially its participants, had accomplished. There
from the past.
were visits from several politicians, speeches and gifts
by esteemed members of the Native community such as
The walkers would dedicate parts of their journey to
Ahtna, Inc. Board Chairman Nick Jackson and Tanana
certain events or people. Fred dedicated his walk through
Chiefs Conference President Victor Joseph, as well as a
Tok to the fallen state Troopers who had been killed in
personal recounting of the Walk by each of the men and
Tanana, thanking them for their dedication and civic duty
women who had made the long journey from Dot Lake
as well as in support of their families. In Mentasta, the
to Anchorage to honor their fallen matriarch. Grandma
group walked Mentasta Spur for Charlie David III, who
Katie, as she was often called, passed away at the age of
had passed away a month before the walk, to show their
97, at the very hospital where the Walk ended.
condolences for the family and to honor the man Charlie
was. Charlie is the son of Carolyn and Charles David of
Although the Walk for Tsucde’ has run its course, the fight
Mentasta, and was a nephew of Fred and Harry as well
to protect the rights of Alaska Natives to live their culture
as Katie’s grandson.
as their ancestors once had continues on. That fight lives
on in the John family, the Ahtna people and everyone else
The most difficult part of the walk occurred in the
who wishes to continue Katie’s legacy.
mountains heading towards Anchorage. Narrow roads
and speeding vehicles made the walk very dangerous –
Tsin’aen to everyone who helped to make the 2014 Walk
a few of the walkers nearly got hit by cars.
for Tsucde’ possible. A 2015 Walk for Tsucde’ is also
being planned.
On May 31, the walk ended in Anchorage.
Check out www.tsucde.com for more information about
The ending celebration, held in a parking lot just outside
the Walk, or look them up on Facebook:
the Alaska Native Medical Center and the main Alaska
www.facebook.com/WalkForTsucde
Native Tribal Health Consortium building, saw a large
congregation made up of all ages and various walks of
THESE ARE THE THINGS OUR MOTHER KATIE TAUGHT US:
life who had shown up to express their appreciation and
HONESTY - TRUST - LOVE - FORGIVENESS
support for the Walk and what it represented. Many of
these supporters had participated in the final leg of the
26
Spring 2015
SHAREHOLDER SERVICE UPDATES
- Continued from page 24
Contact
Corporate headquarters in Glennallen:
Eileen Ewan
Shareholder Services Manager
PO Box 649
Glennallen, Alaska 99588
Tel: (907) 822-3476
Fax: (907) 822-3495
Gift of stock
Direct deposit
If you have Ahtna shares you would like to gift to your
descendants, you will need to provide certain documents
to the Shareholder Services department. Remember, there
is no minimum Alaska Native blood quantum required for
gifting stock; however, the person you are gifting shares
to must be a direct descendant of yours.
Ahtna encourages
shareholder-owners
to fill out the direct
deposit form, which
can be found on
our website. When filling out the form, please remember
to attach a voided check or a letter from your bank with
your routing number and account number. Learn
more online.
Memorial Fund donation
Ahtna provides a Memorial Fund donation in the amount
of $5,000 to help defray the cost of funeral expenses for
the death of an Ahtna shareholder-owner. Shareholderowners, their legal spouses and their descendants
(children & grandchildren) are eligible for the donation.
Assistance is also available, upon request, for a funeral
program, which includes design, print and folding.
Testamentary Disposition
Name and address change
It’s important that you keep Ahtna informed of any name
or address change so that we may maintain an updated
shareholder-owner record of you. If you would like to
update any information or records, please contact the
Shareholder Services department directly or use the form
provided on our website.
The Testamentary Disposition form describes how you wish
to distribute your Ahtna shares in the event of your death.
You may direct shares back to the corporation or to other
eligible persons or entities. Learn more online.
INFORMATIVE DVD:
SUBSISTENCE
AND WILDLIFE
CO-MANAGEMENT ON
AHTNA LANDS
Protecting Ahtna’s right to co-manage
wildlife on our own lands directly
impacts our shareholder-owners’
subsistence activities and is vitally
important to the health and future of
our people. The attached DVD includes
three videos that explain the issue and
our plan for wildlife co-management.
27
Ahtna, Incorporated
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
110 W 38TH Avenue, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
ANCHORAGE, AK
PERMIT NO. 358
PAID
RETURN ADDRESS REQUESTED
Ahtna Inc. Board of Directors
Nicholas Jackson
Chair
At-Large, Seat A
Eleanor Dementi
Vice Chair
Cantwell, Seat C
Angela Vermillion
Treasurer
Gulkana, Seat I
Linda Tyone
Secretary
Gakona, Seat F
John Craig
Kluti-Kaah, Seat G2
Dorothy Shinn
Tazlina, Seat J
Karen Linnell
Chistochina, Seat D
Ken Johns
At-Large, Seat A
Corporate Headquarters
PO Box 649
Glennallen, AK 99588
Phone: (907) 822-3476 | Fax: (907) 822-3495
Toll Free: 1-866-475-0420
Roy J. Tansy Sr.
At-Large, Seat A
Roy S. Ewan
At-Large, Seat A
Franklin John
Mentasta Lake,
Seat H
Jason Hart
At-Large, Seat A
Jessica Edwin
Kluti-Kaah, Seat G1
Anchorage Office
110 W. 38th Avenue, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 868-8250 | Fax: (907) 868-8285
Toll Free: 1-888-562-5316
Don’t forget to Like Ahtna Inc. on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ahtna-Incorporated

PROTECTING OUR TRADITIONAL HUNTING RIGHTS

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