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 | Who We Are |
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Joe Nelson for Sealaska Board Dear Shareholder:I am writing to ask you for your support in my bid for reelection to the Sealaska Board of Directors. Sealaska is a large and proud institution that holds a huge responsibility. As I have been talking to shareholders over the last few weeks, the importance of my role on the board has become clear to me. I am standing at the crossroads of two generations. Hopefully this letter will help convince you that my continued service is well worth your support during this important election. For the last six years I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to sit beside some of our most successful Native leaders, many of whom helped build this company from the ground up. Of course I am extremely humbled and thankful for the opportunities I have had, but I am also concerned that there is a generation of young people right on my heels who have not been as fortunate as me. At age 38, I am the youngest member of the Sealaska Board of Directors. Here are a few reasons why I hope you will support me in this election. Village Experience, Native Values. Growing up as a subsistence user and commercial fisherman in a Native village I learned what it means to work hard and be a contributing member of an ancient community. Everything we do is underscored by a sense of respect and shared responsibility for our communities. I understand the challenges in our communities. I believe Sealaska should be involved in creating solutions. Western Education, Modern Tools. After graduating from Yakutat High School, I received three postsecondary degrees (BA, MA, JD). Currently, as the Director of Admissions, I oversee all of the recruitment for the University of Alaska Southeast. As an educator, I bring a passion for our young people to work every day. Without a higher education, our young people will struggle and their options will be limited. Without an educated workforce, our options as a people will be limited. Our young people are a resource that we must invest in. Proven Work Ethic, Unwavering Commitment to Our Native Future. As a fisherman, I learned the meaning of a hard day’s work at a young age. After taking hundreds of exams and spending countless hours with my nose in textbooks I learned a whole new meaning of hard work. Whether it is out on the ocean or in a classroom, the key to success can be summarized in one word: preparation. As a generation of baby boomers enters retirement, we need to respond to the question: who is prepared to take the reins? Who is going to keep us grounded in our Native ways while ensuring our prosperity in an ever-changing world? Preparation does not come cheap or easy. Those who are at the top of their game have spent countless hours training to make difficult jobs appear easy. With my Native values intact, my formal education and a solid work history behind me, I enter every community meeting and every board meeting with my sleeves rolled up. I have been preparing for this role for many years. Every day, I am thankful for my family, my job, my health, and the opportunity I have to serve you as a Sealaska Director. I would greatly appreciate your directed vote or discretionary vote in favor of the board endorsed candidates. Gunalcheesh, Joe Nelson
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 | Copyright 2012 Sealaska Corporation |
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