In a recent meeting, the Sealaska Board of Directors appointed Karen Taug, Vicki Soboleff, ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake and Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang to serve alongside Chair Marlene Johnson, La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow, Barbara Cadiente Nelson, Marcella Asicksik, Maria Williams, Mike Miller, Jeane Breinig, Nathan McCowan and Lee Wallace on the Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) Board of Trustees. Each new member brings insight, cultural knowledge and diverse experience aimed at furthering the institute’s momentum toward becoming a global center for Northwest Coast arts.  

“We are excited to welcome the additional help as we continue on our journey to becoming the Northwest Coast art capital of the world,” said SHI President Dr. Rosita Worl. 

Sealaska founded SHI in 1980 to help perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures. Sealaska’s thirteen directors are responsible for appointing the institute’s Board of Trustees, which provides stewardship and oversight of SHI in partnership with Dr. Worl in her role as President. 

SHI aims to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events, conducting scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by the Board of Trustees — now thirteen strong — and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee. 

Over the years, Sealaska has created a number of entities in addition to SHI in order to achieve its mission of strengthening our people, culture and homelands. For example, Haa Aaní, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary and holding company for Sealaska’s natural resource companies, Woocheen is a wholly owned subsidiary and holding company for Sealaska ocean health businesses, and Spruce Root is a non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) which promotes economic development and job creation in Southeast Alaska.  

“Together, this family of organizations — known collectively as ‘One Sealaska’ — works every day to care for our people, lands and waters,” said Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson.