Sealaska Honored to Name Deishú Memorial Fund

Sealaska’s new shareholder bereavement benefit is now known as Deishú Memorial Fund. Deishú roughly translates to “the beginning and the end of the road, eternal journey” in Tlingit.

We are honored that the people of Deishú Hít are allowing the name to carry Sealaska. Deishú is an area utilized by the Chilkat village that was located where the community of Haines is located. Deishú (Haines) sits on the banks of Portage Cove, the body of water east of the community. To the right of Deishú (Haines) is the Chilkoot River, to the left, Chilkat River.

Sealaska worked with Traditional Scholars Paul Marks and David Katzeek during conversations with Deishú Hít. During the 2018 Haines Community Meeting, Paul Marks and the Deishú Hít people stood up in support of the new name.

“On behalf of the board and Sealaska, we cannot thank the Deishú Hít people enough for letting us carry the name,” said Sealaska Chair Joe Nelson. “This is a benefit that the board has discussed for decades and our shareholders have asked for. Deishú Memorial Fund is one-way Sealaska can provide support for shareholders after the loss of a loved one.”

The ability to stand up the Deishú Memorial Fund is a result of Sealaska’s growing financial strength. It also reflects our ongoing dialogue with shareholders who want meaningful benefits and reflects our desire of Native values guiding business decisions.