Sealaska shareholders’ 2021 dividend distribution will add to numerous other shareholder benefits and supports, including the $4.2 million in CARES Act funding Sealaska is distributing to eligible shareholders, in partnership with the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. 

On Friday, Oct. 29, Sealaska’s Board of Directors approved the company’s 2021 fall distribution totaling $16.0 million to be issued on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.  For the full year 2021 the total of the spring and fall distribution is $37.3 million, which includes $19.4 million in dividends from the MVY Permanent Fund and Sealaska’s business operations, and $17.9 million from 7(i) natural resource revenue sharing distributions. 

The distribution reflects the continued success of Sealaska’s business operations, which were refocused several years ago to revolve around ocean health and better align with our Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian values. Sealaska’s deep connection to Southeast Alaska and to indigenous wisdom informs its choices as a business to foster balance and well-being. 

“Investing in healthy oceans, low-impact foods and clean water reflects who we are,” said Joe Nelson, Sealaska board chair. “The Board offers its deep gratitude for the hard work of so many who are delivering business results that enable us to support our people and culture in a variety of important ways.” 

Sealaska President and CEO Anthony Mallott said the company’s growing scientific expertise, curiosity, and respect aim to improve benefits and resources for our shareholders and communities. 

“Sealaska’s strong financial results spring from the hard work and dedication of 2,000 people who choose to work here because Sealaska’s vision, values and priorities inspire them,” Mallott said. “Those financial results fund growth in dividends and programs that reflect shareholder priorities.” 

Other investments Sealaska is making on behalf of shareholders in 2021 include funding for language revitalization, $1.14 million in scholarships, and economic and workforce development through internal efforts, Spruce Root and Sustainable Southeast Partnership (SSP). 

In addition to payments of $7.5 million from operations, the 2021 fall distribution includes $2.6 million from the Marjorie V. Young (MVY) Shareholder Permanent Fund. The distribution also includes an ANSCA Section 7(i) payment of $4.3 million to Urban and At-Large shareholders. The 7(i) portion is lower than in past years due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.  

Given overwhelming approval of a resolution by shareholders in June, this fall’s distribution will be the first from the new Sealaska Settlement Trust. The trust, which is similar to those established by dozens of other Alaska Native regional and village corporations, will free Sealaska shareholders from paying federal income tax on their distributions that come from earnings on Sealaska operations and investments. More information is available online. 

The following chart shows the history of dividend payments from operations and the MVY permanent fund by fiscal year.