"Anthony Mallott"

Many Sealaska shareholders have condemned the board’s endorsement and donation as political favoritism and improper use of shareholder funds.

Only three independent candidates are running for the Sealaska Board of Directors this spring. That’s a smaller number than most recent years.

The Alaska Native corporation’s leadership says 2017 was a milestone year financially, and that it validated the realignment of its business portfolio with its shareholders’ traditional values.

Sealaska says its businesses are making more money and helping boost shareholder dividends. But much of the payout comes from other corporations’ resource earnings.

Southeast Alaska’s regional Native corporation is making more money. That’s allowing it to double dividends and increase scholarships.

A Southeast cultural organization plans to create a Native arts park in Juneau. It’s part of an initiative to boost the region’s traditional arts economy.