Another busy summer is winding to a close, and we are excited to share several key updates and recent milestones with you.
Firstly, this summer’s Aleut Picnic had over 500 attendees – our highest turnout to date! We want to thank The Aleut Foundation and Aleut staff, the many volunteers, Unangax̂ artists and vendors, and the APIA culture camp dancers for their contributions in making the Aleut Picnic a success. Seeing so many of you was wonderful, and we are already looking forward to next year.
We are pleased to announce that over $4 million in dividends were distributed to more than 4,000 shareholders in our July dividend payout. The Elders’ benefit distribution is coming up in early October. We encourage shareholders to sign up for direct deposit to make payouts quick and simple.
On behalf of the entire Board, congratulations to the semifinalists of the Aleut Shareholder Marketplace! Our semifinalists are now in the second phase of the Marketplace business competition, which continues to inspire us with the entrepreneurial spirit of our Unangax̂ community. You can find more Marketplace details on our website here, and watch out for this year’s annual report, which will feature all the semifinalist business concepts in greater detail.
Online voting for this year’s proxy ballot has opened, and this year, you will see two new ballot measures on the proxy: a resolution to establish an ANCSA settlement trust and a resolution to remove the debt ceiling by amending Aleut’s articles of incorporation. The entire Board and Aleut Management unanimously support a “YES” vote for both measures to secure our corporation’s future. You can read more about the settlement trust and debt ceiling in your Proxy Statement and on our website here. We encourage you to vote early and vote online! This year, the earlier you vote, the more chances you have to win.
As our 52nd Annual Meeting approaches, we must also take a moment to express our sincere appreciation for Colleen Dushkin’s dedicated service over the past six years on the Aleut Board. During her time on the Board, Colleen served as Secretary and as our Board representative for The Aleut Foundation. Her commitment and insights have been invaluable in shaping Aleut’s strategic direction and governance practices, and we are grateful for her service.
Finally, do you have an exciting event, milestone, or announcement you’d like to share and celebrate with our Unangax̂ community? We want to hear from you! Visit our Shareholder Submissions webpage to submit your story for a chance to be featured on our website and in the Aleutian Current.
We look forward to seeing many of you in October!
Qaĝaasakung,
Jenifer Samuelson Nelson
Aleut Board Chair
Fall 2024