Aang Unangax̂ Family,
It was so good to be back in our region visiting with shareholders and descendants. A few weeks ago, The Aleut Corporation staff and a small film crew landed in Unalaska, where we kicked off our first leg of a multi-day tour, visiting Unalaska, Nikolski, and Akutan. Unfortunately, we were not able to stop in Atka due to weather.
On my first morning in Unalaska, the Museum of the Aleutians Executive Director Virginia Hatfield gave us a behind-the-scenes tour. I was stunned to see an exhibit on hunting spears, featuring work and quotes from my grandfather William Tcheripanoff. You can see the care and attention that goes into each exhibit.
Afterwards, I had the chance to sit down with the Ounalashka Corporation (OC) and their Board of Directors to discuss how TAC and OC can better partner for the future. Then, we visited the Qawalangin Tribe before our shareholder meeting. Turnout for the meeting was great, with well over 50 shareholders and descendants in attendance.
The next day, we landed in Nikolski. What an amazing community on the edge of stunning Umnak Island! We met with our shareholders and descendants in the community center and visited the APICDA lodge, the church, and an incredible community greenhouse. Unfortunately, weather prevented us from staying the night and our time was cut short. The community of Nikolski was a very gracious and wonderful host.
My mother, Sarah Tcheripanoff Virg-In, joined us in Akutan, the town where she grew up. I met family for the first time and hugged others I hadn’t seen since I was a kid. Akutan welcomed us with a community potluck after our shareholder meeting. The food was fantastic! We were privileged to spend the day with Josephine Shangin, President of the Akutan Corporation, while she taught kids how to braid seal intestine. And with Hugh Pelkey, a talented Unangan artist, who shared with us the skills he learned under my grandfather.
We have an important update to announce regarding our 50th Annual Meeting of Shareholders. On the recommendation of TAC Management, the Board of Directors has voted to move this year’s meeting from October 15 to November 12, 2022. This change is due to Aleut Federal’s portion of our annual audit taking longer than anticipated.
Aleut Federal is our largest subsidiary with approximately 800 employees. Focused primarily on government contracting, they are responsible for 80% of our revenue and operating income. This past year has been one of stabilization for Aleut Federal. In response to their financial challenges in Fiscal Year 21, the Board moved quickly to bring in new TAC leadership, oversee the restructuring of Aleut Federal’s operations, support the implementation of a new financial management system, and hire new auditors. These changes were necessary last year to secure Aleut Federal’s foundation for growth.
I cannot say enough how grateful and honored I am to be able to serve you and I am truly sorry for any impact this date change may have on your travel plans. We look forward to seeing you either for an upcoming community visit in August, or on November 12 for the 50th Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels for more information in the coming weeks.
Qaĝaasakung,
Skoey Vergen
President & CEO