FOUR TH QUA R TER , 2021 VOLUME 5 8 | IS SUE 4
Where people share information
A S RC .CO M
Feature story
North Slope leaders participate in Congressional briefing
Employee spotlight: ASRC Stock Department
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ANCSA
Story on page 4.
Story on page 10.
Story on page 20.
Table of contents President’s message...................................................................................... 1 ASRC completes successful CARES Act programs........................................ 3 North Slope leaders participate in Congressional briefing.......................... 4 ASRC leads Top 49ers list for 27th consecutive year.................................... 7 KBRW Drive to Thrive.................................................................................... 8 Shareholder publishes children’s book – “The Whippersnapper”............... 9 Employee spotlight: ASRC Stock Department............................................ 10 Tara ‘Katuk’ Sweeney awarded Citizen of the Year by AFN........................ 13 Ranked-Choice Voting – what to expect in 2022........................................ 14 ASCF hosts first annual Viva Las Arctic Slope............................................ 16 Arctic Education Foundation hosts online raffle........................................ 18 AES sets the standard for airport soil remediation.................................... 19 ASRC Federal team participates in space telescope launch...................... 20 Board member Patsy Aamodt visits AIS offices in Tempe, Arizona........... 21 Celebrating the 50th anniversary of ANCSA............................................... 22 Native American Heritage Month................................................................ 25 In honor and remembrance - 2021...............................................Back Cover
Qutchiksuakun Savagniq HIGH PERFORMANCE We achieve superior business results and stretch our capabilities to reach even higher levels.
II
President’s message RE X A . ROCK SR .
As we continue to celebrate the promise and potential of the New Year – we must also take time to reflect on the many successes and challenges over the past 12 months and what lessons we will carry with us as an organization moving forward.
Going on two years now, our attention at Arctic Slope Regional Corporation has been focused on how to safely and successfully manage our businesses, our people and our communities while carefully mitigating the impacts of COVID-19. Until we can completely place the pandemic behind us, and with new variants likely to show up as the virus continues to mutate, it is not the time to lower our guard and we must remain vigilant. I pray our efforts will be successful against whatever strain of COVID-19 we are battling, and I wish for everyone’s good health in the New Year. Despite the continued impacts of the ebbs and flows of COVID-19 virus case counts, as you will see throughout this newsletter, 2021 ended with plenty of cause for optimism and there is much to celebrate and be proud of. First, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our employees who successfully administered the ASRC CARES programs. Through funds provided by the federal government under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Support Act (CARES Act), ASRC provided direct financial assistance to eligible shareholders; provided grants to non-profit and government entities
Uqalugaaŋich
that serve our people and communities; and offered a voluntary vaccine incentive program to do our part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. Taikuu to the Stock Department team, who went above and beyond to ensure no one was left behind. I am also very proud to share that ASRC was once again ranked number one by Alaska Business Magazine in its Top 49ers publication – an annual list of the most successful Alaskan-owned and operated business. This marks our 27th consecutive year at the top of the list. ASRC first reached the number one spot in 1995, around the same time we diversified our lines of business and expanded operations outside of Alaska and into the Lower 48. In fact, 1995 was also the year ASRC Federal Holding completed its first NASA contract (you can read about their most recent project with NASA later in this issue). Decisions based on long-term returns accompanied by stable ASRC leadership is what has allowed us to experience long term, financial stability and remain the top employer in Alaska for nearly thirty years. Alaska Native corporations reached a very significant milestone in 2021. Celebrations Continued on page 2
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
1
were held throughout the year and came to a culmination on December 18, which marked the 50th Anniversary since the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) was signed by President Nixon in 1971. ANCSA created Alaska Native corporations, including ASRC – and today these corporations serve as some of the top economic drivers for the state. A few weeks before the 50th Anniversary of ANCSA, executive leadership from five North Slope regional entities united to participate in an “ANCSA 101” congressional briefing in Washington, D.C. Since ANCSA created a significantly different model of representation than that of Lower 48 Native Americans, this was an important opportunity to educate lawmakers about the differences in the ANCSA model; the history of our region; the government’s role in shaping our future; and the economic realities facing our communities. To our knowledge, this is the first-time regional leaders across various Alaska Native organizations unified to educate a group of lawmakers in D.C. about the unique structure of Alaska Native representation and delivery of services that ANCSA created. ASRC’s Vice President of External Affairs, Bridget Anderson, participated on behalf of the Corporation and I invite you to read more about the congressional briefing on page 4.
2
In 50 short years, Alaska Native Corporations have continued to push the boundaries and succeed against significant challenges. It’s a story of strength, sacrifice and unity that I continue to be inspired by every day. Later in this issue, you will learn more about ANCSA and the early leaders that represented the Iñupiat of the Arctic Slope, and we look forward to celebrating our next milestone – ASRC’s 50th Anniversary in June of 2022. Even with the challenges that 2021 presented, I am extremely proud of the amazing work our shareholders and employees have accomplished. I am confident that as you read this year-end edition of the newsletter – you will see that our Iñupiat strength and resilience took many forms this past year. On behalf of the ASRC board and senior leadership team, from our families to yours – we wish you and yours a blessed 2022. Taikuu and God’s blessings,
Rex A. Rock Sr. President and CEO
ASRC completes successful CARES Act programs Under the CSP, ASRC provided funding to entities that delivered much-needed goods and services to our shareholders and communities. This included new industrial freezers in our communities to support food security, critical safety supplies, internet and technology upgrades to assist North Slope students’ virtual learning activities, financial support to college students who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and much more.
A 2021 ruling by the United States Supreme Court acknowledged the unique approach by the federal government to Indian policy in Alaska, affirming Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) are akin to Tribes in the Lower 48 and therefore eligible to receive funds from the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Support Act (CARES Act). Funds allocated to ANCs were provided to combat the impacts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. ASRC received its allocation of CARES Act funds in late summer of 2021 and created a series of programs to support our shareholders, entities and communities impacted by the pandemic.
ASRC was grateful for the allocation from the federal government and was proud to support our shareholders in such challenging times. The implementation and execution of the CARES Act programs would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication from ASRC staff, and especially the ASRC Stock Department. Read more about the team and their hard work on the ASRC CARES programs on page 10 of this newsletter.
The programs ASRC implemented were designed to comply with the CARES Act treasury guidelines. The ASRC CARES COVID-19 Economic Support Program (ESP) was an application-based program that provided direct financial support to eligible shareholders who experienced financial hardships as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency. “Your Shot at 500” was a voluntary COVID-19 vaccine incentive program for eligible employees and shareholders who were, or chose to become, fully vaccinated by the deadline. The COVID-19 Community Support Program (CSP) was an application-based grant program intended to support non-profit and government entities that, in turn, support our shareholders and communities. Through these programs, ASRC was able to provide direct financial assistance to more than 90 percent of eligible shareholders and provide funding to over 15 non-profit and government entities.
The ASRC Stock Department in Anchorage assisting shareholders with their ASRC CARES paperwork.
Uqalugaaŋich
|
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
3
North Slope leaders participate in Congressional briefing In early December, just a few short weeks before the 50th Anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA), executive leadership from five different North Slope entities united to participate in a congressional briefing in Washington, D.C.
Representatives from ASNA, ASRC, NSB, ICAS and Iḷisaġvik with Congressman Don Young.
The purpose of the briefing was to educate key members of Congress about ANCSA and the various organizations that represent and serve the Iñupiat of the North Slope of Alaska. It was an extraordinary opportunity for our region to share, firsthand, the history of our people and entities that serve our people and communities. The panelists included: • Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) – Martha Monnin, President and CEO •A rctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) – Bridget Anderson, Vice President of External Affairs
4
• Iḷisaġvik College – Debby Edwardson, Chair of the Board of Trustees • Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope (ICAS) – Morrie Lemen, Executive Director • North Slope Borough (NSB) – Harry K. Brower Jr., Mayor The passage of ANCSA was a significant departure by the government to federal Indian policy, and it created a fragmented system of Alaska Native representation and delivery of services. The Alaska model of Indigenous representation is a system that congressional leaders are largely unfamiliar with.
“Our presentation was very important because the political map of Alaska Natives, and Alaska in general, has been shaped by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and is very different from that understood by Native American leaders in the Lower 48…[which] has led to many misunderstandings in D.C. This meeting allowed us to educate lawmakers on who we are and how we work which will, in turn, benefit us all,” said Debby Edwardson, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Iḷisaġvik College. More often than not, there is a misconception about how Alaska Natives are organized and represented. Different from the typical Lower 48 model of indigenous representation, Alaska does not have reservations (except for Metlakatla) nor the Tribe as the central entity that administers the delivery of services such as health care, public safety, education, land management and economic development. The passage of ANCSA created Alaska Native corporations, like ASRC, but it also created the need for other entities.
“the political map of Alaska Natives, and Alaska in general, has been shaped by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and is very different from that understood by Native American leaders in the Lower 48…” – Debby Edwardson, Chair of the Board of Trustees for Iḷisaġvik College We have the North Slope Borough (NSB), our region’s Home Rule municipal government. In 1972, the Iñupiat people of the North Slope formed the borough to ensure our communities would benefit from oil and gas development on our ancestral homelands. It is believed to be the first time Native Americans took control of their destiny through the use of a municipal government. The NSB exercises its powers of taxation, property assessment, education, and planning and zoning services.
Uqalugaaŋich
More than 90% of property tax receipts come from taxes levied on oil and gas infrastructure, which has enabled the NSB to invest in public infrastructure and utilities, support education, and provide police, fire, emergency and other services. Elsewhere in rural Alaska these services are provided by the state or federal government.
Left to right: Bridget Anderson (ASRC), Martha Monnin (ASNA) and Rex A. Rock Sr. (ASRC).
We were also represented by Arctic Slope Native Association, an Alaska Native-owned, non-profit health and social services organization that serves the villages of the North Slope. ASNA manages the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital in Utqiaġvik – the only Level IV Trauma Center in the region – and also administers social services programs in Indian child welfare, medical travel, funeral assistance, assisted living and preventative behavioral health. “ASNA was originally formed by Edward ‘Etok’ Edwardsen, Samuel Simmonds and others in 1965 to protect the lands of the North Slope region, beginning the process that led to the passage of ANCSA,” shares ASNA President and CEO Martha Monnin. After the passage of ANCSA, ASNA was deactivated. In 1991, however, the borough and ASRC provided grants to reactivate ASNA in order to pursue goals of selfdetermination for health and social services programs. This is just one of many examples of how our network of entities have worked together for a common goal. Through these partnerships, ASNA is able to provide critical health care services to our people. Additionally, our region is home to the only federally recognized tribal college in Alaska – Iḷisaġvik College. Iḷisaġvik College was formed under the authority of the NSB, and authorized by ICAS, in recognition of the importance of education to the sustained self-determination and local control for its people. Continued on page 6
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
5
Finally, the Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope is a federally recognized regional tribal government governed by the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and a tribal constitution that represents and is selected by the Iñupiat people of the North Slope region. ICAS has a governmentto-government relationship with the federal government and defends the aboriginal rights of its membership to promote security and social welfare, and is a strong voice on subsistence and resource management. Since the passage of ANCSA, our regional organizations have had to meet a higher level of cooperation and coordination to effectively serve our people, communities, and to protect and ensure that the cultural and economic interests of North Slope Iñupiat are protected for generations to come. The opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers and share how Alaska’s structure of indigenous representation is different was not only powerful – it was needed. Laws and regulations aimed at Lower 48 indigenous people and communities often are not easily applicable in Alaska due to several circumstances, including the Alaska model of indigenous representation, land ownership, the sheer size of the state, lack of infrastructure and harsh environments. “We’re proud to stand together for the common good. ICAS is committed to coordinating with our regional partners to help ensure critical investments in our communities happen. As the regional Tribe, ICAS is determined to further develop these partnerships so we can execute common goals together, for the good of the
people,” said ICAS Executive Director Morrie Lemen. The panelists had less than an hour to share their stories with members of the House of Representatives – most notably to Representative Teresa Leger-Fernandez, Chair of the House Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. Members like Chair Leger-Fernandez were able to ask about the ANCSA model and what it means to Alaska Natives directly from Alaska Native people. “I, along with our residents and my staff, are grateful for the time congressional members took out of their busy schedules to sit down and listen to the leadership of the North Slope,” shares North Slope Borough Mayor Harry Brower Jr. “This face-to-face time with lawmakers is incredibly important. So often, decisions that are aimed at supporting the indigenous people and communities of the North Slope are made without input from the organizations that represent our people. This panel with members of the House was a continuation of the decadeslong commitment by our region’s leadership to protect our Iñupiat way of life and our economic foundation.” “I want to thank Congressman Young and his staff for coordinating this briefing. I also want to thank my fellow panelists who made the long journey from Alaska’s North Slope to Washington, D.C. to speak on behalf of our Iñupiat of the North Slope. Our people have a powerful story of indigenous self-determination, and it was moving to share that story directly with members of Congress,” said Bridget Anderson, ASRC Vice President of External Affairs.
Representatives from ASRC and the NSB visit with U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski.
6
ASRC leads Top 49ers list for 27th consecutive year Arctic Slope Regional Corporation was once again recognized by Alaska Business Magazine as the top Alaskan-owned and operated business in the state. This is the 27th consecutive year that ASRC has ranked #1 in the annual rankings. Alaska Business Magazine announced its 2021 list during the Top 49ers Luncheon presentation in October 2021, held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “As many businesses in Alaska can attest, 2020 was an extremely challenging year. At ASRC, we had no choice but to endure the significant disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said ASRC President and CEO Rex A. Rock Sr. “However, thanks to the strategic planning and leadership at ASRC, we were able to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and end the year strong. I would like to congratulate all of the businesses honored this year for their resilience and perseverance.”
Uqalugaaŋich
“To be named the top business in Alaska for 27 consecutive years is an achievement I am particularly proud of,” shares ASRC Chairman Crawford Patkotak. “I hope all the shareholders of ASRC feel the same sense of pride in knowing that in the 50 years their corporation has been operating, over half of that time we have been number one in Alaska.” To learn more about the 2021 Alaska Business Magazine Top 49ers event and to see the full list of businesses honored, click here.
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
7
KBRW Drive to Thrive ASRC AND PARTNERS RAISE $90,000 IN DONATIONS
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, ASRC leadership participated in KBRW’s annual fundraiser – Drive to Thrive. The fundraiser runs for about two weeks and local businesses have the opportunity to host a radio segment, live on the air, to encourage listeners to donate. Corporation, Arctic Chiropractic, Iḷisaġvik College, Native Village of Barrow and others hosted their own segment to support KBRW.
Selene Sanchez (ASRC), volunteers to help collect pledges made during ASRC’s segment.
On the last day of the fundraiser, ASRC leadership hosted a two-and-a-half-hour segment, with any donations during that time matched by ASRC. In total, combining corporate donations from our family of companies, individual contributions and ASRC’s match – the company was able to help raise $90,000 in donations for KBRW!
KBRW is a non-profit based in Utqiaġvik and is the only radio station serving North Slope communities – providing news, vital weather information and entertainment to North Slope residents. The residents of these communities rely on KBRW for instantaneous information regarding emergencies and weather-related threats.
ASRC Board members sang hymnals during ASRC segment.
Local businesses that host a segment sing songs, share stories and give live on the air recognitions to those who donate during their time slot. In 2021, businesses like Arctic Slope Native Association, the North Slope Borough School District, Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat
8
Crawford Patkotak, Chairman and Rex A. Rock Sr., President and CEO.
ASRC has supported and hosted a radio segment for Drive to Thrive for over twenty years and in the past five years alone, has helped KBRW raise over $250,000. Thank you to every business and individual who donated during ASRC’s KBRW segment.
Shareholder publishes children’s book – “The Whippersnapper” Taggart Neher never imagined his path would lead to him writing a children’s book. Neher was born in Anchorage and after graduating high school, served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A recipient of an Arctic Education Foundation scholarship, Neher interned for ASRC Houston Contracting (HCC) during college and eventually became a field engineer on the North Slope. It was during his time up north, after work was over, that he would spend his free time writing comedy cartoons about life above the Arctic Circle. These comic strips would spread through the work camps and he was encouraged to keep the series going. Years would go by before Neher picked up his pen again to create stories. Currently residing in Houston, Texas, Neher’s family is the major inspiration for his new children’s book, “The Whippersnapper.” Heavily influenced by his Iñupiat culture of storytelling, the book is about three young sisters who become entranced by their grandfather’s silly stories of a creature called the Whippersnapper. At first, the grandfather’s story seems too unbelievable to be true. What kind of animal has three toes, but no legs? As the story continues, things begin to make the sisters believe it might be a real story. Neher reflected on his childhood and listening to his Grandma and Grandpa telling stories and using silly sayings to him as a young boy. One silly phrase from the book that his grandparents used to say is Froda Stattle Fiddle Faddle Rind Ding Doo. The catchy jingle gives readers their own sense of nostalgia from childhood stories like Mary Poppins’ Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. The Whippersnapper, however, is a story he came up with one night when his daughters asked him for a funny bedtime story. “I never dreamed of being an author – it was my mother who really encouraged me to do this,” Neher shares. “But I wrote the story, which took me about a week and a half. We sent it to four different publishers and the very next day, all four of them replied that they wanted to publish my book – which was a wonderful surprise!”
Uqalugaaŋich
Neher could not have accomplished this without the love and support of his family and friends: his mother Rene Graham, who not only encouraged him to write the book but also provided edits to his early drafts and was with him every step of the way to get it published; his longtime friend and mentor Reed Terry, project engineer for HCC, has been a positive role model in his life for over twenty years; and, of course, his three daughters - Kaitlin, Ella and Sarah - whom the book is dedicated to. “And finally, I would also like to give all the credit to my faith in God,” Neher says. “Without His guidance, not only for this book, but over all aspects of my life, none of this would have been possible.” The Whippersnapper is available for purchase online through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple and GooglePlay. Readers can click here for a direct link to purchase online. If you and your family enjoy his first publication, Neher already has another book that he hopes to have out by the end of 2022 – “What’s Green and Eats Stone?” Taggart Neher is the son of Rene Graham and the late Michael Neher. He is the grandson of Bill Neher and Mildred “Millie” Neher, who is originally from Point Hope. Millie is the daughter of Barbara and Jacob Lane and the granddaughter of Barney Attungana.
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
9
Employee spotlight A SRC S TOCK DEPA RTMENT
From left to right: Sandra Nayakik, Lilly Kanayurak, Chloe Mongoyak-Brower, Marie Stackhouse, Deborah Nayakik
The ASRC Stock Department is the first line of communication shareholders have with ASRC. Stock Department employees are available to shareholders year-round to help with enrollment, tax paperwork and voting for new board members. It is the Stock Department’s mission to stay connected with shareholders and to ensure they have the information they need to be engaged members of their Corporation. This was particularly exemplified with the launch of the ASRC CARES programs between September and December of 2021. With their assistance and motivation to ensure eligible shareholders were not left behind, ASRC provided financial assistance to 90 percent of eligible shareholders through the ASRC CARES Act programs. The motivation to support our shareholders during the pandemic that has continued for nearly two full years is rooted in Iñupiaq values and those values are embodied in all they do.
10
Marie Stackhouse
“I am very proud that we’re 100 percent shareholder hire. We have a common goal of assisting our shareholders since we’re shareholders ourselves,” said ASRC Stock Department Manager Marie ‘Ahlook’ Stackhouse.
“ This face-to-face time with the Stock Department is an important touchpoint our shareholders have with their Corporation – and their Iñupiat culture.” Whether it’s for a one-time ASRC CARES program or making sure shareholders can update their records, the Stock Department team frequently travels to communities to share important information with shareholders who are unable to rely on a steady internet connection. For some of our communities, shareholders would not be able to update their records or sign up for direct deposits if the stock team wasn’t able to meet them face-to-face.
For our shareholders who reside outside of Alaska, the Stock Department has made trips to cities such as Seattle, Portland and most recently to the ASRC Industrial offices in Tempe, Arizona. This face-toface time with the Stock Department is an important touchpoint our shareholders have with their Corporation – and their Iñupiat culture. “It’s always great to meet the shareholders who don’t get to spend time with ASRC. They’re not able to attend our informational meetings and they have lots of questions. And I think just spending time with fellow Iñupiat people is very meaningful to them,” said Stackhouse. ASRC Board Member Patsy Aamodt also made a special visit to the AIS offices to connect with leadership and shareholder-employees. You can read more about her trip on page 19. Continued on page 12.
The ASRC Stock Department hard at work assisting shareholders.
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
11
The global COVID-19 pandemic has made this crucial face-to-face time with shareholders more difficult, but that hasn’t discouraged ASRC from achieving its goals. The Stock Department team pushed forward and followed strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure shareholders, both in and outside of Alaska, were able to safely participate in the ASRC CARES programs. In the three months the ASRC CARES programs were available to shareholders, the Stock Department made home visits to elders who needed assistance; provided onsite application assistance in communities; made
daily phone calls to shareholders who had not yet signed up; and even hand-delivered paper applications to the shelters to reach our shareholders in need. The Stock Department team continued to do outreach up until the deadline and went above and beyond to leave no one behind. ASRC commends the entire Stock Department team for not only their hard work in administering the ASRC CARES programs, but also their year-round dedication to our shareholders’.
Quyanaqpak ASRC Stock team! Mary Ellen Ahmaogak – Corporate Secretary
Deborah Nayakik* – Stock Control Technician
Marie Stackhouse – Stock Manager
Jacquelyn Tagarook – Stock Control Technician
Sandra Nayakik – Stock Control Technician
Amy Ekak – Digital Imaging Stock Technician
Lilly Kanayurak – Stock Control Technician
Margaret Alice Patkotak – Stock Accountant
Chloe Mongoyak-Brower – Digital Imaging Stock Technician
Retsy Stoute – Shareholder Applications Project Engineer
Deborah Mae Tuuraq Nayakik 1962 - 2022 *Our condolences to the family and friends of Deborah Nayakik, who passed away in early February. Debbie worked with the ASRC Stock department for nearly five years. She will be truly missed.
12
Tara ‘Katuk’ Sweeney awarded Citizen of the Year by AFN Congratulations to ASRC shareholder and Alaska Native leader Tara ‘Katuk’ Sweeney on being awarded Citizen of the Year at the 2021 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in December. This prestigious honor is given to a Native individual who has demonstrated a strong commitment, dedication and service to the Alaska Native community and rural Alaska. Tara has not only devoted a significant amount of her life to the success of our people and our region but to all Alaska Native people. ASRC is grateful for Tara’s continued commitment to the greater Alaska Native community. We are proud to see one of our shareholders receive such a distinguished honor.
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
13
Ranked-Choice Voting – what to expect in 2022 In 2020, Alaskans voted in support of a new way to conduct elections by passing Ballot Measure 2. These changes go into effect for the 2022 election cycle, and ASRC wants to ensure our shareholders are informed and educated about the new system.
The new Alaska election system: CREATES AN OPEN PRIMARY BALLOT •F or decades, Alaska had a single primary ballot. More than 60 percent of Alaskans belong to neither major party. • Alaska will once again have a single primary ballot, so all Alaskans can have an equal say in which candidates make it to the general election.
USES RANKED-CHOICE VOTING ELECTIONS • The top four candidates in the primary election will make it to the general election, and you can rank your choices 1 through 4 (or just pick your #1, if you prefer). • If your first choice doesn’t get enough votes, your vote will go to your second choice, and so on, until one candidate has over 50 percent.
In the coming months, ASRC will share more materials to inform our shareholders about this new system. To learn more, shareholders are encouraged to visit elections.alaska.gov/.
14
AES RECRUITING FOR
2022 SKILLED L ABOR PROGRAM ASRC Energy Services is recruiting for the Northern Industrial Training Skilled Labor Program. The month-long program is open to ASRC shareholders and prepares employees for entry-level opportunities in the oil & gas and construction fields. The 2022 program starts in mid-April and ends in mid-May. Certifications include, but are not limited to: • Scaffolding
• Loader w/ forks
• Fall protection
• Confined space
• Aerial manlift
• Overhead crane
• First aid/CPR/AED
• Welding orientation
• Forklift
Summer North Slope positions: • North Slope consortium training card
Tundra tech, roustabout and flagger
• Qualified rigger & signal person
For more information, contact: Malachi McMullen mmcmullen@asrcenergy.com, 907.334.1652
George Murray gmurray@asrcenergy.com, 907.339.6271
William Wallner wwallner@asrcenergy.com, 907.334.1516
Sam Rexford Brown srexford-brown@asrcenergy.com, 907.334.1557
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
15
ASCF hosts first annual Viva Las Arctic Slope On December 10, 2021, Arctic Slope Community Foundation (ASCF) hosted its first annual fundraiser, Viva Las Arctic Slope. A novel approach to more traditional fundraising events, guests arrived at the venue that was transformed into a “Las Vegas Casino Night” experience.
Patuk Glenn (Executive Director of ASCF).
blackjack, craps and roulette. And in true North Slope fashion, there was also a very exciting (and competitive) Snertz table. At the end of the evening, after the games were closed, they could exchange their chips for raffle tickets and the chance to win a variety of door prizes.
Guests, through their generous sponsorship, received a limited number of gaming chips and had the option to play a variety of traditional casino games such as poker,
16
“I am proud to share that in 2021, ASCF gave a record amount of $1.3 million to our communities – the highest we’ve ever been able to give,” shares Executive Director Patuk Glenn. “This would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors – so to have a dedicated night where we could honor them and thank them in person was very special.” With more than 100 guests in attendance, Viva Las Arctic Slope also hosted a special guest from Atqasuk
• ASRC Construction • Alaska Airlines • Marriott • Rasmuson Foundation • Conoco Phillips • Iñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope • Taġiuġmiullu Nunamiullu Housing Authority (TNHA) • Alaska Frontier Construction
and of TikTok fame, Della Segevan or “Della.Hoya” – who has more than 80,000 followers and 1.4 million likes on the social media platform. The event kept guests entertained from beginning to end with games, raffles, door prizes and a silent auction. ASCF raised more than $55,000 with all proceeds going to support its mission. ASCF would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make its inaugural event a success, and give a special thank you to the evening’s sponsors: • Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) • Lynden Transport, Inc. • Alaska Permanent Capital Management • C&J Tender Meats, Inc. • Iḷisaġvik College
Laura Patkotak (President of ASCF) and Crawford Patkotak (Chairman of ASRC).
Founded in 2009, ASCF works to improve the quality of life for residents of the Arctic Slope. Its primary mission is to identify the region’s most urgent needs and issues to make a difference in the lives of community members. Their vision is simple: every community within our region is healthy and vibrant. Stay connected with ASCF by liking them on Facebook @ArcticSlopeCommunityFoundation.
Patuk Glenn (Executive Director of ASCF), Della Segevan and Jennie Kippi.
ASCF Staff: Marianne Rexford, Darian Danner and Shelbi Matthews.
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
Guests enjoying the poker table.
|
IS SUE 4
17
Arctic Education Foundation hosts online raffle
AEF staff and students
In December 2021, AEF raised more than $37,000 through its online raffle, with the drawing held via Facebook Live from the ASRC corporate headquarters in Utqiaġvik. All proceeds benefited Arctic Education Foundation to continue its efforts to develop an educated, trained Iñupiat workforce ready to take on any job. AEF offers educational scholarships and financial assistance for technical and post-secondary education. The foundation has been contributing to a brighter future for Alaska Native students for nearly 45 years. Quyanaqpak to all who contributed to AEF, and to their sponsors Eskimo’s Inc. Power Sports, Alaska Airlines, ASRC Construction and ASRC Industrial Services. Through the ticket sales, you have made it possible for a student to pursue their educational goals! Stay up to date on AEF deadlines, scholarship opportunities and future fundraisers by liking them on Facebook @ArcticEd.
18
AEF Staff Yvonne Fonua, Monica Wiehl and Brittany Sarren during the Facebook Live drawing.
Don’t forget! The next AEF scholarship deadline for the summer 2022 semester is May 1st!
AES sets the standard for airport soil remediation Technology Liam Zsolt will lead the project and ASRC Development Engineer Lindsay Panigeo will provide project support.
MRS-1 assembled in Valdez, Alaska
ASRC Energy Services, LLC’s (AES) subsidiary ASRC Consulting & Environmental Services, LLC (ACES) was selected for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Environmental Mitigation Pilot Program. The mission is to show how technologies can reduce and mitigate the effects of airport fire suppression systems. Upon completion of the pilot program, the team will create a framework for implementation at airports across the nation. The FAA selected just six projects for funding in 2021 – making this a huge win for ACES.
AES began its remediation journey in 2019 when the Technology Department pilot-tested a mobile cuttings dryer with the intent of improving its clients’ cuttings management processes. Through research and development in 2020, induction electric thermal treatment technology evolved to tackle the growing problem of PFAS contamination. In 2021, AES successfully delivered the Mobile Remediation System (MRS-1) to remediate soils contaminated with PFAS and other pollutants. In 2022, AES will commercialize this technology and begin remediating PFAS contaminated soils across the state.
Lindsay Panigeo
The ACES team developed an innovative per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) mitigation technology called the Mobile Remediation System (MRS), which will be used at the Fairbanks International Airport during 2022 and 2023. AES Director of
Uqalugaaŋich
PFAS are considered emerging environmental contaminants that can lead to adverse human health effects. ACES Liam Zsolt hopes to implement a program that will measurably reduce, mitigate and demonstrate the practical implementation of PFAS mitigation technology to improve water quality. Soil and water treatment technologies at Alaska airports will help eliminate waste stream, increase understanding of liability and provide feasibility information for implementation at airports nationwide. Potential environmental benefits include eliminating chemicals that are not otherwise naturally occurring, reducing the chances of toxic impacts on humans and animals.
The FAA grant and pilot program will allow AES’ Mobile Remediation System to make significant steps in reducing harmful contaminations across Alaska. Congratulations to the ACES team for winning this grant!
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
19
ASRC Federal team participates in James Webb space telescope launch
JWST team: Jeff Slade, Maureen Disharoon, Chris Gunn and Jim Frost.
On Christmas 2021, after twenty years of development, NASA and its partners launched the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). From project schedulers and engineers to data managers and photographers, ASRC Federal employees supported the building, testing, transportation and launch preparations for the world’s next greatest space telescope that will further our understanding of the universe. ASRC Federal, the U.S. federal government services subsidiary of ASRC, comprises a family of companies that deliver engineering, information technology, infrastructure support, professional and technical services to civil, defense and intelligence agencies. A frequent partner of NASA, ASRC Federal also assisted with the SpaceX Demo-2 mission to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. It was the first launch of American astronauts on an American rocket from U.S. soil since the last space shuttle mission in 2011. In the days leading up to the JWST launch, ASRC Federal’s senior manager for the project & program management team, Maureen Disharoon, shared, “Working on the James Webb Space Telescope for so long, especially as it gets close to the launch has me a little bit nervous, but [gives me] a great sense of pride and accomplishment. When I started on this project, my kids were young. Now they’re married with kids of their own, and I share with my grandchildren that the James Webb Space Telescope will rewrite the science books that you’re going to be learning about in school.”
“ JWST is the size of a tennis court and one hundred times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope.” JWST is the size of a tennis court and one hundred times more powerful than the Hubble Space Telescope. Unlike Hubble, which sees primarily visible light, JWST will see in infrared and will be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. According to NASA, the telescope will travel a million miles away to look at the first stars and galaxies, study distant planets around other stars and solve mysteries in our solar system. “The Webb team – they’re amazing. They’re all really tapped in and dialed into the mission. And when we’ve had challenges, I’ve seen everyone rise to the occasion. So it’s been tremendous being a part of this team. It’s inspirational,” said Chris Gunn, Webb photographer and senior principal program planning & scheduling analyst at ASRC Federal. “I really can’t wait for the first light images. I’ll probably shed a tear when I see the first light images. I really can’t wait.” Congratulations to the ASRC Federal team for a successful launch!
Shareholders who are interested in tracking the Webb telescope can do so by visiting Where Is Webb? NASA/Webb
20
Board member Patsy Aamodt visits AIS offices in Tempe, Arizona
Josh Fosi, Dennis Fischer, Patsy Aamodt, Jaidyn Kinneeveauk and Michael Morgan.
In October 2021, ASRC Corporate Treasurer Patsy Aamodt visited with AIS leadership and employees at their headquarters in Tempe, Arizona. ASRC Industrial, or AIS, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ASRC that provides complementary yet diverse services, focusing on industrial end-use customers nationwide. AIS provides services such as maintenance, cleaning, demolition, remediation, engineering, inspection and more to their industrial, commercial and government customers. AIS was founded in 2016 and moved its headquarters to Arizona in 2020, making this visit by an ASRC board member all the more special. Since the pandemic, travels from Alaska to our growing Lower 48 offices have been limited, making it harder for shareholders and employees residing in these areas to connect with ASRC and our Iñupiat culture. This visit from Patsy and her husband Mike was a warm welcome for both shareholder and non-shareholder employees alike. During her visit, Aamodt toured the AIS corporate office, its learning and development center, and visited with AIS President and CEO Brent Renfrew. “Our employees represent the value of the company and Brent has done a wonderful job in creating an environment where the employees feel highly valued and are highly trained,” Patsy shared. “He has played a huge role in creating a strong foundation for our growing Lower 48 presence.” Since joining ASRC Industrial, Renfrew has played a leading role in the development of the organization,
Uqalugaaŋich
including the acquisition and assumption of twenty exceptional operating companies. Prior to joining ASRC Industrial, he served in various roles with ASRC, which he joined in 2010, most recently as Vice President of Corporate Development. Renfrew has served as President and CEO of AIS since July 2019. “I am incredibly thankful for the time we had with Patsy and her husband Mike. It is very important to me that all our employees understand the mission of ASRC and feel proud to work for a company with such an incredible history and culture,” Renfrew shares. “It was an honor to visit with Patsy and have her share the story of ASRC and its vision for the future to our AIS employees.”
“ It’s so important for our shareholders to pursue economic freedom and AIS represents a place of opportunity and success.” Aamodt was also able to spend time with the shareholder employees working for AIS and living in the surrounding area. It has been a dream of hers, and many ASRC board members, to see ASRC shareholders take advantage of these economic opportunities and succeed in the family of companies. Aamodt shared, “It felt like we were seeing old family members again. It’s so important for our shareholders to pursue economic freedom and AIS represents a place of opportunity and success. It made my heart sing to see our shareholders working so hard and I’m so happy I got to see this in my lifetime.” Aamodt ended her visit by saying a prayer over the employees. To learn more about AIS, their work, or for job opportunities visit asrcindustrial.com/ or like them on Facebook @ASRCIndustrialServices.
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
21
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 12 distinct regions created by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
ARCTIC SLOPE NANA BERING STRAITS
DOYON
CALISTA
COOK INLET
ANTHA
BRISTOL BAY CHUGACH ALEUT
“Early leaders from our region sprang into action and began working together to stop the federal and state governments from continuing the land selection...” December 18, 2021, marked the 50th Anniversary of the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). ANCSA was a purposeful pivot by the federal government from prior Indian policy. Unlike the Lower 48, ANCSA did not create a reservation system in our state. It extinguished aboriginal land title in Alaska, created twelve regional for-profit corporations, over 200
22
KONIAG
SEALASKA
village for-profit corporations, conveyed fee-simple title land to the corporations, compensated nearly one billion dollars to the newly created corporations for lands lost in the settlement, and directed Alaska Native people to enroll as shareholders in their respective corporations. ANCSA was a long time coming. When Alaska was under Russian rule, Russia operated under the Laws of Discovery concerning aboriginal land claims, meaning that for indigenous people to lose their land they had to give it up in a treaty or lose it in a war. Neither of these applied to the Alaska Native people. From the Treaty of Cession in 1867 through the Statehood Act when Alaska became a state in 1959, indigenous land claims had never been fully addressed by the United States government. The Alaska Statehood Act put into motion a land selection process for the federal government and the newly minted State of Alaska that ignored the indigenous
Charles “Etok” Edwardsen
Robert Sakkaaluk Aiken, Oliver Leavitt and Edward Hopson Sr.
Guy Okakok Sr.
Samuel Simmonds and Martha Apayauq Ahnupkana
Early leadership discussing the land claims settlement.
ASRC Shareholder meeting, circa 1974.
Continued on page 24
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
23
What did ANCSA do? • Extinguished aboriginal land title in Alaska • Created 12 regional for-profit corporations (ANCs) • Created more than 200 forprofit village corporations
• Conveyed land title to the corporations • Compensated the new corporations nearly $1 billion for lands lost in the settlement • Directed Alaska Native people to enroll as shareholders in their respective corporations
people who had occupied these lands for thousands of years. Early leaders from our region sprang into action and began working together to stop the federal and state governments from continuing the land selection until the aboriginal land claims were addressed. In 1965, Charles ‘Etok’ Edwardsen led the formation of Arctic Slope Native Association (ASNA) to claim legal ownership of the Arctic Slope area. It was ASNA who represented the Arctic Slope people with leaders such as James Nageak, Abel Akpik, Samuel Simmonds, Walton Ahmaogak, Sam Taalak, Lee Suvlu, Alice Woods, Art Oomituk, Joe Upicksoun, Brenda Itta-Lee and more. Other Alaska Native associations across the state began to file their land claims, and in 1966 the Alaska Federation of Natives was formed to coordinate the statewide Alaska Native land claims efforts. It was through the coordinated efforts that later that year, Secretary of Interior Stuart Udall imposed a “land freeze” on further land conveyances between the federal and state governments until the Alaska Native land claims were settled. The timing of the land claims could not have been better since it coincided with the 1968 discovery of commercial quantities of oil located in our region at Prudhoe Bay. The federal and state governments were motivated to quickly resolve aboriginal land claims in order to begin developing resources that would add revenue to their coffers. Congress began drafting legislation to address aboriginal land claims that would allow for the development of oil at Prudhoe Bay and the construction of the Trans Alaska Pipeline to move forward. As early
24
drafts were being debated of what would become ANCSA, ASNA’s leadership expressed serious concerns about the formulas being considered to distribute lands in each region. The concerns raised by ASNA were never taken fully into consideration as amended drafts were shared with Alaska Native leadership. ANCSA was signed into law on December 18, 1971. ASNA was the only Native association to oppose the legislation, again because of the land allocation formulas and the fact that it did not take into account that our region would bear the brunt of oil and gas development. ASNA’s leadership was steadfast in their opposition to ANCSA, even lobbying President Nixon to veto the bill. Despite our region’s opposition to ANCSA, our people abided by the terms of the law. ASRC was incorporated on June 22, 1972 and our early leaders, including Jacob Adams Sr. and Oliver Leavitt, began enrolling our shareholders, selecting lands and creating our early businesses. ASRC will celebrate its 50th Anniversary in June of this year. While 50 years is a blink of an eye in our Iñupiat history, what ASRC has accomplished in its brief existence is nothing short of impressive. The Corporation’s foundation, growth and success has only been possible because of steady, visionary leadership and through the consistent engagement of our shareholders. Look for more stories celebrating ASRC’s 50th Anniversary in future newsletters and on our social channels.
Native American Heritage Month November was Native American Heritage Month, a celebration of our country’s indigenous peoples, their cultures, traditions and contributions to our society. ASRC and its family of companies took to social media to celebrate our Iñupiat culture and history. While November is the official month to celebrate our culture, we celebrate yearround our people and our organizations who continue to live and contribute to the perpetuation of our Iñupiat culture.
Uqalugaaŋich
FO UR T H QUA R T ER , 2021
|
VO LUME 5 8
|
IS SUE 4
Follow on social media! @WeAreASRC @ASRC_AK @weareasrc
25
In honor and remembrance - 2021 Our deepest condolences to the friends and families of those who passed away in 2021. Ahkivgak, Mary Frances
Frankson, Dennis C E
Koganaluk, Joe O
Pikok, Leo Forrest
Ahkiviana, Dora Ann
Gill, Terry W
Kowunna, Ashley U
Reich, Mamie
Ahlalook, Allen K
Gonzalez, Ramon Ernest
Kubanyi, Don Michael
Rexford, Orpah Renee
Ahmaogak, Clyde
Goodwin, Mildred Kalik
Kuzma, Christine Carol
Rexford, Sadie
Ahnupkana, Clarence
Gordon, Mickey Akpik
Richards, Janice Cecilia
Ahtuangaruak, Jens
Gordon, Sarah Lynn
Lampe, Jules Edmond Paul
Akootchook, Johnny Milton
Graham, Alberta Ann
Akpik, Fannie K
Gregg, Lillian
Allen, William Arey, Lucy Ballot, Jesse A Barr, Ahlalik Moses S Bennett, Nellie Blackmon, Gordon Sparks Bodfish, Nimrod Bodfish, Vesta Brower, Kyle Matthew Brower, Mary Brower, Shawn Dewolfe Brown, Gloria Candelaria, Kimberly Ann Carson, Jane H Coates, Lorena Janell
Gray, Jennie B Hamilton, Marie Jo Hobart, Mary O Hopson Jr, Eben Hopson, Maggie Hopson, Sandee Denise Huddell, Marie Hugo, Rhoda Ellen T Hunnicutt, Irma Igtanloc, Beatrice Mildred Ipalook, Glenn Floyd Ipalook, Vera Itta, Susie Kaleak, Tina Ann Kanayurak, Angeline Kanayurak, Patricia Jean Kasak Jr, Jimmy
Leavitt, Johnny
Richards-Segevan, Marlene Katherine
Leavitt, Michael E
Robinson, Holly M
Leavitt, Webster A
Rulland, Thomas K
Lincoln, Ada
Sakeagak Jr, Morgan Aksiin
Long, Marjorie Lord, Terrel Edmund Matoomealook, Doreen Mccleer, Michael Thomas Mccoy, Della Melik, Chester Meyook, Irish
Segevan, Lucy K Sielak, Vanessa Lucy Simmonds, Cora E Simmonds, Robert James Simmonds, Ryburn Solomon, Julia
Mighell, Evelyn Julia
Sovalik Ii, Floyd Harvey
Monaghan, Benjamin Eugene
Sovalik, Lydia K Stone, Billy
Nageak, Roy M
Stone, Josephine Trona M
Nukapigak, Lucy
Swanson, Flossie
Nukapigak, Thomas
Taalak, Glenn Pookak
Numnik, Eunice O
Taylor, Jerry Lawrence
Odom, Miriam Celeste
Tegoseak, Thomas
Conley, Christopher James
Kasak, Cedric Malachi A
Okpeaha Jr, Robert Samak
Thorpe, Bernice Tokomik
Driggs Jr, Albert
Katairoak, Jesse
Omnik Sr, James
Edwardson, Dora Inuuraq
Kayotuk, Lydia Nicole
Omnik, Robert Ahniksoak
Tuzroyluk, Michael P
Easley, Tawni Kay
Kignak Jr, Henry A
Omnik, Rose
Evans, Bob Supluruk
Kignak, Charlie Dan R L
Oyagak, Kathleen
Fortner, Matrona Marie
Kittick, Arnold James
Paneak, Raymond K
Willoughby, Bertram Charles
Frankson Sr, Raymond
Kittick, William Edward
Panigeo, Rex Rowray
Yoshimi, Regina Emma
Koenig, William
Patkotak Jr, Simeon
Tukle, Julia Alice Vincent, Jasmine Sky Weber, Molly Jane
For questions or concerns about this list, please contact the ASRC Stock Department at 1-800-770-2772 and press option #1, or email stock@asrc.com.
