GAAP hosts 9th annual Alaska Native Corporations Seminar

On March 4, 2021, the Great Alaskan Accounting People student organization hosted the 9th annual Alaska Native Corporations Seminar in a virtual event.

The theme for this year's event was the 50th Anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, or ANCSA.

This year's event featured several guest speakers. Diane Benson - a literary and theater artist, speaker, and workshop facilitator - spoke about the context and history prior to ANCSA. Kyle Scherer - graduate candidate in Indigenous studies at UAF and former legal counsel for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs - shared insights about some of the challenges that arose with the implementation of ANCSA. Wrapping up the event was Doyon CEO Aaron Schutt, who was also one of the speakers at the very first seminar in 2013. Mr. Schutt spoke about the future of regional corporations, like Doyon, as major economic drivers of the Alaska economy.

Following the presentations, questions from the audience covered a range of topics, including sustainability efforts, expansion plans, and the use of trusts to safeguard lands.

Watch a recording of the event.

Learn more about the GAAP student organization on the GAAP website.