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Sitnasuak History

Sitnasuak Native Corporation (SNC) was established under the provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act . Signed by President Nixon on December 18, 1971, the Act settled land ownership disputes between the U.S. and State governments and the aboriginal owners. On February 9, 1972, SNC was incorporated under Alaska State statutes as a land based profit corporation.

With the land entitlement of 161,280 acres, we have received patent to 43,486 acres and interim conveyance to 109,417 acres, which is approximately 95% of the total. The corporation has also received 81,280 acres of Sec.12(b). The subsurface resources are owned by Bering Straits Regional Corporation.

SNC, the largest of the 16 village corporations in the Bering Straits region had an initial enrollment of 2,054 shareholders in 1971. Currently, Sitnasuak shareholders have increased to 2,783 and growing through inheritance and gifting. Our corporate headquarters are located in Nome, Alaska.

Sitnasuak’s corporate values are deeply rooted in the traditional values and ethical beliefs of the Inupiaq culture. These are the ultimate source of our corporation’s strength and power. With guidance and support from our Elders, we seek to always live out these values:

Hard Work

Cooperation

Sharing

Respect for Others

Responsibility to the “Tribe”

Avoidance of Conflict

Patience

Humility

Spirituality

Reverence Toward Nature

Humor

Commitment to the Family

Love of Children

Respect for Elders

Open Communication

Our values also spring in part from the tradition of cultural diversity and innovative change that characterizes the history of Nome. Many of SNC's shareholders have ancestors who came from the far corners of the earth. Our tradition of cultural diversity, coupled with a strong core of traditional Inupiaq culture, had created a vitality and openness in our corporation that makes us eager to take on new challenges and pursue new opportunities. Sitnasuak's mission is to earn profits on operations while protecting our land, culture and benefiting shareholders.