After months of planning, working, stressing, and rehearsing, we brought our case for COVID-19 relief before the U.S. Supreme Court—the highest rule of law that exists in our land. We argued knowing that the eyes of a nation weighed upon us and that we fought for a judgment that must serve to safeguard our communities' legal protections in generations to come. This was a tremendously important moment for ANVCA and our members, as together we faced a kind of raison d'être—a challenge for us to define ourselves not by our profit margins, but by our solemn promise to serve and represent our communities.

Let us again thank the many individual players who contributed to our argument. Whether by providing advice and strategic counsel, donating funds and resources, or even sharing the words and stories delivered from the mouths of shareholders—the lived experiences of our people, none too small nor humble—it is thanks to your shared resolution to fight on that our own tenacity was reforged.

Below, we cover the news outlets and articles that reported on the hearing's progress. While remarks expressed by justices during a proceeding trial cannot be taken as a binding oath to vote in alignment with early commentary, we were nevertheless encouraged to hear the sympathy for our argument that was expressed by the majority of Justices. And now...court is adjourned. Until, we expect, late June—we wait.

But we need not wait idly. Though the cancellation of cruise ships to Alaska has thrown our tour industry into a tailspin, the Governor's office has recently issued a slew of proposals and initiatives designed to support Alaska's tour industry and local businesses. As vaccination rates climb doggedly upward (led, by the way, by Alaska's rural communities), more and more businesses are reopening. We also strongly recommend that members review the freshly updated list of employment opportunities—in particular, there are a number of sterling fellowships available to our youth.

We hope that our members are staying engaged, staying active, and staying healthy.

Tsin'aen (Chin'an/Thank You),

MAY 17, 20 | Virtual Conference: Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) Information Session with SBA AK Office. Runs from 3:30-4:15 p.m., event hosted by Alaska's Small Business Administration. Register here.

MAY 18 | Webinar: Using Debt Strategically to Grow Your Government Contracting Business. Starts at 12:30 p.m., event hosted by Alaska's Small Business Administration and Alaska PTAC. Register here.

MAY 19 | Webinar: A Primer on Service Contract Labor Standards - McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA). Starts at 9:00 a.m., event hosted by Alaska PTAC. Register here.

MAY 20 | Webinar: DIBBS Masterclass - System Overview, Searching for Opportunities, and How To Bid An Opportunity. Starts at 9:00 a.m., event hosted by Alaska PTAC. Register here.

MAY 20 | Webinar: American Disabilities Act (ADA): What Businesses Should Know. Starts at 12:30 p.m., event hosted by Alaska's Small Business Administration. Register here.

MAY 25 | Webinar: To Bid Or Not To Bid? How To Tell And What To Do Next. Starts at 9:00 a.m., event hosted by Alaska PTAC. Register here.

MAY 26 | Webinar: Rural and American Indian/Alaska Native Businesses: International Shipments, Payments, & Protecting Your Brand. Runs from 12:00-1:30 p.m. Pacific, event hosted by U.S. Commercial Service. Register here.

MAY 26/27 | Webinar: DoD Alaska-Wide Virtual Industry Event-Partnering for a Successful Future. Runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., event hosted by Alaska PTRC. Register here.

MAY 27 | Webinar: Limitations and Subcontracting: A Step-by-Step Compliance Guide. Starts at 9:00 a.m., event hosted by Alaska PTAC. Register here.

AUGUST 26-27: Event: ANVCA Annual Business Conference. Click here to submit your presentation idea.

Eyak Corporation | Chief Executive Offer: The successful candidate for CEO must be a mission-driven, collaborative leader with an entrepreneurial nature prepared to model integrity, stability and professionalism as a team leader before the Eyak team of professionals. The Eyak CEO is a position to be held by an experienced business executive capable of overseeing the implementation of the corporation’s strategy and financial growth. The incoming CEO will have an active role in operations, including but not limited to, Board of Director seat(s) for current investments. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and an optimal working environment. Contact Keja Whiteman (KW Consultants LLC) at keja@kwconsultantsllc.com or (307)851-2274 for questions and information to apply.

First Alaskans Institute | Ikayug ("Helper"): Serves as the first point of contact for the community, supporting day-to-day Indigenous Operations and providing support throughout various programming initiatives. This position is anchored in Indigenous Operations, circulating administrative and financial process support through all FAI endeavors. This is a full-time salary position located in Anchorage, pay ranging between: $18.00 – $23.00 per hour (DOE). Learn more.

First Alaskans Institute | Indigenous Knowledge Advocate: The Advocate speaks to the hearts and minds of the Alaska Native and broader Alaskan community on the issues we care about by both identifying and uplifting critical Indigenous knowledge, research, and analysis, and producing technical and culturally relatable content that shapes the knowledge that informs decision-making for our communities and peoples. Location of this position is Statewide and/or Anchorage (Office and Remotely), reports to Alaska Native Policy Center Director, Non-exempt / Regular / Full-Time, $52,000-$62,000 ($25-$29.80 hourly, DOE). Learn more.

Rooted & Rising | Camp Counselor/Camp Teacher:Guide Alaska Native youth through two-week camp sessions immersed in beautiful Kachemak Bay. Camps are for high school students seeking to learn more about the Western and Native approaches to natural sciences and natural history, while also benefiting from time outdoors, engaging in team-building and cultural pride activities, and fostering rewarding relationships. Learn more here.

World Wildlife Fund | Community Partnership Leader, US Arctic Region: Join one of the world’s leading conservation organizations! In collaboration with the supervisor and other staff members, the Community Partnership Leader plans, manages, communicates about, implements and monitors activities to engage with local partners in the US Arctic region (Bering, Beaufort and Chukchi seas). The person in this role also supports community priorities and builds relationships with Alaska Native partners and other coastal communities. Learn more here.

Chickaloon Village Traditional Council | Executive Director: This position provides day-to-day leadership and management functions for Chickaloon Village Traditional Council (CVTC). The Executive Director works to ensure programs are adequately funded and that project/program objectives are fulfilled. This is a full-time, 40-hour per week position with benefits. Learn more here.

Chickaloon Village Traditional Council | Health and Social Services Director: The Health and Social Services Director is responsible for directing and supervising staff members of the Health and Social Services (H&SS) Department, overseeing and directing daily operations, staff training, programs, projects, contractors, budgets, funding, and reporting for the department. The H&SS Director works creatively to improve existing programs and projects, as well as expand and create new programs and projects for the Department to meet the changing needs of Chickaloon Native Village and the surrounding community. The H&SS Director seeks funding as identified in the Tribe’s Strategic Plan by submitting grant applications to various foundations, corporations, Tribes, and Federal agencies. The H&SS Director enforces confidentiality rules and ensures compliance with all applicable HIPPA and CFR42, mandated reporter, CVTC policies, and other regulations. This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits. Learn more here.

The Alaska Fellows Program is now accepting applications for placement! Learn more here.

The MIT Solve's Indigenous Communities Fellowship is now accepting applications. Learn more here.

Article by Christian Muntean, shared with author's permission. Find more of Mr. Muntean's work at his company website.

William felt tired as he drove home. His business was successful. His family was comfortable. He had the respect of others. But he could never quite get to the next level. To be honest, he wasn’t sure what the “next level” looked like. But it seemed that, with all the effort and time and resources put into his company, things should be easier. For example, why was it so hard for him to get away and take a long vacation? Why was he still mediating arguments between employees? Why was he dealing with customer complaints?

William always felt inspired by leaders who seemed relaxed and happy. Ones who seemed to spend their time building new projects or investing in their employees or contributing to the community. Why did it feel like if he took his hand off the wheel, even for a few days, everything would start to drift apart?

A moment of clarity. William realized that’s what the issue was…he was always so involved in holding things together. He didn’t feel like he had the time or energy to move them forward. He felt stuck. Plateaued. Putting in the effort but not seeing progress.

I’ve always been involved in athletics. For twelve years, I was also a strength and conditioning instructor. As every athlete knows – plateaus are frustrating. Good athletes know how to break them. Plateaus come from the body’s natural drive towards homeostasis. Our bodies and our brains are wired to work as efficiently as possible. Whatever condition your body gets in – generally after a month or two in that condition – your body and brain tend to make that the “norm”. The norm becomes what is comfortable. It’s easy to maintain that level of effort and work…and results. We feel uncomfortable if we regress. But it’s also uncomfortable to progress. So, we maintain. We plateau.

Psychologically, we each have a “success thermostat.” This thermostat is primarily set through messages received from our families growing up. It is reinforced by experiences we have in life. Following that, it is set by the messages we pay the most attention to.

Let’s say you own a business. Year after year, you find your discretionary earnings staying right around $100,000. Sometimes a little higher. Sometimes a little lower. When you reflect on this, you might realize that a six-figure income was always referred to as financial “success” growing up. You believe that successful people earn $100,000 a year. That is locked into your head. Less than $100,000 feels like failing. If you dip below, you heat things up and get your numbers back.

But more than $100,000 feels like “too much.” If you go over, you cool off. You dial back your efforts. Many people find that there is a pattern to this. There is about 15% wiggle room either way – if you go too far below or above, the thermostat kicks in and brings you back. It’s hard to change.

The financial metric is easy to describe. But this applies to other areas as well: Who we see as peers. The size of the contracts we pursue. The number of staff or programs we oversee. The goals we set. The problems we believe we can solve.

We find comfort at one level. And don’t do the different kinds of things required to get to the next level.

This next statement is forehead-slappingly obvious: If you want different results – do something different. Nevertheless, many people insist on doing the same thing but hope for different results. If you make the following four changes – you will break through your plateau. They aren’t a mystery. They just take doing:

1. Change your goals: If your previous way of goal setting hasn’t created the results you want – change the kinds of goals you set. Most likely your goals are too small or just more of “the same”. Your goals should be big or different enough that it takes a completely different kind of approach and thinking to accomplish them.

2. Change your actions: Your normal routines have produced the success you have. But not the success you want. What needs to change? For many leaders, it’s these three shifts:

3. Change your influences: Change who you spend time with, what you read and listen to. Immerse yourself in “next level” thinking. Spend time with people who are where you want to be. Read and listen to thinkers who describe what you want to get to. Allow this mental and relational marination to change your vision and self-image.

4. Change or create accountability: Get someone in your life that you are accountable to. Someone you respect. Someone you don’t want to disappoint. Tell them your goals and your plans. Give them permission to call you out. It could be a peer, a mentor or a coach. You need someone.

These four changes drive different, better results. Do you want different results? If so, what specific changes will you make?

This week, Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, underscored the importance of tourism to Alaska Native communities and the entire Alaskan economy at a hearing, “Examining the COVID-19 Response in Native Communities: Native Tourism Economies One Year Later.”

“Native Tourism touches on so many extraordinary aspects of Indian Country and our Alaska Native communities, of Native Hawaiians: vibrant cultures and languages, economic empowerment, resiliency, and the opportunity to share Native history and traditions and perpetuate native culture for future generations,” Murkowski said. “In Alaska, we know firsthand the importance of tourism to our state’s economy. In 2020 alone, the cancellation of the cruise ship season has caused an estimated revenue loss of over $90 million to the State, $98 million to local governments, and over $1 billion in lost revenue for local businesses.”

Vice Chairman Murkowski reiterated the effort she has made to alleviate the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) restriction that prevents cruise ships from transporting passengers between Washington State and Alaska. She welcomed testimony from Mr. Russell Dick, the President and CEO of Huna Totem Corporation, a Native Village Corporation formed under the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). His testimony spoke directly to the impact of a federal law like PVSA, which limits Huna Totem’s ability to provide for jobs and the economy for a small Native community such as Hoonah, as well as the broader opportunities to the Native people in the region.

APRIL 2: Alaska joined an amicus brief in Duncan v. Rodriguez, a case challenging a California law banning magazines with a capacity of 10 or more rounds. California’s law criminalizes possession of arms commonly used by millions of law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes, even when used in the home for self-defense. Therefore, the law strikes at the core of the Second Amendment. Alaska and the other Amici states urge the 9th Circuit to affirm the trial court’s decision that the California law banning magazines that carry more than ten rounds of ammunition violates the Second Amendment. See the report from the newsroom for more.

APRIL 5: Governor Dunleavy announces the appointment of Maria Pia L. Bahr to the Fairbanks District Court, and Trisha Haines to the Fairbanks Superior Court. More here.

APRIL 6: Governor Dunleavy names James "Jim" Cockrell as Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety. Mr. Cockrell has served numerous appointments with the Alaska Troopers and Wildlife Troopers, beginning in 1983. More here.

APRIL 8: Governor Dunleavy submits a report to the White House detailing the effects of canceling the season's tour ships on the state economy. The CDC's ordered stay extends through November 2021, ensuring another heavy blow for Alaska's tour season. The report was authored by the Alaska DCCED, and may be read here.

APRIL 9: Governor Dunleavy introduces the Alaska Energy Independence Act, a bill designed to promote Alaska's development of sustainable energy. The project's funding is overseen by AIDEA, and is intended to issue grants to spur the development of promising sustainable energy projects. More here.

APRIL 9: Governor Dunleavy announces his intent to produce an initiative designed to support Alaska's businesses impacted by the suffering tour industry. More here.

APRIL 12: Raina Thiele named Senior Advisor for Alaska Affairs and Strategic Priorities at U.S. Department of the Interior. Ms.Thiele, who previously worked as Associate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs in the Obama-Biden administration, joins the latest batch of appointees within the Department of the Interior's leadership team. Ms. Thiele was born and raised in Alaska, hailing from Pedro Bay Village. She is Dena'ina Athabascan and Yup'ik. ANVCA celebrates Ms. Thiele's appointment as another instance of Native representation within our nation's highest offices. The interior's political team proudly reflects the diversity of America, with over 50 percent identifying as BIPOC and over 75 percent as women. Read more here.

APRIL 14: Nathan McCowan, ANVCA's Chairman, Features on Indian Country Today to discuss our ongoing case before the Supreme Court. Watch the full episode here.

APRIL 15: Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) assume leadership positions on the Senate's Indian Affairs Committee, following a pre-existing alliance between the two Senators. While Schatz won the Committee chair spot following the Democrat's narrow seizure of the Senate majority, Murkowski positioned herself to secure a ranking slot as one of the Committee's most senior members. Both Schatz and Murkowski have signaled their interest in adding climate change to the Committee's agenda. Read more here.

APRIL 15: The state of Alaska requests permission from the U.S. District Court in Anchorage to be allowed to participate in a lawsuit to defend the BLM's decision to permit ConocoPhillips' prospect in Willow (the Willow Project) to proceed. More here.

APRIL 15: Governor Dunleavy orders an investigation into a potential data leak occurring with the Alaska DHSS. More here.

APRIL 15: Governor Dunleavy announces a proposal for use of federal American rescue plan act funds ($1.02 billion for Alaska). The funds provide an additional $518 million of non-discretionary funds for the state's use. The specific allocation of funds is further detailed here.

APRIL 16: Senators Murkowski, Sullivan, and Congressman Young call on the DOI to fulfill its commitment to Alaska and Alaska Natives following the DOI's announcement that it would impose a two-year stay on the implementation of several new Public Land Orders (PLOs) in Alaska. Together, these PLOs would have lifted withdrawal restrictions on 28 million acres of BLM lands. The DOI argues that the stay is necessary to conduction additional environmental reviews, though Senator Murkowski's office argues that satisfactory analyses and reviews have already been completed. Read more here.

APRIL 17: In anticipation of the upcoming Supreme Court case, the Anchorage Daily News covers the current narrative of this ongoing legal battle and touches upon this case's importance in determining both the immediate transferral of COVID-19 relief funding, as well as the massive legal and logistical upheavals the Court's ruling could impose. Read the article here.

APRIL 19: Oral arguments commence for the Supreme Court Case ANVCA Et Al/Yellen U.S. Treasury v Chehalis Et Al, following the preceding week's collection of final case filings. A summary of case proceedings and links to legal documents may be found here.

APRIL 19: The Associated Press speculates that the Supreme Court seems inclined to rule on behalf of Alaska Native Corporations, noting Justice Kagan's comment that it seemed "implausible" Congress intended to exclude ANCs, and Justices Alito, Thomas, Gorsuch, and Breyer expressing similar early reactions. A formal decision is not expected until the end of June. Read the article here.

APRIL 19: Alaska Public Media also publishes on the Supreme Court Case. This article in particular delves more carefully into the nuances of the arguments' interpretations of how to consider the precise grammar and phrasing used by Congress when drafting the conditions of COVID-19 relief aid funding. Read more here.

APRIL 19: Reuters also publishes on the Supreme Court Case. Notably, the article discusses Justice Kavanaugh's early remarks, which appear sympathetic to ANVCA's argument. Read the article here.

APRIL 19: Indianz.com reports that infighting within the legal team representing Indian Country became so contentious (the issue being who would present the argument before the Court), that the team was nearly locked out of arguments. After several rounds of internal arguments and drawing lots, Rasmussen was finally designated to lead the team's presentation. Read the full story here.

APRIL 19: ANVCA and ARA release a statement following the conclusion of oral arguments, reiterating their commitment to pursuing just treatment for Alaska Native people. Read the statement here.

APRIL 20: Indian Country Today reports on the ANVCA Supreme Court case, reiterating many of the points discussed by The Associated Press, Reuters, and Alaska Public Media. Read the article here.

APRIL 20: Governor Dunleavy's office has joined Florida in a lawsuit against the CDC over the directives set out by the CDC regarding cruise ships and the cruise industry. More details here.

APRIL 22: Native News Online discusses the ANVCA Supreme Court case. The article is notable for including and discussing remarks from Justices Sotomayor and Barrett. Read the article here.

APRIL 28: Governor Dunleavy introduces new legislation designed to make it easier for Alaskans to purchase or lease state lands for recreational cabin sites and private land use. More details here.

APRIL 30: Governor Dunleavy ends the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration and signs House Bill 76. The new bill is designed to ensure that COVID-19 relief funding continues to reach impacted Alaskans, while also providing liability protections for Alaska's businesses. More details here.

MAY 5: The SBA issues a direct final ruling to extend the HUBZone map freeze through June 30, 22023. This order will go into effect on June 21, 2021. The direct final rule may be reviewed here.

MAY 5: Governor Dunleavy proposes state land allotments to Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans. The Governor's proposal offers a chance to fulfill federally promised land allotments with state land near traditional lands. Read more here.

MAY 6: Governor Dunleavy creates a task force to address Alaska's growing need for high-speed, reliable internet connectivity. Read more here.

MAY 10: Standard and Poor's Global Ratings revised its assessment of Alaska to "stable" after previously listing the State as "negative." The news of our state's improved credit rating is especially welcome during our ongoing, global pandemic. Read more here.

We are delighted to welcome Charles E. Fagerstrom to our board! Mr. Fagerstrom currently serves as CEO for Sitnasuak Native Corporation (SNC), after previously serving as SNC's board director.

SNC is headquartered in Nome, Alaska, and is owned by about 2,900 shareholders. It is the largest of 16 Village corporations within Alaska's Bering Strait region and maintains operations throughout Alaska (in Nome, Wasilla, Anchorage, and Fairbanks), and in Virginia and Puerto Rico.

Mr. Fagerson is Iñupiaq, and grew up in Nome. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance (Seattle Pacific University), and two Master's Degrees in Health Services Administration (University of Hawaii) and Health Administration (University of Colorado). He has led a 25-year career as a healthcare executive. Read more.

APRIL 1: Governor Dunleavy recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. See the proclamation video released by the Governor's office here.

APRIL 2: Alaska continues to lead the nation in vaccination rates, as the state crosses the one-third vaccinated threshold. The communities with the highest vaccination rates at the time of reporting are Atka (89%), Sait Mary's (85%), Koyukuk (80%), Mekoryuk (79%), Anvik (78%), and Angoon (76%). See the report from the Governor's newsroom here.

APRIL 2: President Biden orders flags flown at half-mast and issues a statement in recognition of services performed by capitol police officers. See more here.

APRIL 5-11: Governor Dunleavy recognizes the services performed by healthcare professionals by recognizing it National Public Health Week. More here.

APRIL 15: Orutsararmiut Native Council files a lawsuit that ultimately invalidates a key permit necessary for Donlin Gold's prospect in western Alaska. Objections over the prospect's development largely cite protection of subsistence salmon fisheries as paramount, while pro-development advocates argue that the prospect would bring infrastructure and jobs to the region. The presiding judge Z. Kent Sullivan decided that the project wouldn't meet the state's water quality standards.

APRIL 21: The Yurok Tribe is using California's Carbon offset program to buy back its land. The tribe is putting its new income to use supporting youth programming, housing, road improvement, and business development. Following in Yurok's footsteps, thirteen other tribes and Alaska Native corporations are now participating in California's cap-and-trade program, resulting in 78.9 million carbon offset credits being issued--about half of all credits issued that year. Read more about this program here.

APRIL 23: ANSEP student Michael Martinez's biotech startup, Arctic Biotech Oath (ABO), wins first place at the International High North Dialogue, High North Young Entrepreneur business competition. ABO provides eco-friendly bio-mining solvents to facilitate the extraction and recovery of rare earth elements in arctic regions. Traditional extraction methods have relied upon acids, the acerbic nature of which is naturally damaging to the environment. Read more about Mr. Martinez's victory, invention, and the excellent programs ANSEP is now offering here.

APRIL 28: AEDC releases their first-quarter employment report, linked here. Steep declines in overall job growth compared to the first quarter of 2020 are noted, though the spring season is projected to make up for some losses. Leisure and hospitality continue to be the industry hardest hit by the effects of COVID-19. The housing market continues to be a seller's market, with average sales price rising 4.8%, and the number of single-family home listings decreasing about 48% compared to last year.

APRIL 29: GCI hosts a webinar to discuss the Aleutians Fiber project and connect with other business leaders who are familiar and involved with the project. GCI is bringing urban-level internet speeds with an 860-mile fiber cable that will bridge the digital divide by connecting Unalaska, King Cover, Sand Point, Akutan, Chignik Bay, and Larsen Bay.

MAY 1: At 18 years old, Quannah Chasinghorse from the Native Village of Eagle has landed not only a cover on Vogue Mexico, but a 20-page spread dedicated to discussing her activism work and the need for Native representation in modeling. As a passionate advocate for climate protection and traditional artforms, Chasinghorse uses her platform to showcase traditional Native crafts, jewelry, and her traditional tattoos in addition to discussing the impact of climate change on her own rural Alaska village. Read the full article here.

MAY 4: ConocoPhillips releases it's first quarter earnings for 2021, reporting $159 million in net income, $227 million paid to the state of Alaska for taxes and royalty fees, and an additional $235 million invested into the state of Alaska. See the press release here.

MAY 5: The Native American Contractors Association releases an update on recent legislation and news as it relates to Native American contractors and contracting businesses. Read the summary of their updates here.

MAY 10: Co-sponsors Holland & Knight and the National Defense Industrial Association, Rocky Mountain release a follow-up update on topics discussed during last autumn's Colorado Aerospace and Defense conference. See the series of updates here.

This level of membership is suggested for Alaska Native Village Corporations whose annual revenues exceed $50 million and/or those that highly support the value of the organization for the opportunities, education and advocacy it provides to Village Corporations.

To view our full list of sponsor organizations or learn more about becoming a sponsor please visit our ANVCA sponsor page.

Newsletter developed by WALSH|SHEPPARD