The act of sharing embodies the Alutiiq cultural values of generosity and selflessness. In Alutiiq communities, providers share their catch with others, and all community members are valued for the various ways they share their catch. As a community, we celebrate the sacrifice and commitment of our providers, honor our interdependence on each other, and remember that resources must be sustained to catch or provide for future generations.
At Koniag we recognize that each person’s contribution is vital to the overall success of the Corporation. “We celebrate and appreciate our original Elder Shareholders whose hard work and dedication established Koniag,” said President Shauna Hegna. “Their hard work yesterday, makes it possible for the Corporation to share its catch with Shareholders today.”
On February 10, 2018, the Board of Directors declared an annual Elder dividend of $500. This dividend will be paid to original Koniag Shareholders who are 65 years of age or older on September 30, 2018, the date of record. Checks will be mailed on or by November 1, 2018. A notice will be sent to qualifying Shareholders several weeks before the date of record to give Elders time to update their banking and mailing information.
“This Elder dividend is given in gratitude of those who have given so much to our communities and our people,” said Ron Unger, Koniag Chairman and Interim CEO. “It makes me proud that our Board makes decisions that embody our Alutiiq cultural values of caring for our Elders and sharing the catch.”