There is a good balance on the board between village-enrolled directors and at-large directors. Regardless of how we were originally enrolled back in 1971, there is always an awareness of our heritage and whom we represent. This board is very aware of the responsibility to fairly represent all of the shareholders equally.

The vast range of experience on the board is impressive with a majority of the board members being current or past entrepreneurs. Along with professional experience, there is also the varying life experiences that build character in a person's life.

We also have a broad range of ages represented on the board. There is a span of more than 40 years between the youngest and the most senior directors.

We appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the younger directors while at the same time valuing the wisdom and discipline of our senior directors. The cooperation between generations is remarkable.

The CIRI directors reside in various areas of the United States and Alaska. Three directors live outside of Alaska and four directors live within Alaska but outside of Anchorage. The remainder of the board calls Anchorage their home. Despite the logistics, attendance and participation are extremely good with the current board.

As you can see, the CIRI board is as diverse as the shareholders we represent. I believe this is a good thing for CIRI and the shareholders. Remember that the CIRI directors are shareholders just like you, from all walks of life, who only want the very best for the company. Please take the time to get to know your directors on a more personal level. We all enjoy hearing from you!

 

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Help Desk is now up and running, ready to assist tribes and social workers managing Indian Child Welfare cases. The ICWA Help Desk is also available to assist Native families and their children by providing a social service directory, assistance in identifying possible tribal affiliation, and referral information for preventative services, as well as a referral source for ICWA training and other information.

The ICWA Help Desk is a joint effort of the Eklutna Child Advocacy Center, the Alaska Native Justice Center, the Department of Family and Youth Services (DFYS), and Cook Inlet Tribal Council. The Help Desk was designed to serve as a liaison between the families, tribes, Native organizations and DFYS, who ensures the state's compliance with the Act.

The ICWA Help Desk coordinator is Valerie Andrew, who can be reached at 1-800-478-4444, ext. 4010, or in Anchorage at (907) 269-4010.

KNBA 90.3 FM, the country's first urban Native radio station, is a contender for a NAMMY in the best radio station category to be awarded by the Native American Music Awards on Saturday, Nov. 11th in Albuquerque, N.M.

The Native American Music Awards promote the Native American heritage, honor its unique culture, and celebrate its achievements. More than 25 categories will be presented during this year's awards show ranging from Artist of the Year to Best Traditional Recording. Local group Medicine Dream is also nominated for Best Pop/Rock Recording for "Ma Wio Mi."

Koahnic Broadcast Corporation (KBC) is planning to produce a live broadcast of the award ceremony for airing on radio stations across the country during Earthsongs, KBC's contemporary music program which airs in Anchorage Thursday evenings at 8 p.m. and again Saturdays at noon.

Listeners can vote for both KNBA and Medicine Dream on line at www.knba.org or by visiting www.nativeamericanmusic.com.

CIRI shareholder Adam Flagan, a 29-year-old NASA astronaut trainer, recently came home for a visit last month. While in Alaska, he met with participants of the Ninilchik Summer Youth Camp to speak about the importance of staying in school and maintaining good grades. He motivated and inspired camp participants, and was rated as "one of the best speakers of the summer."

Flagan, accompanied by his father, joined camp participants for dinner followed by a presentation. He shared history of his life from his high school days to his work today as a consultant for NASA. Full of energy, his infectious enthusiasm reached the youth and inspired them to do well in school and life.