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Descendant EnrollmentDescendant Enrollment VideoDescendant Enrollment Survey SummaryDescendant Enrollment FAQs
Voices of our Shareholders (Videos)Russell DickJohan DybdahlErnest JackJeni BrownCarla CasulucanJackie DickJames Jack, Sr.Amy Starbard, Amber Henderson, Katelynn DrakeKevin Skeek
FAQ

Descendant Enrollment Survey Summary

To capture additional insights, Shareholders were asked several open-ended questions including reasons for supporting descendant enrollment, what concerns they had, and if they had any additional comments or questions. Responses to openended comments were analyzed and grouped into broad themes by Dittman Research.

We have provided data for survey responses that garnered 10% or more – both in support and in opposition of enrolling shareholder descendants. We have also provided a sampling of comments in each response category.

Click here for a PDF of the Shareholder Resolution Booklet

Huna Totem launched a shareholder survey in November 2024 to gather opinions about enrolling descendants of original Shareholders in the corporation. Dittman Research, an Alaskan firm experienced in working with Alaska Native Corporations on similar issues, conducted the survey.

Huna Totem has explored the possibility of enrolling direct descendants for many years. In addition to surveys, Directors and staff have heard from Shareholders during meetings, events, and personal conversations.

To help Shareholders make an informed decision, we have summarized Shareholders’ responses from the survey. We also developed the FAQs in response to questions and comments submitted through the survey.

KEY FINDINGS

  • 55% percent of Shareholders participated in the survey and sample demographics closely mirrored the Shareholder population
  • When compared to similar survey questions asked in 2012 and 2020, support grew from 40% to nearly 70%
  • Support for descendant enrollment is high with 68% of Shareholders participating in the survey in favor and 41% indicating they "strongly support" the initiative.
  • Shareholders were also asked how they would respond to a scenario where descendants of original Shareholders would be eligible for 100 shares of life estate stock when they reached age 18. 69% percent said they would vote in favor.

SUPPORT

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IF YOU SUPPORT DESCENDANT ENROLLMENT, please explain THE MAIN REASON you are SUPPORTIVE IN YOUR OWN WORDS.

1. Descendants Belong Here; It's Fair and Right (25%)
  • "Our younger generations are as deserving as us."
  • "Our parents and grandparents worked on our behalf with no expectation of personal reward because it was the future that they were concerned with."
  • "Our grandparents were not fighting for just two generations."
  • "It feels like the right thing to do to support future generations."
2. I Want my Children and Family to Benefit (19%)
  • "As a descendant with a few shares, it would be really nice to belong to the corporation and be part of its success."
  • "It would allow children and direct descendants like my grandchildren to obtain shares in our corporation."
  • "We need the younger educated children to learn and be encouraged to be involved with our corporation so it can continue to grow and prosper."
  • "It is their heritage, too."
3. Support for Cultural Preservation, Connectivity, and an Aging Population (19%)
  • "Leaving out descendants erases us over time."
  • "I believe that this action will help in the future of our children’s tribal identity and offer our descendants continued support in the strong sense of belonging, pride and confidence in just who they are, meanwhile realizing what their ancestors did for them."
  • "Our legacy is at risk of diminishing in the absence of our descendants."
  • "It gives our future generations a way to invest in our heritage and companies."
4. Need to Engage Next Generation, Give Them a Voice, and Support Future Leaders (12%)
  • "It would increase newer generations’ investment within the corporation, and its success and growth."
  • "They are our future!"
  • "I support the perpetual forward movement and survival of the indigenous people of this land."
  • "They will be our next leaders in Tlingit country."

CONCERNS

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PLEASE EXPLAIN WHAT, IF ANYTHING, is most CONCERNING TO YOU about opening ENROLLMENT TO DESCENDANTS?

1. No Concerns (38%)
  • "I have little cause for concern about opening enrollment for descendants."
  • "Without action, we risk losing not only future generations but also the strength and unity that make us who we are."
  • "I am in favor of open enrollment for descendants."
  • "I have no concerns and totally support it."
2. Dilution of Dividends (23%)
  • "Current Shareholders would get less dividends."
  • "Dilute shares, but I feel it is an important step to open enrollment to descendants."
  • "Possible decrease of dividends."
  • "What is the impact on education, scholarships, and employment training?"
3. Have Questions or Need Information on Plan and Impacts (12%)
  • "I don’t know if it will negatively affect anyone, so I’m interested to know more information."
  • "Eventually, all our people will be descendants."
  • "Will this shareholder model become the standard in the future?"
  • "Need to verify the descendants."

Click here for a PDF of the Shareholder Resolution Booklet.