Every company has shareholders; ours are the Iñupiat men, women and children of northwest Alaska.
NANA is one of 13 regional corporations formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). NANA companies, of which Qivliq is one, help improve the lives of NANA’s shareholders—the Iñupiat people of northwest Alaska. Below are a few examples.
Dividends
Life in northwest Alaska is expensive. Rural Alaskans spend over three times more for essentials than households in the lower 48 states (or even in Anchorage). The winters are harsh and heating fuel costs are high. That’s why the dividends that flow through NANA Development Corporation are so important. In both 2008 and 2009, NANA invested or distributed 100 percent of consolidated net income to our shareholders. Dividends generated by Qivliq companies help sustain the families living under these conditions.
Jobs
In 2010, NANA paid $48 million in wages to more than 1,000 NANA shareholders. Qivliq companies employ several Alaska Natives in a variety of positions.
Education
At Qivliq, we believe that knowledge is the pathway to forging a bright future. That’s why profits from our business operations help fund education and job training programs, internships and scholarships across Alaska and the lower 48 states. Qivliq contributes to the $695,000 in scholarship money NANA distributes annually.
Social and Cultural Preservation and Regional Elders Programs
In 2010, NANA contributed $5.5 million to social and cultural programs that benefit our shareholders and their descendants. Qivliq helps support these programs that sustain the traditional heritage and Iñupiaq language. In addition, we help pay the travel costs of village Elders who provide wisdom and guidance to NANA and other regional organizations.
