kuskokwim-december-2014 - The Kuskokwim Corporation

Kuskokwi
m
Drift
The
VOLUME 2 EDITION 6
THE KUSKOKWIM CORPORATION NEWS
DECEMBER 2014
INSIDE THIS EDITION
TKC: Looking Forward to a Bright 2015
EXCEL Alaska Holds Career &
Tehnical Education Camps in
Aniak
2014 has been marked by some amazing
2
TKC is Investing in a Skilled
Workforce
3
Shareholder Spotlight: Horizon
is Bright for KEF Scholarship
Recipient
4
Connect with Your Corporation on
Facebook
5
Annual KEF Silent Auction
Raises Thousands for Scholarship
Program
6
milestones for The Kuskokwim Corporation.
One of the largest was the signing of the
surface use agreement with Donlin Gold,
LLC. The agreement sets the basis for a
long and productive relationship that, with
construction of the mine, will provide jobs
and financial value to the shareholders in
TKC’s 10 villages. The agreement will
allow not only for direct payments for
TKC based on production of the mine, but
will also create new TKC companies and
include provisions for TKC shareholder
training and hiring.
As Donlin moves through the permitting
process, TKC is helping to train a skilled
workforce that will be ready for future jobs
both at the mine, and beyond. In partnership
with Donlin and Calista Corporation, TKC
is developing a plan to build a regional
training center in Aniak. We hope to have
some exciting announcements about the
project in the coming year. The Donlin surface use agreement
also created the first ever TKC Elder’s
Dividends. This year, all TKC shareholders
65 and older received $325.00, taxfree. Thanks to the foresight of the TKC
Board of Directors and a permanent fund for
TKC dividends, all shareholders were issued
a landmark dividend this year as well. On the business front, TKC’s subsidiaries
are also doing well after a challenging 2013,
and are on track to surpass expectations
thanks to new ventures and investments. TKC’s Board of Directors measures success
not only in the business world, but also in
our corporation’s ability to enhance our
communities, culture, and the lives of our
people. It is the vision of The Kuskokwim
Corporation to achieve sustainable
growth while protecting our lands and
responsibly balancing the needs of all
stakeholders. TKC has made it a priority
to work with you to achieve this balance to
benefit both present and future generations
of TKC shareholders.
This has truly been a great year, but TKC
is looking to an even better 2015. Have a
Happy Holiday and a safe New Year!
TKC is Investing in a Skilled Workforce
The Kuskokwim Corporation is currently
developing a workforce development
plan to ensure all TKC shareholders
and descendants have access to training
and job opportunities in our region and
beyond. To date, TKC has contributed
nearly $450,000.00 to shareholder
educational scholarships for both
collegiate and vocational training.
TKC’s Surface Use Agreement with
Donlin Gold requires that TKC
shareholders be employed at the mine and
at support companies, but shareholders
need training to qualify for those jobs.
TKC is working with Donlin and Calista
Corporation to build a regional training
center in Aniak, but completion of the
project is years away.
at private training facilities throughout
the state. TKC has also partnered with
the EXCEL Alaska program to provide
scholarships to shareholders interested
in pursuing training in construction,
welding and heavy equipment
operation.
In the meantime, priority has been placed
on connecting shareholders with existing
training programs like Job Corps, courses
at the University of Alaska campuses and
Future carrier opportunities go beyond
mine operations. For more information,
contact TKC’s Community Relations
Department 1-800-478-2171.
EXCEL Alaska Holds Career & Technical Education Camps in Aniak
By: Carol Wilson
EXCEL Alaska Director
EXCEL Alaska kicked off its educational
services by providing three separate
Career & Technical Education Camps in
Aniak during October and November.
Each camp provided different vocational
experiences within the construction and
mining industries. EXCEL Alaska is
partnering with Kuspuk School District to
provide career and technical educational
learning opportunities, employability skills
development, and transitional and leadership
success to high school students and young
adults within the Yukon Kuskokwim Region.
Students from Kuspuk,
Yupiit, Lower Yukon,
Lower Kuskokwim,
Kashunimiut, and St.
Mary’s School Districts
are eligible to apply.
Conteh from Chuathbaluk. The remaining
11 students were from Lower Yukon, Yupiit,
and Yukon Koyokuk School Districts. The
Kuskokwim Corporation sponsored Levi
Levi and Walter Lee.
EXCEL Construction Camp
EXCEL
Construction Camp
Twenty (20) high
school students and
young adults, from
12 different village
locations, participated
in the EXCEL Alaska Construction Camp
held October 4th - 17th, 2014. Participants
learned a variety of carpentry fundamentals
through hands-on, project-based learning
activities. Projects included constructing 8
bunk beds, and building 2 sheds.
2
Nine out of the 20 participating students
were from Kuspuk School District. Those
students included Katelyn Holmberg,
Hailey Samuelson, Reese Levi, and Levi
Levi from Kalskag; Walter Lee, Cally
Phillips, Carly Kelila, Kaitlin Morrow, and
Kattie Hoeldt, from Aniak; and Lamin
Nineteen (19) of the 20 students obtained
the NCCER (National Construction
Education) Core Certificate. Core
certification includes completing and
showing proficiency in 9 separate modules
from the NCCER curriculum. Modules
include: Basic Safety, Construction
Mathematics, Hand Tools, Power Tools,
Construction Drawings, Basic Rigging,
Communication Skills, Employability
Skills and Materials Handling.
Additionally, students were provided
the opportunity to complete a Personal
Learning & Career Plan (PLCP) to
help guide their future endeavors. The
PLCP included completing work interest
inventories and preferences, constructing
a personal resume, and exploring various
training programs and careers based on
each students individual interests. Students
presented their “career of choice” to Aniak
Community members during the EXCEL
Alaska Open House. Four students (Cally
Phillips, Walter Lee, Kattie Hoeldt, and
Georgette Morgan) were selected to present
their PLCP at the Alaska State Career &
Technical Education Conference held in
Anchorage on October 20th.
EXCEL Welding Camp
Thirteen (13) high school students, from 11
different village locations, completed the
EXCEL Alaska Welding Camp held October
17th - 30th, 2014. Participants learned both
Stick and Mig welding techniques through
hands-on, project-based learning activities.
Projects included building wood stoves,
4-wheeler carts, and uluq knives.
Six (6) of the 13 students participating were
from Kuspuk School District. Included were
Joey Davis from Kalskag; Alfred Evan-Zaukar,
Miguel Perez, and Samuel Mellick from
Sleetmute; Jimmy Wise from Chuathbaluk;
and Malfa Phillips from Crooked Creek. The
remaining 7 students were from Lower Yukon,
Yupiit, and Yukon Koyukuk School Districts.
The Kuskokwim Corporation sponsored
Jimmy Wise from Chuathbaluk and Samuel
Mellick from Sleetmute.
Twelve (12) of the 13 students were awarded
the NCCER Core Certificate. To receive the
Core Certificate, one must complete and
pass the 9 modules in the NCCER Core
Curriculum. Modules include Basic Safety,
Construction Mathematics, Hand Tools,
Power Tools, Construction Blue Prints, Basic
Rigging, Communication Skills, Employability
Skills, and Materials Handling. Participants
also completed a Personal Learning & Career
Plan as they did in Carpentry Camp.
EXCEL Welding Camp
EXCEL Heavy Equipment Operations
(HEO) Camp
A total of 18 high school students and young
adults, from 11 different villages completed
the CTE Heavy Equipment Camp.
Participants were from a combination of 4
different school districts - Kuspuk (9), Yupiit
(3), Lower Yukon (5), and Yukon Koyokuk (1).
Kuspuk School District students included Joey
Davis, Joseph Simeon, and Brian Hetherington
from Kalskag; Kattie Hoeldt, Kaitlin Morrow
and Kenneth Kinzy from Aniak; Dominick
Sakar from Crooked Creek; Lamin Conteh
from Chuathbaluk; and Miguel Perez from
Sleetmute. The Kuskokwim Corporation
sponsored Dominick Sakar from Crooked
Creek and Kenneth Kinzy from Aniak.
Gerry Andrews, from the Construction
Education Foundation, was the lead instructor
for the HEO Camp. Students who chose
to attend the Heavy Equipment Camp had
to have already attained the NCCER Core
Certification prior to participating. Students
spent their time completing 4 NCCER HEO
Level One modules, including: Orientation to
the Trade, Heavy Equipment Safety, Heavy
Equipment Identification, Basic Operations
Technique and Grades. The Construction
Education Foundation (CEF) provided
the use of 6 portable Heavy Equipment
Simulators for students to practice on.
Additionally, the City of Aniak and Crowley
Marine generously allowed the use of several
pieces of equipment for students to gain
experience on as well.
Gerry Andrews on the jobsite with 18
students working toward their NCCER Heavy
Equipment 1 certification
Miguel Perez of Sleetmute
Standing 4th row - Wascca Fly (Tuluksak),
Dominick Sakar (Crooked Creek), Erich Kuball
(Camp Director), John Hunter (Scammon Bay),
Brian Hetherington (Kalskag), , Tony Wilson
(Staff) Standing3rd row - Melinda Sam (Akiachak),
Miguel Perez (Sleetmute), Josephine Edwards
(Russian Mission), Kaitlin Morrow (Aniak), Joseph
Simeon (Kalskag), Kattie Hoeldt (Aniak), Eva
Menzano (Staff), Carol Wilson (Camp Director),
Gerry Andrews (Lead Instructor) Seated 2nd row
- Dyllon Mills (Staff), Chuck Andrews (Mountain
Village), Billijo Mills (Camp Director) Seated
1st row - Darren Buzz (Tuluksak), Rachel Weter
(Huslia), James Tunutmoak (Scammon Bay), Joey
Davis (Kalskag), Lamin Conteh (Chuathbaluk)
HEO participants updated their Personal
Career Learning Plans, as well as shared
their camp experiences at the Community
Spaghetti Feed hosted by EXCEL Alaska.
Each student was invited and had the
opportunity to apply for an Advanced HEO
Capstone Project hosted by the Construction
Education Foundation. Interested candidates
were required to write a Letter of Interest,
provide an updated resume and interview with
EXCEL Alaska and CEF staff. The Capstone
will be held in Fairbanks in June. Two
students will be selected to attend.
The staff of EXCEL Alaska would like to
thank the Federal Alaska Native Education
Program, Alaska Department of Labor,
Donlin Gold, Alaska Construction Education
Foundation, and The Kuskokwim Corporation
for generously supporting our program. The
opportunities that are we are providing the
Alaska’s future generation would not be
possible without your generosity.
3
Shareholder Spotlight: Horizon is Bright for KEF Scholarship
Recipient
By Katrina Leary
Waqaa! My name is Katrina Leary
and I am a TKC shareholder from Bethel,
Alaska. I am the daughter of Shelly and
Mark Leary and the granddaughter of Bea
Kristovich from Napaimute, Alaska. I am
currently attending the University of Alaska
Anchorage as a freshman, pursuing a B.S.
degree in Aviation Technology with a
concentration in Professional Piloting. As
of right now I will start flying in January
and hopefully obtain my privates license
by late spring. I aspire to return back to the
YK-Delta and fly for an airline like Ravn or
Yute Air. My long term goal is to fly for a
major airline such as Alaska Air or FedEx!
With financial help from the Kuskokwim
Corporation and the Kuskokwim
Educational Foundation, I am turning my
dream of becoming a commercial pilot
into a reality. Not only have they provided
me with a scholarship for school but I
have been granted the opportunity to do an
internship for TKC, under Andrea Gusty
who is the Community Relations, Land &
Resource Manager and Sarah Galt, who is
her assistant. It’s been an incredible learning
experience working for TKC and I get to
see the importance of our corporation for
the middle and upper Kuskokwim villages.
I also helped with major fundraising events
such as the 2014 Silent Auction and I am
currently helping with various projects. My
coworkers are extremely welcoming and
willing to help whenever needed. I love the
awesome atmosphere I get to work in!
Growing up I spent my summers in
Napaimute, one of the 10 villages in The
Kuskokwim Corporation, and watched TKC
help our village grow into what it is today.
I appreciate everything TKC does for their
shareholders, especially the financial help
they give to those who are pursuing a higher
education. I want to thank Maver Carey for
granting me this opportunity to work within
my corporation. It’s been fun!
I want to send a huge thank you to everyone
who has helped me and continues to help me
accomplish my dreams! Quyana Cakneq!
Where are you?
If you see your name or know someone on the list below, please call
the TKC Shareholder Relations Department at 1-800-478-2171. There
is a possibility these shareholders may be owed outstanding dividends.
Abruska, Paul Frederick
Alexie, Aaron Evon
Alexie, Mary Anne
Alexie, Sam Andrew
Alexie, Stella Annie
Alexie-John, Anna Lucy
Andreanoff Jr., Jesse Joseph
Andreanoff, Davionna Gloria
Astbury Jr., Steven
Casey, Georganna Rae
Changsak, Wassily John
Corbett, Ja’aana Jamee’
Dickey, Martha Pitka
Donhauser, Louise
Donovan, Dorean
Dooley, Sharon May
Dugaqua, Leah
Fredericks Jr., Albert W.
Fredericks, Barry
Fredericks, Brandon Ronald
4
Fredericks, Genee
Fredericks, Tracy Ann
Freriens, Amber
Golden, Agrafina Kay
Grato, Dominic
Gregory, Dario David
Gregory, Larry Vaska
Gregory, Vincent Paul
Hamilton, Jason Allen
Harrison, Deborah
Hartz, Rayna Marie
Hinojosa-Perez, Christine Lee
Jackson, Christina Noel
Kameroff Jr., Glenn Dale
Kehoe, Brenton Harold Taylor
Kupanoak, Adam Patrick
Ledlow, Robert Leon
Leppala, John Carl
Lott, Nicholas Andrew Levi
Macar, Stephan
You may also visit us online at www.kuskokwim.com to update
your address, ask questions, or send comments.
Martinez, Aimee Marie
Mathes, Travis James
Mckindy, Gregory Ephrim
Mellick, Emerson Paul
Morgan Sr., Harry Nicholas
Morgan, Bernice Mary
Murphy, Sammy Jay
Nelson, Martha Tasiana Ellen
Nesbit Jr., Paul Nicholas
Nesbit Sr., Paul Nickolas
Neumiller Jr., Robert James
Nicoli Jr., Paul
Norback Jr., A
Pace, Balasha Ellen
Peterson, Barbara Ann
Peterson, Silas Phillip
Pitka Jr., Stanley Elvis
Pitka, Margaret Mary
Pitka, Michael C
Ross, Raymond Avery
Sagmoen, Stormy Terry
Louise
Sakar, Jimmy Joseph
Seay, Arvil
Shriner, Dana Vivian
Simeon, Agnes Karen
Standley, John Clark
Steele, Kuulei
Thompson, Darrel George
Tom, Phillip
Turner-Howell, Sharon
Vogel, David Andrew
Wasky, Wassillie Roy
Williams, Anna Marie
Worth, Mia Marie
Young, Jimmy Ryan
Zaukar Jr., Peter Jonathan
Zaukar, Aggie Ann
Connect with Your Corporation on Facebook
The Kuskokwim Corporation is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheKuskokwimCorp.
You can find the latest news, information and fun pictures of shareholders and our region.
Log on and join the conversation!
Who remembers the Aniak Lodge, its proprietors Lou Brooks and Hugo
“Oly” Olsen and those amazing Lou Burgers?!
Dave Aluia One day I asked Lou what kind of soup he had… He looked at
me and simply said, “Good soup..” It was.
September 18 Comment Like
10
Anna Sattler My first memory of a Lou burger is in the early 70’s. Dad
landed one of his planes mere feet from the front door. So, so delicious!!
September 18 Comment Like
2
Ellie Wright Loved these men. They both had such good hearts and
burgers!
September 18 Comment Like
3
TKC’s President and CEO Maver Carey just celebrated 20 years at our
corporation. Hard to believe it has been that long!
Here she is on the beach in Chuathbaluk years ago. #TBT
Olga Pepperling Thank you Maver for all you did for everyone. By the pic
you haven’t changed. Keep up the excellent work.
August 21 Comment Like
2
Marce Simeon Beautiful as always. Thank you Maver for all the hard work you do.
August 21 Comment Like
1
Loretta Robinett Wow, happy anniversary Maver!!
August 21 Comment Like
1
Today’s #ThrowbackThursday: Auntie Mary Nicoli sitting on the dike
in Aniak
Brenda Shaun Pacarro Sure miss her stories and unconditional love.
June 5 Comment Like
1
Maryalice Morgan Miss you dearly Grandma! Madysen is just like you, wish
she could have met such a sweet kind thoughtful Grandma! Love you!
June 5 Comment Like
4
Janell Shanagin WOW! Really good to see her! I miss seeing everyone!
My oldest baby – McKayla has her nickname she is lil Auntie Mary Nicoli!!
June 5 Comment Like
2
5
Annual KEF Silent Auction Raises Thousands for
Scholarship Program
The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation’s
10th Annual Silent Auction was a huge
success. TKC shareholders, community
business partners and past and present KEF
scholarship recipients filled TKC’s offices
the day before Halloween to bid on amazing
Alaska Native artwork for a great cause.
This year’s Silent Action event made an
unprecedented amount of money for the KEF
scholarship program. More than 50 items
were up for grabs as guests sampled delicious
food and visited with old friends.
KEF is a private foundation that provides
financial assistance to Alaskans in their
6
pursuit of higher education and training.
Since inception, KEF has provided nearly
$635,000.00 to 345 Alaskans.
Donors are vital to the success of the
Kuskokwim Educational Foundation. Without
the very generous support of individuals,
corporations and businesses, KEF would
not be able to help shareholders and young
people from the Kuskokwim region reach
their full potential.
Every dollar we raise is another dollar
that helps young Alaskans achieve
their dreams.
Thank You
The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation is
incredibly grateful for the generous donations
made to this year’s Silent Auction by:
Walsh|Sheppard
BDO U.S.A.
Landye, Bennett, Blumstein LLP
Attorneys
American Multiplex
Race McCleery
Donlin Gold
TKC would also like to send a huge thank
you to “A Casual Encounter Catering”
for taking the time to prepare and serve
delicious food for the 2014 Silent Auction.
Quyana Cakneq to everyone who came
to the 10th Annual Silent Auction and
supported the Kuskokwim Education
Foundation! We look forward to seeing
you next year!
Quyana to All the
2014 KEF Donors
Randy Parcel
Donlin Gold
ACB Solutions
Landye Bennett
Blumstein LLP
American Mutiplex
Walsh|Sheppard
BDO USA
Cindy Olmstead
Dan Guzauskas
Joseph Baldwin
Race McCleery
Daisy Phillips
Rainy Diehl
Dwayne Turner
Samuel Brown
Lucy Brown
Jimmy Bedwell
Elizabeth Martz
Pick.Click.Give.
to KEF
If you give...and your neighbor does...
and another...it will add up quickly. That’s
the idea behind the Pick.Click.Give.
program. When you make a donation
from your PFD through Pick.Click.Give.
you can make an impact by sharing just a
little with a cause you care about.
Please keep the Kuskokwim Educational
Foundation in mind for Pick.Click.Give.
when you apply for the 2015 Permanent Fund
Dividend beginning January 1st, 2015.
When you go online to apply for your
dividend, you will see the Pick.Click.
Give. option. Click and follow the
instructions to make
your donation. With
one donation at a
time, we can make
good things happen
all over Alaska.
7
PRSRT STD
US Postage
PAID
Anchorage, AK
Permit #537
4300 B Street, Suite 207
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Visit us at: www.kuskokwim.com
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The Kuskokwim Drift newsletter is published quarterly by The Kuskokwim Corporation.
For more information, contact the Community Relations Department at (907) 243-2944.
Shareholder Relations Corner:
Important Tax Information
Anyone who has Class A TKC Stock, whether it be 300 shares or one share,
shlould report the dividend on their federal tax return. Beginning with the 2014 tax year,
TKC will mail out 1099 forms to all shareholders by January 31 of each calendar year.
Please keep these forms safe with other important financial documents and report your
TKC dividend income each year, starting with your 2014 federal tax return.
Questions? Contact TKC at (907) 243-2944 or toll-free at (800) 478-2171.
Anchorage Office
4300 B Street, Suite 207
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
Phone: (907) 243-2944
Fax: (907) 243-2984
Toll Free (in-state only):
1-800-478-2171
Aniak Office
P.O. Box 227
Aniak, Alaska 99557
Phone: (907) 675-4275
Fax: (907) 675-4276
Toll Free (in-state only):
1-800-478-4275