Author: Michael Levshakof

Chugach Chairman Testifies before Congress in support of Long-Awaited Land Exchange

Chairman Hurd and Representative Leger Fernández, Members of the Subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Sheri Buretta, I am Chairman of the Board for Chugach Alaska Corporation, established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. I have spent the last three decades fighting for legislation that would restore land promised—but never delivered—to our people.

I want to express our sincere appreciation to Congressman Nick Begich and the entire Alaska congressional delegation for reintroducing H.R. 3903. This is a critical piece of legislation, and I am gratified for the opportunity to testify today in strong support of it.

This bill not only honors the intent of the 2019 Dingell Act but also represents a step toward justice. It would authorize a balanced exchange of lands — providing roughly 65,000 acres of culturally and economically significant lands to Chugach, while transferring over 230,000 acres of our subsurface estate to the federal government. This will consolidate ownership and resolve decades of management conflicts.

The legislation addresses a painful history. When Congress passed ANCSA over 50 years ago, we accepted a fraction of our traditional lands, where we have lived for thousands of years, under the promise that they would be accessible and usable as a foundation for self-determination and economic development. Instead, we were granted mountaintops and glaciers, surrounded by and encumbered by federal lands. The promise was broken.

But through the 1982 Chugach Settlement Agreement, and again through our long pursuit of justice after the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS), Chugach continues to believe in a government that would one day make good on its word. The oil spill devastated our spirit, our ecosystems, our economy, and our way of life. Yet rather than supporting the healing, and recovery of our communities, federal and state agencies used EVOS funds to buy up Native lands for conservation, eroding trust and creating fractured land ownership.

Please let me share a short story about Walter Meganack Sr., a Chugach founder and past Chief of Port Graham Village, who wrote a speech called “Coping with the time when the water died” given at the “Oil Spill Mayors Meeting” in Valdez where he said, “The land and the water are our sources of life. The water is sacred. He went on to say, “I will not lose hope, and I will help my people”. We will learn from the past, we will learn from each other, and we will live.” This profound statement underscores the deep connection our people have with our lands, it gives me hope for justice, and the importance of fighting for this legislation.

Here is an analogy: Imagine someone buys the front door to your house but leaves you with everything behind it — and then tries to tell you how to use the home. That’s the situation we’ve been in. Chugach still holds the legal authority to access and manage our subsurface estate, but the surface lands, which were once fully owned by our Villages, are now locked away. This legislation would fix that. It would give the government ownership of that “house,” and give Chugach a new, unified parcel of land. What we are asking for today is not a handout—it is about fairness and healing rifts caused by decisions made without full consideration of Native landowners.

Each parcel in this exchange has been carefully selected for economic and cultural value. Some parcels are adjacent to our Nuuciq Youth and Elder Spirit Camp, a place of cultural education and healing. Other parcels offer economic development potential in tourism, transportation, forestry, and minerals to create benefits for our people.

Our lands are not for sale. And as our elders taught us that “Our land and water are our sources of life”. It is our identity, legacy and power. And it is time to return that power to the people who have lived in harmony with it for thousands of years.

With the vast acreage of federal lands in Alaska, moving this land exchange forward is good land management for the nation. It is a win win.

Chugach will work with Congress, agencies, and stakeholders to get this done. Our commitment is strong, and we are determined. We ask this Committee to move forward with H.R. 3903 to resolve this conflict while creating opportunities for economic development. Please don’t pass this problem on to future generations.

In closing, I sincerely thank Representative Begich, for your leadership on this Land Exchange bill. We are truly grateful for your support. I have hope.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration.

In a show of solidarity, Chugach’s executive team joined Chairman Buretta
in Washington, D.C., to support her testimony.

Chugach Tribal Services Expands Capacity with New Office & Growing Team

Since its inception, CTS has bridged gaps, secured critical resources, and built sustainable partnerships across the region. Its creation was driven by the need to improve access to federal and philanthropic funding for programs, while complementing long-standing work by regional non-profits. Today, CTS stands as a cost-effective, collaborative, and impactful nonprofit that is already making a tangible difference in the Chugach region.

Leadership Growth and Team Expansion
As part of this next chapter, CTS announced the promotion of Jayme Selanoff to Deputy Director. Jayme, who has been instrumental in building CTS’s operational foundation, will now take on a leadership role in advancing programs, partnerships, and resources for the region.

CTS has also welcomed the hire of Program Coordinator Tasha Elgarico, who along with Jayme and CTS Executive Director Tanaya Horne rounds out CTS’ operations team.

Together, this team drives CTS’s mission as a tribal nonprofit service provider, administering Chugach shareholder development programs, providing grant writing and management services, and pursuing funding in areas where other nonprofits may not be operating. Their work encompasses workforce development programs such as internships, regional apprenticeships, career planning, Training Without Walls (TWOW), barrier-to-employment scholarships, support for Alaska Pacific University’s Alaska Native Executive Leadership Program (ANELP), Chugach’s Shareholder Business Assistance Program, and leadership development opportunities like the Native American Contractor Association’s Emerging Leaders Program.

Recent CTS hires include Alexandra Hetrick, Nonprofit Accounting Associate, and Amanda O’Brien, Nonprofit Accounting Coordinator. Together they form CTS’s Accounting Team, gaining experience and support through mentorship from Chugach Alaska Corporation’s Shared Services Accounting teamThis team provides essential financial and administrative support not only to CTS but also to the Chugach Heritage Foundation and the Chugach Museum, ensuring fiscal integrity and sustainability across Chugach’s nonprofit network.

Pride in Progress
CTS Executive Director Tanaya Horne reflected on the organization’s incredible and rapid achievements. “In just two years, CTS has grown from concept to reality, and now moving to independence with our own office and expanding team. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together. Our programs are delivering real impact for Chugach shareholders, descendants, and our partner entities. I also want to extend heartfelt congratulations to Jayme Selanoff on her well-deserved promotion to Deputy Director. Her dedication, vision, and commitment have been vital to CTS’s success.”

Chugach President and CTS President Katherine Carlton emphasized the broader significance of these milestones, stating, “CTS was created to fill critical gaps, and in a short time it has made significant progress, securing grant funding, building regional partnerships, and developing programs that advance cultural preservation, workforce opportunities, and community resilience. I am especially proud to see Jayme’s career development within Chugach, a career that spans nearly two decades. Her journey reflects the very purpose of CTS: creating opportunities that grow into lasting impact.”

Speaking about the work ahead and her recent promotion, Jayme Selanoff stated, “There is nothing more rewarding than giving back to the community that has supported me throughout my career. I am excited to take on this new role and continue to learn and grow with our amazing team.”

Looking Ahead
With its own office space, a strengthened operations team, and dedicated accounting support, CTS is positioned for its next phase of growth. Guided by its five-year strategic plan, CTS will continue to pursue financial independence, expand program offerings, and foster collaboration with other nonprofits and community partners, ensuring that the Chugach region thrives for generations to come.

Chugach Welcomes General Counsel Nicholas Ostrovsky

Ostrovsky has extensive experience navigating the legal landscape of Alaska Native Corporations, with expertise in Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) issues, corporate governance, land management, mergers and acquisitions, and government and commercial contracting. His background also includes a strong focus on government affairs, regulatory compliance, and employment and labor law, making him a key member of Chugach’s executive leadership team during a time of growth and transformation for the corporation.

“We’re pleased to welcome Nicholas to the Chugach team,” said Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple. “His legal acumen and deep understanding of the Alaska Native Corporation environment will be vital as we continue to advance our strategic goals and uphold our commitment to both business excellence and shareholder stewardship.”

Prior to joining Chugach, Ostrovsky spent nearly a decade at Ahtna, Inc., and served at an Alaskan law firm where he represented Alaska Native Corporations. Throughout his tenure in both positions, he provided executive teams with counsel on ANCSA, natural resources, real estate, corporate governance, and litigation matters. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington and a Juris Doctor degree from Seattle University School of Law.

“It is a privilege to join Chugach and be part of an organization with such a rich heritage and dynamic vision,” shared Ostrovsky. “I look forward to contributing to the corporation’s mission and supporting its legal and strategic endeavors.”

Chugach Celebrates Legislative Victory for Alaska Native Elders

Once signed into law, this legislation will ensure that ANCSA-related benefits are not unfairly counted as income, a long-standing issue that has impacted our Elders’ access to Social Security and other federal programs.

“Our Elders have given so much,” stated Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “This legislation honors them and their contributions to our community and people.”

Buretta continued, “This is an incredible victory for our beloved Elders, and Chugach is honored to advocate for this important legislative fix that negatively impacted our most vulnerable population. This effort spanned across three congresses, and every effort was made on their behalf to enact it. The wisdom of our Elders and their sacrifices have blazed the trail to many opportunities for the Alaska Native culture and community.”

Chugach thanks Congressman Nick Begich for introducing this legislation early in January, and we are grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan for their tireless leadership in the Senate that got this legislation signed into law.

This milestone represents years of determination, testimony, and advocacy by many across the Alaska Native community. We are especially proud of the role played by Chugach’s Government Relations team and Chugach’s Board of Directors, whose steadfast leadership brought this issue to the forefront time and time again.

Chugach’s 2025 AKRFW Campaign: We Ran, We Won, We Remembered

We ran for every woman who has faced this disease — especially Tammy Morton-Bilak, our beloved friend and coworker whose strength continues to inspire us. Her legacy and the legacies of so many others fueled every stride we took this year and the years before.

Chugach’s Executive Vice President & CFO and AKRFW Team Captain Angie Astle summed it up perfectly: “The AKRFW event was wonderful as always — thank you to SO SO many people. Maura Wharton, our new Deputy Director of the Chugach Museum, sang the national anthem and – WOW!! – it was amazing.”

Astle continued, “Chugach team members have participated since 2006, and for 11 years straight we’ve placed first in team size and funds raised. Our total raised over the past decade? Over $186,000! Thank you all for your incredible passion that made this year and the ten years before a record-breaking success!”

We may have crossed the finish line, but this race isn’t over until breast cancer is behind us for good, so we hope you’ll join us for next year’s race. Thank you, again, one and all, for your support and for running for Tammy, for the survivors and fighters in your lives, and for a future free from breast cancer and, most of all, for running with heart.

CYBER Express Now Wash Open and Ready to Shine

Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance joined CYBER leadership, key partners, and founding members, including proud investor Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) and the 49th State Fund to celebrate the opening of the locally owned and operated facility. Designed to deliver luxury-level service with high-tech efficiency, CYBER is now open and ready to help Alaskans wash away the grit and grime of Alaska’s roads.

CYBER is creating more than just clean cars, it’s creating impact. The launch brings 90+ new local jobs and represents a significant investment in the Anchorage economy and workforce. Built by Alaskans, for Alaskans, CYBER Express Wash is no ordinary car wash — it’s a full-throttle experience:

  • 3-minute tunnel wash for that instant shine
  • 10-minute express detail — no appointment needed
  • 19 indoor heated vacuum bays for year-round comfort
  • State-of-the-art water recycling system reusing over 70% of water
  • The first express detail center of its kind in Alaska
  • #3 largest express wash in the U.S.

Chugach is proud to support this trailblazing venture and help drive local business and innovation. “CYBER is a shining example of Alaskans investing in Alaska, bringing new opportunity, smarter infrastructure, and a better customer experience to our community,” stated Angie Astle, Chugach Executive Vice President and CFO. “So roll on over! CYBER Express Wash is now open to give your car a one-of-a-kind spotless mirror-finish, inside and out!”

About CYBER Express Wash: CYBER is Alaska’s first high-tech, hospitality-first express wash — built from the ground up by Alaskans for Alaskans. With a 3-minute tunnel wash, 10-minute express detail, and no appointment needed, CYBER delivers convenience, luxury level comfort, and next-level service in even the harshest conditions. Ranked as the #3 largest express wash in the U.S., CYBER’s Anchorage flagship brings the most advanced car care experience in the country to Alaska. Go to www.cyberexpressalaska.com to learn more and lockdown a great price on the best carwash in Alaska.

Chugach Shares Native-Owned Small Business Priorities During SBA Tribal Consultation

Chugach President Katherine Carlton represented the corporation and shared recommendations to strengthen and protect the 8(a) Business Development Program and the Mentor-Protégé Program—two essential tools that support the growth and self-determination of Native organizations in the federal contracting space. 

“Chugach’s success in the federal contracting space is directly tied to our responsible and strategic use of SBA programs like 8(a), HUBZone, and Mentor-Protégé Joint Ventures,” said Carlton during her testimony. “These tools have helped us build capacity, create opportunity, and deliver real benefits to our shareholders and communities.” 

Representing more than 2,800 Alaska Native shareholders and thousands of descendants from the Chugach region, Carlton underscored the critical role the SBA’s programs play in promoting economic self-determination and community development. Chugach currently supports over 4,500 employees across 172 government contracts in more than 40 states and overseas. 

During the consultation, Chugach highlighted several key issues: 

  • mySBA System Failures: Chugach voiced serious concerns about technical and administrative failures in the new mySBA online certification system, citing data loss and extended delays in certification processing. 
  • FAR Rewrite and Rule of Two: Carlton warned that eliminating the “Rule of Two” in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) would undermine small business participation in federal contracting, contrary to SBA’s core mission. 
  • Bona Fide Place of Business Requirement: Chugach advocated for greater agency discretion and requested either rescission or continued moratorium on this burdensome rule, particularly for defense-related construction contracts. 
  • Mentor-Protégé Program Integrity: While Chugach has not experienced mentor dominance in its own ventures, the company urged the SBA not to adopt new regulations without data-driven justification. 
  • Marketing and Affiliation Concerns: Chugach disputed the suggestion that shared capabilities among subsidiaries or centralized marketing creates affiliation, emphasizing that each entity maintains unique qualifications and points of contact. 
  • Community Benefits Reporting: Carlton reaffirmed Chugach’s longstanding commitment to community reinvestment, noting millions of dollars returned annually to shareholders, and cautioned against additional reporting burdens that lack clear utility. 

Chugach concluded its testimony by reaffirming its dedication to working in partnership with the SBA to ensure the long-term success of Native enterprises. “We appreciate the opportunity to speak on these topics and urge SBA to take seriously the real concerns of the ANC community,” Carlton said. “These programs are not just technical mechanisms—they are lifelines that connect our communities to opportunity, purpose, and prosperity.” 

“For more information about Chugach Alaska Corporation, please visit www.chugach.com or www.chugachgov.com. 

Chugach Applauds Reintroduction of Land Exchange Legislation

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich for their unwavering leadership and advocacy on behalf of Chugach and our shareholders,” said Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board. “Their decision to reintroduce this legislation underscores the significance of this exchange resolving long-standing split-estate conflicts in the region — not only for our corporation, but for the broader public interest, the State of Alaska, and the federal government.”

The legislation seeks to fulfill the intent of the 2019 John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act by consolidating split estates and facilitating a mutually beneficial land exchange. If enacted, Chugach would receive approximately 65,000 acres of full-estate and surface lands that are culturally significant, economically viable, and accessible. In return, Chugach would transfer ownership of more than 230,000 acres of subsurface estates to the federal government to align surface and subsurface ownership and reduce management conflicts.

The split-estate issues targeted by this legislation are a direct result of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and the use of EVOS Trustee Council settlement funds to acquire surface lands where Chugach retained subsurface rights. While well-intentioned, these land purchases created decades-long barriers to land management and development for Native communities, undermining the promise of self-determination enshrined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

“ANCSA was designed to create a cooperative relationship between Village and Regional Corporations by granting surface rights to Villages and subsurface rights—the dominant estate—to Regional Corporations like Chugach,” Buretta explained. “The EVOS Trustee Council spent hundreds of millions acquiring surface lands from Village Corporations for conservation, while Chugach retained its subsurface rights. This created an unworkable dynamic—much like buying the front door to a home and then trying to decide how the homeowner uses the house. As such, Chugach still holds the legal authority to use the front door and access its subsurface estate, and this legislation would fix that and give ownership of the entire house to the government, and in exchange, Chugach would be given ownership to an adjacent home in the Chugach region.”

“This exchange is a matter of common sense, fairness and healing from this disaster,” Buretta continued. “It represents a necessary step toward correcting historic imbalances and ensuring that Chugach can wholly manage our lands for the long-term benefit of our shareholders and future generations.”

Each parcel identified for exchange has been carefully selected for its cultural, economic, or ecological value — from lands adjacent to Chugach’s Nuuciq Youth and Elder Spirit Camp to those with development potential. This balanced approach to land stewardship reflects Chugach’s commitment to both economic opportunity and cultural preservation.

As Congress considers this reintroduced legislation, Chugach remains optimistic and firm in its desire to see a fair and lasting resolution. This land exchange is not only a necessary administrative correction — it is a profound opportunity to advance the shared interests of Alaska Native communities, state and federal government, and the people of Alaska.

“Chugach stands ready to work in close partnership with Congress, federal agencies, and all stakeholders to help advance this process,” Chairman Buretta offered. “Our commitment to cooperation is rooted in a shared vision of responsible stewardship, economic opportunity, and enduring respect for our connection to these lands that have sustained our people for millennia.”

 

Unlocking Success: Meet Naswik’s General Manager

“From day one, I focused on creating a streamlined and supportive work environment,” said Burke. “That’s helped us deliver consistently positive guest experiences, from simplified check-ins to a welcoming atmosphere in our lobby.”

 

Among her proudest accomplishments is addressing the community’s initial perception that Naswik was strictly for corporate housing. “We’ve worked hard to change that narrative and establish Naswik as Valdez’s premier lodging destination,” Burke shared. “Seeing the property near full capacity is incredibly exciting—it shows our message is resonating.”

Burke also overcame significant technical challenges with the facility’s lock system, identifying and implementing an innovative integration that resolved widespread guest access issues. “After extensive research, including evaluating third-party solutions and a $135,000 replacement quote, I identified the RemoteLock app and was able to integrate it with our room locks,” she stated. “By securing a trial account and testing the solution in real-time, I resolved most access issues, significantly improving the guest and tenant experience, and the feedback has been great.”

Her background in real estate helped lay the groundwork for her leadership success. From receptionist to licensed agent to managing a property business, Burke developed the skills needed to run Naswik’s dynamic operations. “Previous experience has taught me how to lead a team, adapt quickly, and always keep the customer experience front and center.”


Samantha and family on the waters of Prince William Sound

Outside of work, she enjoys painting, woodworking, and boating with her family. “Spending time on the water with my husband and kids is how we connect to Valdez’s natural beauty—it’s where I recharge.”

To those considering joining the team, Burke says, “Naswik is a workplace where collaboration and community thrive. You’ll feel valued from day one.” And to future guests, she states, “We invite you to experience Naswik’s blend of modern comfort and authentic Alaskan hospitality.”


Samantha and Chugach President Katherine Carlton

Burke’s dedication and impact have not gone unnoticed. “Like any new facility, the building came with its share of maintenance challenges as it settled into operations,” stated Chugach President Katherine Carlton. “Samantha quickly became a pro at troubleshooting everything from HVAC systems to plumbing and fuel tank issues. It’s not uncommon to see her with a drill in hand and a fanny pack full of tools—always ready to tackle the next problem.”

“Samantha’s leadership at Naswik has been nothing short of exceptional,” Carlton expressed. “From addressing technical hurdles to redefining our community presence, she’s shown initiative, creativity, and a deep commitment to our guests and team. We thank her, and we’re proud to have her at the helm—her work sets the standard for what we envisioned for Naswik and its presence in the Valdez community.”

Go to www.naswik.com to learn more about Naswik’s luxury accommodations and to book a stay and meet Samantha in person.

FROM CONCEPT TO COMMUNITY IMPACT: Chugach Tribal Services (CTS)

Working alongside vital regional partners like Chugachmiut, Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and the Chugach Heritage Foundation, CTS helps bridge gaps in services, infrastructure, and opportunity for Alaska Native communities—including unrecognized tribes and at-large shareholders.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CTS serves as a collaborative platform to pursue grants and partnerships. Its early success includes securing a $1.2 million DOE grant for grid upgrades in Cordova and submitting over $50 million in recent funding proposals. Strategic partnerships support projects in food security, environmental justice, and cultural preservation.

Guided by a 19-member Regional Advisory Committee and supported by a new Center of Excellence, CTS focuses on three pillars: governance and operational capacity, service delivery, and long-term financial sustainability. Its five-year strategic plan emphasizes independence, growth, and equitable impact.

“Together, we’re creating impactful programs that strengthen our communities and honor our commitment to intergenerational prosperity,” said CTS President Katherine Carlton. Click here to download CTS informational brochure.

         

Tanaya Horne, CTS Executive Director, and Jayme Selanoff, CTS Program Development Manager
CTS inquiries can be emailed to Tanaya.Horne@chugach.com.