Author: Michael Levshakof

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.

Celebrating 50 Years of Tribal Self-Governance

This year’s conference was especially significant as it commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA)—a groundbreaking piece of legislation that has transformed federal-tribal relationships and empowered Tribes to govern and shape their own futures.

Chugach’s Deputy General Counsel Maude Blair, Chugach President Katherine Carlton,
and Chugach Tribal Services Executive Director Tanaya Horne 

Signed into law in 1975, ISDEAA shifted federal Indian policy from one of direct governance to one of partnership, allowing Tribes to administer federal programs and services on their own terms. “For Alaska Natives, the act has been nothing short of transformative,” stated Sheri Buretta. “It has enabled Alaska Native organizations and tribal entities to take control of health care systems, social services, education, transportation, and housing programs—ensuring they are designed with cultural relevance and local needs in mind. For the Chugach region and throughout Alaska, the result has been stronger communities, more effective service delivery, and increased economic opportunities.”

The conference agenda included dynamic breakout sessions and keynote discussions on federal budgeting, healthcare improvement, youth programs, tribal governance, and digital advocacy. It also featured performances by Native artists and site visits to tribal facilities, fostering connection, cultural exchange, and practical knowledge-sharing. These sessions provided Chugach attendees with deeper insight into best practices and upcoming policy shifts, reaffirming the importance of our role in advancing tribal self-governance.

Coinciding with the conference, Chugach also extended deep appreciation to Senator Lisa Murkowski for the hand of friendship she has extended to Alaska Natives throughout her tenure and for leading the recent bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating ISDEAA’s 50th anniversary.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Senator Murkowski continues to be a powerful advocate for self-determination and the sovereign rights for Tribes across the nation. Her leadership—alongside that of Vice Chairman Brian Schatz and a coalition of bipartisan senators—ensures that the legacy of ISDEAA remains strong and continues to grow.


Sen. Murkowski on a tour with Chairman Sheri Buretta in Buretta’s home village of Tatitlek .

Reflecting back with gratitude over the conference and on the Murkowski resolution, Katherine Carlton stated, “We thank the organizers of this year’s Tribal Self-Governance Conference for hosting such a meaningful and timely gathering. This conference honored a landmark moment in our history—the passage of ISDEAA—and reminded us how far we’ve come through self-determination.”

Carlton continued, “For Chugach, ISDEAA has been instrumental in delivering culturally grounded, community-driven programs. Attending this event deepened our understanding of evolving policies and strengthened our commitment to our region and to our people.”

In conclusion, Chairman Buretta echoed the words of gratitude expressed by Carlton. “All at Chugach would also like to thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless advocacy for Alaska Natives and for leading the charge in commemorating the legislation that has placed control of our culture, the heart of who we are, back into our hands and allowed our journey as a strong and independent people to continue on.”

Chugach’s Climate Leadership Highlighted at NACW Conference

Chugach was honored to be invited to speak on a panel that highlighted the role of local and Indigenous communities in carbon projects. Blackwell represented Chugach on this panel, sharing the corporation’s story, lessons learned, and the tangible benefits generated by its carbon initiatives. The panel also featured representatives from Mexico and the National Indian Carbon Coalition, underscoring the importance of global Indigenous leadership in advancing climate action.

In addition to presenting, Carlton and Blackwell met with a wide range of carbon professionals—including developers, foresters, attorneys, carbon managers, and registry officials. These meetings offered valuable opportunities to deepen partnerships and stay informed on evolving market dynamics. “The networking opportunities were fantastic,” Blackwell noted. “It was great to learn more about current carbon market trends and to connect with the people who are shaping this space.”

The NACW conference, hosted by the Climate Action Reserve—the same registry where Chugach’s carbon project is listed—covers a broad range of critical topics, from voluntary and compliance carbon markets, nature-based solutions like forestry and regenerative agriculture, and groundbreaking innovations such as direct air capture and blue carbon which is captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems. The event also emphasized environmental integrity, equitable outcomes, and the role of carbon markets in supporting communities and global net-zero goals.

Chugach has played a pioneering role in advancing carbon markets in Alaska. It was one of the first organizations in the state to pursue participation in California’s cap-and-trade program—a market-based system that places a cap on greenhouse gas emissions while allowing companies to trade emission allowances. Chugach was also instrumental in lobbying for the inclusion of Alaska Native Corporations in the program, opening new pathways for Indigenous participation in climate solutions.

Reflecting on the experience, Blackwell shared, “Being part of NACW gave us a chance to tell Chugach’s story on a national stage and show how Indigenous leadership can drive meaningful climate solutions. While providing a means for us to be responsible stewards of our lands and environment, our carbon program is more than a project—it’s a core part of our 100-year plan to create lasting, intergenerational prosperity for the Chugach people and our region.”

Through its participation in NACW, Chugach reaffirmed its commitment to environmental innovation, Indigenous leadership, and a sustainable future for the Chugach region and beyond.

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) Announces President Transition

Virginia Robinson, Current CGS Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Appointed Interim President of CGS; Executive Search Will be Conducted to Identify Successor

 

(Anchorage, Alaska) – Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) has announced the departure of President Dirk van der Vaart. The Board of Directors of Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach) has appointed CGS Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer Virginia Robinson as Interim President of CGS while an executive search is conducted to identify the next leader for Chugach’s government contracting business line. 

“We wish Dirk well in his future endeavors,” Chugach CEO Jonathan Dalrymple stated. “Chugach has a strong foundation, a values-driven culture, and resilient business model that have enabled the corporation to thrive over the past five decades through a long history of leaders. We are confident Virginia’s appointment as Interim President, along with the support of a capable and well-rounded executive leadership team, will enable us to continue advancing our mission while we search for our next leader.” 

With a career spanning nearly two decades, Robinson has established herself as a trusted legal advisor and business strategist. Prior to joining CGS, Robinson served as General Counsel, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation, where she was instrumental in guiding the organization through complex legal and regulatory challenges. 

Her background includes leadership roles at Amentum and DynCorp International, where she played a key role in corporate compliance, employment law, and risk management. A seasoned legal executive, Robinson has successfully defended major litigation cases, led corporate governance initiatives, and advised on mergers, acquisitions, and business growth strategies. 

About Chugach Alaska Corporation (Chugach): Established in 1972 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach Alaska Corporation exists to serve the interests of the Alaska Native people of the Chugach region with a focus on profitability, celebration of our heritage and ownership of our lands. Through responsible management of our lands, businesses and assets, we provide meaningful opportunities and benefits to our community of 2,700 shareholders. Chugach fulfills its mission through a range of investments and operating businesses that provide government, facilities and energy services. Learn more at www.chugach.com. 

About Chugach Government Solutions (CGS): Chugach Government Solutions (CGS) represents Chugach’s federal government contracting division, serving customers through 19 operating companies. As a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions to the U.S. Government, CGS operates more than 100 facilities management and maintenance, technical/IT, education, and construction services contracts worldwide. Learn more at  www.chugachgov.com.