Sealaska Board of Directors Endorse Walker-Mallott in Governor’s Race

The Sealaska board of directors announced its endorsement in support of the re-election of Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott.

The Sealaska board of directors announced its endorsement in support of the re-election of Governor Bill Walker and Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. As part of its endorsement, the board is contributing up to $100,000 to Unite Alaska, a political action committee formed to support the re-election of Walker and Mallott. Unite Alaska is part of National independent group Unite America, which has also endorsed Governor Walker.

The Sealaska board identifies and endorses candidates who are best qualified to contribute to issues important to its shareholders, other Alaska Natives and to the success of all Alaskans.

“The Walker-Mallott administration has been consistent and fair with respect to properly acknowledging Alaska’s first people and respecting the sovereignty of Alaska’s 229 tribes. The establishment of Indigenous Peoples’ day and compacting with tribes on Indian Child Welfare services are examples of this administration’s genuine effort to put our Alaska Native interests front and center, where they should be,” says Sealaska Board Chair Joe Nelson.

Both Walker and Mallott have been actively engaged in issues important to Alaska Natives. Earlier this year, Walker supported a resolution declaring a “linguistic emergency” regarding Alaska Native language loss that would actively promote the survival and continued use of all of Alaska’s 20 Native languages. Lt. Gov. Mallott represents the state of Alaska to implement cooperative agreements with British Columbia aimed at protecting water quality and salmon habitat by addressing the risk of pollution from upstream mines and other development projects.

“For the last four years, the Walker-Mallott team has been doing the right thing for Alaska, even when those decisions are not the most politically popular. They have proven that they have the integrity, the vision, and the will to continue on that path,” Nelson added.

Alaska Natives make up 17% of eligible voters in the state. Sealaska encourages shareholders living in Alaska to participate in the November 6, 2018, general election. The deadline to register to vote or update your registration information is Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Please visit the Alaska State Division of Elections voter information page for additional information on voter registration.