Authors

• Francesca Ferraro, William & Mary Law School

Shareholder Rights as the Last Frontier for Alaska Native Corporations

Abstract

This Note argues that the principles underlying Rule 14a-19, recently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are broadly applicable to Alaska Native corporations. Put simply, the introduction of such a rule in the ANRC [Alaska Native Regional Corporation] context would make it easier for Alaska Native shareholders to elect members to their respective boards who are more closely aligned with how the shareholders want their Native values to be implemented in their Native corporation. Part I will trace the complex history that led to the passage of ANCSA [Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act] and the development of the twelve regional corporations, with a special emphasis on the efforts of Alaska Natives to fight for legislation that would accurately embody their goals, values, and traditions. Part II will conduct a brief survey of ANRCs as they currently exist today and will aim to provide an accurate account of the ways in which ANRCs have exceeded expectations in certain respects while falling short in others. Part III seeks to “bridge the gap” between ANRCs as they were originally envisioned and ANRCs as they have evolved over the fifty-four years since ANCSA became law. NANA Regional Corporation’s involvement in developing and maintaining ICE detention facilities (and the resulting shareholder grievances) exemplifies this current tension.

This abstract has been taken from the author's introduction.

Repository Citation

Francesca Ferraro, Shareholder Rights as the Last Frontier for Alaska Native Corporations, 68 Wm. & Mary L. Rev. 235 (2026), https://scholarship.law.wm.edu/wmlr/vol68/iss1/6