Sealaska Corp. is still accepting applications from shareholders for a one-time $500 relief payment, funded with federal pandemic aid.
As of last week, payments had gone out to 70 shareholders in Wrangell, said Matt Carle, spokesman for the Southeast regional Native corporation.
“That number will likely grow as we’re starting to contact shareholders with incomplete applications,” Carle said. “The program is still open and we are encouraging people to apply.”
The application period started Oct. 4 and will remain open until the $6 million in available funds are fully distributed — which could cover 12,000 shareholders.
As of Oct. 13, Sealaska had received more than 7,400 applications.
“Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis until the threshold of 12,000 qualified applicants is met,” the Juneau-based corporation said when it announced the program.
Sealaska received $4.2 million in federal CARES Act funding and teamed up with the Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, which added $1.8 million to the program.
“Shareholders need to provide documentation of financial obligations incurred as a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic,” Sealaska said. “These statements can go back as far as March 2020.”
The corporation explained, “Any shareholder with voting shares who has pandemic-related expenses that haven’t been covered through other financial-assistance programs administered by tribes or other Native service organizations is eligible.”
Shareholders can apply online at mysealaska.com. Elders are advised to call (907) 463-7750 for assistance. Questions can be addressed by email to sealaskacares@ccthita-nsn.gov.
Sealaska reported it has hired a dozen workers to handle the applications, reviews and payments to ensure the funds can move out to shareholders quickly.
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