Calista shareholder count nears 39,500, tripling since descendant enrollment began

Calista Corporation had nearly 39,500 shareholders after its February stock issuance, up from 13,000 before the Yukon-Kuskokwim regional corporation began enrolling descendants in 2017, according to the September/October edition of its Storyknife newsletter.

On July 11, 2015, shareholders approved a binding resolution to issue 100 shares of life estate stock to eligible descendants of original shareholders and to Alaska Natives who qualified for original stock in 1971 but never received it.

The 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act created 12 regional Alaska Native corporations and limited stock to people at least one-quarter Alaska Native born on or before Dec. 18, 1971. Calista and other corporations petitioned for changes to the law so corporations could enroll more generations if their shareholders voted to do so. Calista issued its first shares to about 11,000 descendants in December 2017.

"Shareholders made their voice heard and lived their cultural value of sharing the catch," said Thom Aparuk Leonard, Calista vice president of corporate affairs.

New shareholders can qualify for distributions, scholarships, internships, work-hire preference and, at 18, a vote, according to the newsletter and Calista's enrollment FAQ.

"I am now an eligible voter, this allows me to contribute to the direction of the corporation," said Annie Pavilla, a shareholder with ties to Atmautluak.

Calista's enrollment FAQ says more shareholders share declared distributions, which reduces the amount paid per share, and that a much larger shareholder base could make the 50% quorum for annual meetings hard to reach. Calista's board approved a $4.95 million Akilista payout this year, about $114 per 100 shares, due by Nov. 13, Alaska News reported Oct. 25.

Calista added 830 shareholders in its fall 2025 issuance, more than 100 of them under one year old.