Long-time Chair of the Sealaska board, Albert Kookesh, announced via the Sealaska website online, on December 31st, that he will be stepping down from the chairman's position after 14 years.

“At the last Sealaska annual meeting, during the process of electing the chair, I announced to the board
 that this would be my last term chairing the Sealaska board.” said Kookesh.

He also stated that even though he was stepping down as chair, he would remain on a director on the board, saying, “I will continue to advocate for tribal member shareholders and for Native issues, which are important to all of us. I am committed to Sealaska, our shareholders and the Alaska Native community. Over the years I have developed relationships and influence in both the Native and non-Native worlds, which I can use to our benefit and I intend to do just that.”

Kookesh suffered a heart attack nine months ago, and even though he says he has recovered fully from that cardiac incident, he had made a promise to his family to cut back on his work and commitments. “I want to be here to see my grandchildren grow up.” Kookesh says.

As a result of those promises to his family, Kookesh also stepped down from his co-chair position on the 36-member Alaska Federation of Natives board.