Shareholder Resolution: Open Enrollment 2025
The BSNC Board of Directors has unanimously approved placing open enrollment for BSNC descendants on the 2025 shareholder proxy. In August 2025, shareholders will be asked to vote whether to open enrollment to BSNC lineal descendants. If the majority of shareholders vote yes on the resolution, 50 new Class C shares of BSNC Settlement Common Stock would then be issued to individuals who enroll, and are:
1. A lineal descendant of an original shareholder of BSNC, including:
a. those individuals who are the natural children of an original shareholder of BSNC, or a lineal descendant of an original shareholder of BSNC, and were adopted before their age of majority by someone who is not an original shareholder of BSNC or a lineal descendant of an original shareholder of BSNC;
b. those individuals who are adopted before their age of majority by an original shareholder of BSNC, or a lineal descendant of an original shareholder of BSNC;
2. A United States citizen; and
3. Not a shareholder of another Alaska Native regional corporation, unless they received those shares through gifting or inheritance.
In addition:
The resolution will also include the issuance of new Class D shares of BSNC Settlement Common Stock to “missed enrollees.” Missed enrollees refers to any Native (as that term is defined in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, as amended), who is a citizen of the United States, who is not an original shareholder of another Alaska Native regional corporation (including the 13th Regional Corporation) except by gifting or inheritance, and who was eligible on December 18, 1971 for enrollment in BSNC pursuant to Section 5 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act but did not enroll. Missed enrollees would receive 100 Class D shares upon enrollment.
BSNC originally issued two types of shares:
- Original Class A shares were issued to at-large shareholders not associated with a village corporation.
- Original Class B shares were issued to shareholders associated with a village corporation.
If shareholders vote to pass open enrollment, two additional classes of shares will be created:
- Class C shares would be available to descendants born after December 18, 1971.
- Class D shares would be available to missed enrollees.
Questions about the Resolution? Ask in the Chat BOT!
Shareholder Participation
Shareholders are encouraged to discuss this initiative and its impact with other shareholders and their families. BSNC is available to answer any questions you may have. Additionally, we will host informational sessions — please visit the Events page for dates and locations. If you have additional questions, please feel free to email comms@beringstraits.com. As always, we appreciate your engagement and participation. Quyaana, quyana cakneq, igamsiqanaghhalek, thank you.
A Decade of Careful Thought
Gain insight into The Board’s decision to pass the Open Enrollment Resolution and the historical context surrounding Open Enrollment.
BSNC Board of Directors Answer Open Enrollment Resolution FAQs
Open Enrollment Resolution FAQs
Why is the BSNC Board having shareholders vote on the resolution?
The Board approved placing the open enrollment resolution for shareholders to vote on to reflect the evolving priorities and values of its shareholders. After a decade of careful evaluation and ongoing discussions, the Board recognizes the growing support for open enrollment among shareholders, as highlighted in a recent survey. By bringing this resolution forward, the Board is honoring its commitment to listening to shareholders and addressing their aspirations for the corporation’s future.
When will shareholders vote on the resolution?
The open enrollment resolution will be included in the 2025 BSNC Proxy Statement. Shareholders will receive their Annual Report packet containing their proxy card in mid-August. Shareholders can then vote online or mail in their proxy. Voting will close at the Annual Meeting in October 2025.
Who is eligible to vote on the resolution?
All shareholders with voting shares as of the record date of August 6, 2025, will be eligible to vote for or against open enrollment.
How many votes are required for this to pass?
Fifty percent plus one of the total issued and outstanding voting shares present or voted by proxy, with a majority of voting shares cast in favor of the resolution.
How many shares would newly enrolled shareholder descendants receive?
New descendant enrollees would receive 50 life-estate shares upon enrollment.
Why 50 shares?
Since BSNC’s inception, many original shareholders have chosen to gift their shares to descendants or family members, thereby naturally redistributing shares over time. This has allowed families to maintain involvement and connection with the corporation across generations.
Issuing 50 shares to new descendant enrollees is designed to strike a balance between welcoming descendants into BSNC and maintaining the overall structure of shareholder ownership. While new enrollees will receive 50 shares, it’s important to note that the process of gifting shares means that many current original shareholders already hold fewer than the original number of shares issued at the time of ANCSA.
Who would be eligible for descendant shares?
Lineal descendants (U.S. citizens) such as children, grandchildren, and so on would be eligible. This includes individuals who are the natural or legally adopted (before age 18) children of original BSNC shareholders or their descendants. Individuals must not be shareholders of another Alaska Native regional corporation, unless they inherited or were gifted those shares.
Will there be a blood quantum requirement to enroll and receive descendant shares?
No, there will not be a blood quantum requirement for descendant enrollees.
Will there be an age restriction on new descendant enrollees?
No. All lineal descendants of original shareholders can enroll.
If a lineal descendant was adopted out, will they be eligible for enrollment?
Yes, if they were adopted before the age of majority (18). Lineal descendants who were adopted out will need to provide documentation that shows proof of familial relation.
Are those adopted into shareholder families eligible for enrollment?
Yes, if they were adopted before the age of majority (18).
If a lineal descendant has inherited or been gifted shares, are they still eligible for open enrollment?
Yes. As long as the individual has not enrolled in another Alaska Native regional corporation.
Will anything happen to the current shares I own?
No. Original shares will remain with the current holder of those shares.
Does BSNC know approximately how many descendants are eligible?
BSNC estimates that in the first five years after enrollment begins the number of shareholders will triple. Currently, BSNC has almost 8,300 shareholders.
Will opening enrollment impact my distribution?
While opening enrollment may increase the number of shareholders, its impact on distributions will depend on multiple factors. Shareholder distributions are carefully determined annually by the board and management using a formula that considers BSNC’s overall financial performance.
Distributions may also be impacted by the amount of other shareholder benefits paid, including the Elder distributions, bereavement distributions, scholarships and more. The board and management will continue to closely monitor the financial implications of enrollment to determine the best course of action for distributions.
BSNC is committed to growing the company at a sustainable pace to continue providing meaningful benefits to both current and future shareholders. While we do not know what the future will hold, our goal is to minimize any impact to current shareholder distributions and to keep distributions steady.
Will distributions continue to decrease as more descendants enroll?
BSNC leadership remains committed to a strategic growth plan that prioritizes predictable distributions and meaningful benefits for an expanding shareholder base should open enrollment occur. As more descendants enroll, distributions will be shared among a larger number of outstanding shares, which may result in a lower per-share distribution. However, several factors influence long-term distribution trends:
The initial enrollment of shareholder descendants will likely have the most effect on distributions. Since open enrollment allows for continuous growth of the shareholder base, available funds will be spread among more shareholders. Over time, as holders of life estate shares pass on, their shares are canceled. This means that while some shares are added, others are removed, naturally offsetting some of the shareholder growth.
Since distributions depend on the financial health of both the Corporation and the Trust, BSNC’s ability to provide distributions may fluctuate. If financial conditions are strong, BSNC may be able to offer distributions that exceed historical levels, even with the addition of new shareholders. However, such performance is not guaranteed.
Have other Alaska Native Corporations opened their rolls?
Shareholders of six of the 12 regional corporations have approved open enrollment. BSNC and another regional corporation will place the open enrollment resolution before their shareholders in 2025.
What is a "Missed Enrollee"?
A “Missed Enrollee” refers to a living individual who:
- Is a Native, as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and a citizen of the United States.
- Was eligible for enrollment with BSNC on December 18, 1971, under Section 5 of ANCSA but did not enroll with BSNC at that time.
- Is not a shareholder of another Alaska Native regional corporation, except by gifting or inheritance.
Does BSNC know approximately how many missed enrollees are eligible?
BSNC estimates less than 30 missed enrollees will be eligible for enrollment.
Will Class C (descendant) shares be eligible for gifting?
No. Class C shares will be life-estate, meaning the shares will return to BSNC upon the passing of the shareholder and will not be eligible for gifting.
Are class C shares life-estate?
Yes. Class C shares will be life-estate, meaning the shares will return to BSNC upon the passing of the shareholder and will not be eligible for gifting.
What happens to Class C shares when they return to the corporation?
Class C shares shall be issued for the life of the shareholder, and shall escheat to the corporation and be cancelled on the death of the shareholder. That means, the shares will return to the available pool of shares.
Will Class D (missed enrollee) shares be eligible for gifting?
Yes. Class D shares will be eligible for gifting and will have the same restrictions for gifting as Class B (original) shares.
I have gifted shares to my descendants, can I get them back?
Unfortunately, no. ANCSA law only allows Class A and B shares to only be gifted from a holder to his or her child, grandchild, great-grandchild, niece, nephew, or (if the holder has reached the age of majority) brother or sister.
If passed, when will open enrollment begin?
If approved, open enrollment could begin as early as 2026.
If passed, will there be an enrollment deadline?
No, the period for enrollment will be continuous.
Will new shares have the same voting rights as existing shares?
Yes.
What is the impact to voting power? Who can vote if it passes?
All new shares will have the same voting rights as existing shares therefore the pool of voting shares will significantly grow if open enrollment is approved. This would reduce voting strength of original shares.
Currently, shareholders must be the age of majority (18 and over) to vote their shares. Custodians may vote for shareholders under the age of majority. If the resolution passes, these rules will still apply.
If open enrollment occurs, will there be additional costs for administration?
If open enrollment occurs, the administration costs for BSNC will increase. There will be more costs associated with administrative records, printed materials, and more.
Why can’t an individual enroll in more than one ANC?
BSNC will adhere to the original intent of ANCSA and only allow enrollment in one Alaska Native corporation.
Why did BSNC have two types of shares at incorporation?
After the passage of ANCSA, this allowed BSNC and the other regional corporations to differentiate shares associated with individuals no longer living in the region but with ties to the region, and individuals living in the region and enrolled in a village corporation.
My grandparent is an original BSNC shareholder, but my parent is an original shareholder of another regional corporation. Would I be eligible to enroll with BSNC?
Yes. If your grandparent is an original BSNC shareholder, you are eligible as a lineal descendant of an original shareholder.
Can I unenroll from one regional corporation and enroll in another?
No, under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), you cannot unenroll from one regional corporation to join another. Enrollment in a regional corporation is permanent and is based on your original eligibility or inherited/gifted shares. Each person may only be enrolled in one regional corporation at a time, and ANCSA does not allow for voluntary transfer of enrollment between regional corporations. However, you can be a shareholder in more than one corporation if you inherit or receive gifted shares from different corporations.
Who would be eligible for descendant shares?
Lineal descendants (U.S. citizens) such as children, grandchildren, and so on would be eligible. This includes individuals who are the natural or legally adopted (before age 18) children of original BSNC shareholders or their descendants. Individuals must not be shareholders of another Alaska Native regional corporation, unless they inherited or were gifted those shares.
Definitions
Original Shareholder: An Alaska Native person born by December 18, 1971, who was enrolled in Bering Straits Native Corporation.
Holder of Original Shares: An individual who has been gifted or inherited shares from an Original Shareholder.
Lineal Descendant: the direct descendants of a person, such as children, grandchildren, and so on.
Blood Quantum: In 1971, under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), blood quantum minimums of ¼ Alaska Native heritage were required for an individual to be eligible to enroll in Alaska Native regional and village corporations. An amendment was made to ANCSA in 1992 to remove that blood quantum requirement for descendant enrollment.
Missed Enrollee: A missed enrollee refers to a living individual who is a Native, as defined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and a citizen of the United States; was eligible for enrollment with BSNC on December 18, 1971, under Section 5 of ANCSA but did not enroll with BSNC at that time; and is not a shareholder of another Alaska Native regional corporation, except by gifting or inheritance.
Class A shares: Class A shares are held by at-large shareholders and are not associated with a village corporation in the region.
Class B shares: Class B shares are held by shareholders also enrolled with a village corporation in the region.
Class C shares: Class C shares would be issued to descendants born after December 18,1971 of shareholders upon enrollment.
Class D shares: Class D shares would be issued to missed enrollees.
Life-estate shares: shares that will return to BSNC upon the passing of the shareholder.