During this time, it is critical to focus on our communities’ well-being which means staying home to keep others safe. BSNC is holding a COVID-19 social distancing/quarantine contest for shareholder and descendant kids and their families! Write a poem or story, make a video, or art or create a funny meme about how you are practicing social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Simply post your creation (maximum 3 entries per person) to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, use the hashtag #BSNCCommunityWellBeing and DIRECT MESSAGE us your post. Please also list the appropriate age group. You will then be entered in for a random drawing to win these AMAZING prizes!

Grand Prize: Samsung Galaxy S-20 Ultra

Ages 3-6:
First prize: A brand new bicycle
Second prize: Samsung Galaxy Tab A Kids
Third prize: $50 Amazon gift card

Ages 7-11:
First prize: Microsoft Surface Pro 7
Second prize: Nintendo Switch
Third prize: $100 Gift Card

Ages 12-17:
First place: Microsoft Surface Pro X
Second place: Power Beats Earphones
Third place: Polaroid Camera

Adults:
First place: Apple Watch
Second place: Air Pods
Third place: $50 Gift Card

Deadline: April 10 at 12 p.m.

The Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) Board of Directors has voted to declare a special emergency Elder dividend distribution of $250. This special distribution will be paid through the BSNC Beringia Settlement Trust on a tax-free basis to original BSNC shareholders who are 65 years of age or older on March 20, 2020, the date of record. Checks will be mailed or deposited the week of March 23.

“This action was taken out of care and concern for our Elder shareholders as they prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic,” said BSNC Board Chairman Henry Ivanoff. “We hope this dividend helps Elders during these trying times.”

The Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) Board of Directors has voted to declare a special dividend of $3.00 per share to be distributed the week of March 23. The average BSNC shareholder who owns 100 shares of stock will receive $300. This dividend distribution will be paid through the BSNC Beringia Settlement Trust so that it will be tax-free to our shareholders.

“The BSNC Board recognizes that the coronavirus epidemic has caused an unprecedented public health crisis,” said BSNC Chairman Henry Ivanoff. “I encourage all shareholders to prepare for possibly long-term disruption in travel and the food supply, and practice social distancing by staying at home as much as possible.”

“In providing for a special dividend distribution, we want to do what we can to help our shareholders deal with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said BSNC President & CEO Gail R. Schubert. “We have adapted to many changes, are resilient and look out for each other. This is an important traditional cultural value. I pray that you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy during this pandemic.”

BSNC will continue to closely monitor guidance from the CDC and state health agencies regarding this pandemic and continuously update its shareholders through its regular communication channels, including the Agluktuk newsletter, our social media outlets and on BSNC’s COVID-19 public resource webpage at www.beringstraits.com/covid-19-update/. We are happy to help answer any questions you may have via email at health@bsnc.net.

As you may know, the 2020 Census began here in Alaska on Jan. 21, 2020 in Toksook Bay. The Census is quick, important and confidential and takes about 10 minutes but the results determine how billons of federal dollars will be spent over the next 10 years.

If you’re Alaska Native, you can help our communities and families get our fair share of federal funding by answering a two-part question on the Census questionnaire. The first part asks you to identify your ‘race?’ If you check the ‘American Indian or Alaska Native’ box, the second question asks you to list your ‘tribal affiliation.’ You will then write in your tribe(s).

Here is the list of federally recognized tribes in the Bering Strait region:

Native Village of Brevig Mission
Native Village of Council
Native Village of Diomede (Inalik)
Native Village of Elim
Native Village of Gambell
Chinik Eskimo Community (Golovin)
King Island Native Community
Native Village of Koyuk
Native Village of Mary’s Igloo
Nome Eskimo Community
Native Village of Saint Michael
Native Village of Savoonga
Native Village of Shaktoolik
Native Village of Shishmaref
Village of Solomon
Stebbins Community Association
Native Village of Teller
Native Village of Unalakleet
Native Village of Wales
Native Village of White Mountain

The 2020 Census is here – make sure you are counted.