Most corporations work for the good of their shareholders, and Akima is no different. As an Alaska Native Corporation, created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, Akima’s efforts create economic opportunities and stability for over 13,000 Iñupiat people, most of whom live north of the Arctic Circle. Akima’s growth and success provide long-term investment and self-sufficiency for Native Alaskans, without which their lives would be a greater struggle.

Akima Management Services, LLC and its operating companies are all Alaska Native Corporations (ANC). Alaska Natives are actually part of a much larger group designated “Native Americans” that also includes Native Indians and Native Hawaiians. Native Americans are among the poorest and most underemployed groups in America, and the U.S. Government has taken a number of steps to help promote self-sufficiency in this population. One of the most successful initiatives has been making Native Americans eligible for the Small Business Administration 8(a) program by including Native Americans in the definition of “socially and economically disadvantaged.”

An important distinction between Native Americans and their non-Native American counterparts in the 8(a) program is that non-Native American businesses represent one individual or one family. In Native American businesses, benefits and profits are spread over a much larger population, so each individual shareholder receives much less than an individual company owner.

Click here to access the web site to our parent company, NANA Corporation.