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Youtube “Change is gonna come” video
Click below on the “>”, and then click on “YouTube “icon. In “Search” type: “Bettye Lavette and Jon Bon Jovi“. Enjoy!
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Radio Sound Byte Available for Download
I am happy to announce that my radio spot is now available here on my site, to save to your computer, right click the links and click “save link as” then select a location and press “ok”, if you click it it will play in your default audio player:
Transcript of sound byte (above):
“Hello,
It’s that time of year again when Sealaska Corporation re-elects their directors whose terms expire. However, shareholders want leaders who care.
A shareholder said to me “Sealaska is not my Sealaska.” My response is, “But it can be.”
Through a new administration, the delegates of T&H are striving to achieve social, environmental, and economic justice–a mission which upholds the dignity of the indigenous Peoples of Alaska. To champion the work of equity, Sealaska must do its part.
I am Barbara Cadiente-Nelson. I will bring to bear my 28 years of business experience, education and integrity to strengthen the economic base of our families and communities. I will serve with intellectual humility, not arrogance; placing people first, not politics.
Gunalcheesh!
Paid for by the Committee to elect Barbara Cadiente-Nelson to the Board of Sealaska Corporation. On the web at cadiente.wordpress.com”
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Cadiente-Nelson’s daily vote count
On June 27, 2009, my final vote count was 970,207 (directed votes).
On June 25, 2009, my final proxy mail-in count was 961,872. Total votes cast by mail is 6,958,760. (74.83% have voted. )
On June 24, 2009, my vote total was 909,410. Total cast at this date = 6,795,380 (73.08%).
On June 23, 2009, my vote total was 902,814.
On June 22, 2009, my vote total was 890,399.
On June 19, 2009, my vote tally was 874,123.
On June 16, 2009, my vote tally was 839,214.
On June 12, 2009, my vote tally was 795,817.
On June 9, 2009 my vote tally was 765,841
On June 5, 2009, my vote total was 731,798.
On June 2, 2009 , my vote total was 717,903.
On May 29, 2009, my vote total was 669,000;
Sealaska has mailed out a second proxy. This extra effort may cause a record breaking voter turnout. The deadline to vote or change your vote is June 25, 5 p.m. by fax: 1-866-433-8063 (Inspector of election) or to me at 1-907-790-2360. Remember to fax both sides of the proxy–or mail it today. If you cannot download and print the proxy from my website, email me at: cadiente.nelson@gmail.com I will update this post on June 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23. Thank you for your interest and support.
Barbara
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2009 Proxy
June 25, 2009 deadline. To download the 2009 Proxy .pdf file, click here
To print the images directly from this site (or save them if you like) click the thumbnails below.
The actual document is double sided, so it is necessary to fill out both of the pages if you choose to use these.
side A
09 proxy side B
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2009 Election Survey
Hello and welcome to my site. Please take the time to answer a few questions about the upcoming election. Begin the survey by clicking the link below.
2009 Sealaska Board Election Survey
Thank you for your time.
Sealaska Corporation Annual Meeting ’08 – San Francisco, Ca
June 28, 2008
Sealaska Corporation Annual Meeting
San Francisco, California
Transcript of Cadiente-Nelson’s Annual Meeting candidate speech:
Hello San Francisco! It’s so good to be here, and I mean that literally. As my husband and I got out of our taxi cab right in front of the hotel, another taxi sped by close enough to shave our legs! Now I know why people in this village sing “I left my heart in San Francisco”….mine is still beating on Market Street!
I am aware of the 5 minute limit to present, but I ask you not to interrupt me. It is not only traditional but in good taste to honor our elders and to introduce ourselves properly which in itself could take up to 5 minutes. I’ve come a long way to say what needs to be said so I respectfully ask that you NOT wave your “flag” to interrupt me. I will be mindful to stay within the time allotted me.
Good morning Aan yaxt kuwsawnee, Honorable People of the Land.
Good morning, my father Andres Cadiente, Sr., and to my father’s people the Raven Clan, particularly Cyril George, Sr., of the Raven/Beaver Clan and a son of the Teikweidi, and to Walter Soboleff, Sr., of the Raven/Dog Salmon Clan and a grandson of the Teikweidi.
Good morning to my Teikweidi elders:
Uncle Frank Jack, Sr., (Kaah Geis G’eik) who is the house leader of the Shanux Hit in Angoon Kwaan,
to my mother Irene Hunter Cadiente ,
and to my Aunts Jennie Jim and Beth Jack, and to our elders everywhere.
I respectfully acknowledge Clarence Jackson who was adopted by my Uncle Peter Jack, Sr., and is a Naakaani for the Teikweidi.
My respects to my clan brothers Albert Kookesh, Joe Nelson, and William Micklin.
And a Good Morning to my family and fellow shareholders who are seated here and those listening in cyberspace.
My name is Barbara Cadiente-Nelson. My Tlingit name is X’eishw’w.e. I carry the name of Minnie Johnson from Angoon. I am of the Teikweidi Eagle/Brown Bear Clan from Killisnoo/Angoon, and a child and grandchild of the L’eeneidi Raven/Dog Salmon Clan, and am married to a L’eeneidi. My husband is here with me today, Norval Nelson, Jr. He is a Norwegian Aleut, and was adopted by my grandfather Dr. Walter Soboleff, Sr., into the Raven/Dog Salmon Clan. My sisters Andrea Laiti and Maxine are here with me today, as well as my nieces: Dionne and Cassandra, and my nephews Charlie and newborn Michael Angelo whom I just met 30 minutes ago.
My husband and I have been married for 38 years, We have 4 children and 9 grandchildren. While rearing our family and commercial fishing I earned a Bachelor of Art Degree in Communications and Master of Art in Teaching. I taught at Juneau Douglas High school for several years, and currently, as Vice-President, Treasurer, I manage our family’s business, F/V Star of the Sea, Inc. We harvest salmon, black cod, herring, king crab, tanner crab, and hope soon to fish squid in this area. We are proud to represent an unbroken line of indigenous fishers since time immemorial.
I have also worked periodically for Sealaska since 1974, first as Executive Assistant to John Borbridge, Jr., President, and Richard Stitt, Vice-President; and in 1980 as Assistant to the President of SHF, David Katzeek. In this capacity I administered the scholarship program and coordinated the first Celebration. I also had the privilege of co-editing the Classics of Tlingit Oral Narratives for Richard and Nora Dauenhauer, and it still humbles me when they refer to me as their colleague.
From September 2004 to September 2007, I was the Education Department Director at SHI. In this capacity I lead the development of culturally relevant curriculum for the secondary education, oversaw the scholarship program, wrote grants to sustain our culture and traditions, and developed and administered, along with Dionne Laiti, the 2005, 2006, and 2007 Native Youth Leadership Summer Camps where high school students were immersed in a rich environment to experience and learn their history, culture, language, and traditions guided by traditional scholars, elders, and credentialed teachers (my contributions to Sealaska are listed in its Annual Reports: 2005 p. 15, 2006 p.14, and 2007, p. 16, 28).
This year’s Latseen students are listening and watching via the web today! My regards to them and their teachers George Ramos and David Katzeek, the traditional scholars working with the students this year.
Last year one of our high school Latseen students asked our guests speakers (Albert Kookesh, Clarence Jackson, and Rosita Worl) “Given the impending loss of our language, culture, and traditions, how much change do we tolerate?”
His question was pertinent then and it resounds in my mind today. Specifically, how has the mission and purpose of Sealaska Corporation changed from that envisioned by our forbearers? Are we winning the war against poverty?
Against oppression?
Has ANCSA changed our lives for the better?
For Sealaska to answer these questions, it needs to begin with the end in mind, so let me bring you back to 1981, when I had the privilege to work for our elders who were members of the first Southeast Traditional Advisory Board which was formed to plan and guide the first Celebration hosted by SHF. I was told by several of these elders that some day I would shout out their name, in other words, I would remember them and their words. I have never forgotten them. They called me to fulfill their vision. As I call out their names, I invite you to stand up or raise your hand if you are a member of their clan or community. They are with me in spirit today:
Dr. Walter Soboleff, Sr., Raven/L’eeneidi, Dog Salmon, Angoon/Tenakee;
George Davis, Raven/Deisheetan, Beaver, Angoon;
Matthew Fred, Sr., Raven/Deisheetaan/Beaver, Angoon;
Paul Henry, Raven/L’uknax.adi, Coho, Yakutat;
William Johnson, Raven/T’akdeintaan, Tern Bird, Hoonah;
Richard Sheakley, Raven/ T’akdeintaan, Tern Bird, Hoonah;
Austin Hammond, Raven/Lukaax.adi, Sockeye, Haines;
Mildred Sparks, Raven/Ganux.adi, Whalehouse, Klukwan;
Judson Brown, Eagle/Dakl’aweidi, Killer Whale Fin, Klukwan;
Willis Peters, Eagle/Kaagwaantaan, Wolf, Klukwan/Dzantikiheeni;
Richard King, Eagle/Kaagwaantaan, Wolf, Klukwan;
A.P. Johnson, Eagle/Kiks.ádi, Frog, Sitka;
Sylvester Peele, Haida;
Esther Johnson, Haida;
Reggie D’Angeli, Tsimshian. and
Robert Cogo, Tsimshian
Thank you for acknowledging your relationship to these forbears, and my apologies if I’ve incorrectly identified or omitted their clan/crest. It is an honor to be in your company. These forbears give me strength to continue to say what needs to be said.
As these wise and powerful elders conversed in Sealaska’s Boardroom, they became emotional as the spoke of the sacrifices they and others made to help the cause…that of social, environmental and economic justice, which they expected to be realized through ANCSA. Mildred Sparks, such a small powerhouse, said in Lingit, “We went door to door asking the people to donate money to pay attorneys and representatives to fight for our land and our rights. We all tightened our belts. We sacrificed and gave more than we had to give. We did this for our children and grandchildren.
George Davis likened our culture to a glass ball, one he said that we have to lift up high over our heads–to hold carefully or it will break.
A.P. Johnson spoke about Tlingit diplomacy and to be careful how we choose our words for words have a spirit.
Richard King spoke about how it is time for their children to know who they are (traditional lineage) so that the children would know their responsibility to their clan and to their community–to always look out for each other.
During this first meeting they took possession of our future. Imbued with moral authority they spoke into being—in Lingit, in Haida, in Tsimshian–a future and a hope—a path for their children and grandchildren to follow to end poverty and oppression, the outcome of having western values and culture forced upon us. These elders had the utmost confidence Sealaska would fulfill their expectations—and looked to its leaders to do so. Having been inspired by them, it was then that I made their vision my life’s work: to uphold the dignity of whom we are as indigenous peoples and to champion the work of equity. I am guided by the premise that those who work for justice listen to those who have the least power and then follow through with integrity.
In 2007, Sealaska Corporation adopted—and I quote: “a new vision: To grow the company as a Native institution that maximizes its cultural capital by embedding Alaska Native values into its daily operations.” While this is on point, albeit in how it guides its business and manages its employees, the corporation first needs to embed these values at the core to its identity and purpose: its shareholders. For this vision to be realized, Sealaska must first reconnect with its shareholders.
Mr. Chairman, directors, at least 32 percent of our shareholders do not vote; another 30 percent vote “discretionary”, handing over to the corporation close to a million or so votes which the corporation distributes to re-elect its directors (one reason many vote “discretionary” is that the ballot confuses them); up to 10 percent of shareholders withhold their vote, and over a million votes total are cast to elect new leadership. These stats are telling. There is a lot of work to do to reconnect our people to this corporation…and we must because for some it is their only connection to their land—their ancestral heritage.
Recently I went door to door to introduce myself to our People, shareholders of Sealaska Corporation. Some families of 6 or more are living in one and two bedroom homes. Some are living in substandard conditions. Some can’t pay their mortgages. Some, including most elders, are afraid they won’t be able to pay their electric bill, or their fuel bill, and most young adults wonder if they will have enough funding to go on to college, and others fear they will never be able to own a home of their own. Some of our people are homeless—living under the docks and rocks near their regional corporation—Sealaska Headquarters. Some are angry at Sealaska Corporation and some have lost hope, but the majority of all the shareholders I’ve spoken to want change. They want accountability. They want leadership to face the brutal fact that the collision of cultures affected us all—not just some. Let us not forget the wish of our forbearers: we must “hold each other up” by advocating for our elders, our veterans, the landless (who have been waiting since the fight for our land began long before ANCSA was passed), create businesses and jobs in villages and communities, particularly those which are in economic crisis.
When I first began to campaign, a shareholder said to me, “You know it is impossible for independent candidates to win, don’t you? It is like climbing a cliff; it’s too steep to get to the top because of the discretionary vote. It stops independents every time… ”
Indeed, it is a gate, a wall that leaves out those who want to choose their leaders, their directors. It is called the discretionary vote. Mr. Chairman, if the corporation seeks to fulfill the vision of our forbears and uphold the democratic process, come here to this gate! Mr. Chairman, open this gate! Mr. Chairman, fellow shareholders, take down the wall of the discretionary vote. Let the vote of the people count today by electing four directors who have the highest directed vote count. Restore the faith shareholders had of their corporation…and deal fairly with those who are also your fellow shareholders, owners of this corporation.
In closing, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to my family, friends, and those who supported me in this endeavor. When I began this journey, my grandfather said, “Go forward. Stand on principle, truth, and courage. These will guide you.”
Xahán. I am standing. With the support of my family, friends, elders, and some 1,400 plus shareholders whom have voted for me…I will remain standing.
Barbara Cadiente-Nelson X’eishw’w.e
Added notation: 2008 Election Results:
All four of the board’s slate were re-elected. It is not known how many “directed” votes each director garnered. Their total vote count includes a portion of the “discretionary” vote distributed to them by Sealaska’s proxy holders (Directors Clarence Jackson, Pat Anderson, and Jackie Johnson):
Byron Mallott – 763,268
Rosita Worl – 762,391
Sidney Edenshaw – 762,256
Edward Thomas – 762,104
Independent Nominees (all “directed” votes):
Barbara Cadiente-Nelson – 563,732
Dominic Salvato – 165,424
Jon Duncan – 153,141
Stephanie Rainwater – 123,726
William Micklin – 101,627
Roxanna Banguis – 89,187
Marcy Peterson – 53,894
Lynette Moreno-Hinz – 51,653
Franklin Jimmy – 355
Write-ins – 46,723
Quorum Only (Withheld) – 295,452
Total Votes Cast 4,727,884
Priorities: People, Not Politics
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RESPECT FOR ELDERS: Who are they? Where are they? How are they?
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LISTEN WELL, WITH RESPECT: Create Community web log for shareholders’ voices to be heard and to respond timely to issues and concerns;
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HOLD EACHOTHER UP: Landless Issue (Haines, Tenakee, Petersburg, Wrangell, Ketchikan); Native Veterans;
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RESPECT FOR NATURE/PROPERTY: Mindful of our responsibility to land, sea, creation, others; scrutinize land selections according to revenue potential of the 82,000 acres due Sealaska with respect for neighboring landowners (Native communities); support reforestation;
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SACRIFICE: Reduce corporate overhead;
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LEADERSHIP: Cultural Responsive Training for corporate and subsidiary managers;
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DIVIDENDS: Distribute greater percentage of 7(i) revenue for meaningful dividends;
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PERPETUITY: Protect and increase the Permanent Fund and Scholarship fund;
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COLLABORATION: Advance Energy & Economic Resolutions authored at prior Summit Conferences;
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EDUCATION/ADVOCACY: Sponsor Native Voters League (Shareholder Outreach) through ANS/ANB/T&H with regard to Sealaska proxy;
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GROWTH/SUSTAINABILITY: Support Gaming; seek “GREEN” opportunities;
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ECONOMY: Import/invest a percentage of 8(a) labor/profits in Native communities to create jobs; support communities in seeking 8(a) opportunities;
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FAITH: Support term limits for directors (3 terms max); mentor successor;
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GIVE to entities that support education, health, & welfare of our People;
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MEASURE SUCCESS: I want to see and celebrate Sealaska’s impact in all of our communities. Sealaska is a business for profit and I fully realize our Trust Responsibility to protect and sustain its growth for generations to come.
Barbara Cadiente-Nelson is an Alaska Native business owner, a proud Lingít of the Teikweidi (Eagle Moiety, Brown Bear Clan). She earned a Bachelors degree in Communications from Western Illinois University, and a Masters Degree in Teaching from the University of Alaska Southeast. She was the first graduate of the Alaska Native P.I.T.A.S. (Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Alaska Schools) Program, and went on to teach at Juneau-Douglas High School. Barbara also served as Education Department Director for the SHI (Sealaska Heritage Institute) where she led the development of culturally relevant curriculum for secondary education, and helped found the SHI Latseen Leadership Camp, hosted at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau. Barbara and her husband Norval own and operate a commercial fishing business, and have other business ventures in commercial property, real estate, and construction.
Additional Information can be found on the About Section.
Posted in Sealaska Elections
2009 Sealaska Board Election 
