Birch trees with lake and reflection in front, beautiful blue sky

Mission Statement

The Seth-De-Ya-Ah Corporation’s mission is to manage our resources in a fiscally responsible manner to ensure a healthy and viable corporation, that retains our traditional cultural values and promotes opportunities for shareholders and their descendants.

Bald eagle perched in a tree in shadow with a sunset sky

Vision Statement

Our vision is a prosperous corporation that enhances our resources.

Our Values

Our values are guiding principles and beliefs.
Values tell why our work is important and define how we conduct ourselves.
We value our resources (land, mineral, people).

Ch’e ghw tsin
(Unconditional) Love

  • Adapts to change

  • Respect/Honor

  • Honesty/Integrity

  • Empowerment

  • Trust

  • Education

  • Sharing

  • Growth

  • Wisdom

  • Creativity

  • Strength

  • Spirituality

  • Humor

  • Unity

  • Humility

  • Responsibility

  • Family

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Our History

Chief Charlie was born in the late 1800’s. He was the chief during the Tanana Chiefs meeting with Judge Wickersham in 1915, deciding where the Alaska Railroad would be placed. Chief Charlie spent his time hunting, fishing, and trapping for his family and village. He was a Chief, yet he did not wear beads. When asked why he did not wear any beads, he pointed to a seagull and said,

“I came into this world with nothing, just like him. And that is the way that I live.”

This humble way of thinking is why the Elders chose to use his name as part of the Corporation. To remind us of where we come from, and how our ancestors thought. That way the wisdom of the past may help guide us today.

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In 1971, the United States Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANSCA). President Richard Nixon signed the bill allowing for 13 regional corporations and many village corporations that cover the State of Alaska, including Minto. When ANCSA was passed, Minto formed Seth De Ya Ah Corporation. The name derives from the merging of two words: Seth as in Seth Jeda’ or Sawtooth mountain, mixed with Chief Charlie’s first name Yit De Ya Ah. This decision was made by the elders, to honor the old way of life, ultimately choosing the name Seth-De-Ya-Ah.