About Us

Consistent with the philosophy of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, the primary goal and objective of The Eyak Foundation shall be to provide support for the education and cultural needs of Alaska Native and descendents of Alaska Natives, particularly those who are shareholders or descendants of shareholders of The Eyak Corporation.

History

The Eyak Foundation, formerly the Cordova Native Foundation, was created as a 501(c) (3)  nonprofit corporation in 1997.  The goals and objectives of the foundation were fourfold:

• To provide eligible recipients with scholarships, student aid, and other means of support for those seeking educational training at colleges and universities, vocational training schools, and other educational institutions;  to assist in educational training through apprenticeships and internships.

• To sponsor and support cultural programs and events.

• To administer and support government and private programs which serve the welfare of the Alaska Native people and Eyak Corporation shareholders living in Cordova, Alaska and elsewhere.

• To fund and support the foregoing activities by soliciting and receiving public and private donations, applying for and receiving grants, engaging in revenue producing project, and pursuing other lawful methods of securing funds to serve our mission.

Henry is one of the revered elders in the Eyak community

The Eyak Foundation’s scholarships have been awarded at least once as year since the foundation’s inception.  To date, 126 scholarships have been awarded.  The Eyak Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships to its shareholders stems not only from public and private donations, but also from the growth and business success of The Eyak Corporation. Both the size and number of awards have steadily increased over the years, and 23 scholarships in 2010 represent the largest number given in one year. 100% of this year’s applicants received awards, with students at 19 different schools in 11 states around the country.

We are proud to support a stellar pool of applicants, whose career paths range from technical to medical to artistic to vocational.  Our future lies in the hands of our youth, and opportunities come with paths to better education and training.