In 1980, seven of the eight village corporations in the Ahtna region merged with Ahtna. The merging corporations included Yedatene Na Corporation (Cantwell), Cheesh-Na, Incorporated (Chistochina), Gakona Corporation (Gakona), Sta-Keh Corporation (Gulkana), Kluti-Kaah Corporation (Kluti-Kaah in Copper Center), Mentasta, Incorporated (Mentasta), and Tazlina, Incorporated (Tazlina). At the time of the merger, shares of the merged village corporations were exchanged for an equal number of shares in new Ahtna share classes – for example, 100 shares of Yedatene Na Corporation shares were exchanged for 100 Ahtna Class C shares, 100 shares of Cheesh-Na, Incorporated were exchanged for 100 Ahtna Class D shares, as so on.

As a result of the merger, Ahtna took over ownership and management of the lands and resources previously owned by these seven village corporations. The merger agreement provided for the creation of committees for the former village corporation shareholders known as Successor Village Organizations (SVOs). The SVOs retain the right to reasonably withhold consent for new development on their former village corporation lands. Following this strategic corporate merger, the SVOs ensure the continued engagement and influence of shareholders on local land-use decisions.

The merger agreement also created a merger land use program (MLUP) for each SVO. Under the MLUP, SVO members are entitled to lease up to 5 acres of former village corporation lands from Ahtna.

What is a Successor Village Organization?

Contrary to what some might assume, an SVO is not a village corporation. It is a group composed of the shareholders of a former village corporation that is tasked with reviewing proposed development of former village corporation lands.

Structure and Participation

Membership in each SVO is exclusive to those Ahtna shareholders who hold class shares corresponding to the former village corporation. For example, Gulkana SVO members are all Ahtna shareholders who hold Class I shares, Tazlina SVO members are all Ahtna shareholders who hold Class J shares, etc.

The functions of each SVO are carried out by the SVO’s board. Each SVO has five directors, except for the Kluti-Kaah SVO. The SVO members meet every three years, when the designated seat for that SVO on the Ahtna Board of Directors is up for election. At this triennial meeting, four SVO members are elected to serve on the SVO board. The remaining SVO director is the Ahtna, Inc. Director who serves in the designated class seat for that SVO. For example, the fifth director of the Gakona SVO is the person who holds Seat F on the Ahtna Board of Directors, while the fifth director of the Mentasta SVO is the person who holds Seat H on the Ahtna Board.

The exception is the Kluti-Kaah SVO, which has seven directors. Five of the directors are elected by the SVO members at the triennial meeting, which is held when Seat G2 on the Ahtna Board is up for election. The other two Kluti-Kaah SVO directors are the shareholders who hold Seats G1 and G2 on the Ahtna Board.

Operational Dynamics and Financial Support

The SVOs, through their elected boards, have the authority to review and approve Ahtna land use and development plans for former village corporation lands, but they do not create plans independently. Ahtna assists each SVO with the administration of its MLUP program and provides meeting, travel, and other technical and administrative support as necessary to aid the SVOs in fulfilling their responsibilities.

Key Meetings and Decision-Making

In addition to each SVO’s triennial meeting, the SVO boards are consulted when development or use of an SVO’s former village corporation lands is proposed. Ahtna, Inc. management also meets annually with all of the SVO directors at the Joint SVO Meeting to discuss common problems, exchange views on issues of mutual interest, and review Ahtna’s programs, plans and objectives.

The establishment of Successor Village Organizations is a pivotal component of ensuring that the voices of local shareholders continue to resonate in decisions impacting their land and heritage. By participating in these organizations, shareholders not only safeguard their legacy but actively shape the future land use within their communities.