Anchorage, Alaska – The Aleut Corporation (Aleut), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) marked a major milestone this week by executing the final conveyance documents for a historic land exchange. Leaders from Aleut, BLM, and USFWS met at Aleut’s headquarters in Anchorage for the signing ceremony commemorating the exchange. As part of the transaction, Aleut executed a Warranty Deed conveying lands to the United States, and BLM issued the federal patent conveying lands to Aleut, completing the exchange.
The agreement marks a longstanding effort to resolve fragmented land ownership between Aleut and the USFWS. By simplifying surface and subsurface ownership, the transaction creates a more logical and manageable ownership pattern for both parties.
The successful completion of the exchange reflects years of collaboration among Aleut, USFWS, and BLM. USFWS staff played an integral role in helping advance the exchange through its final stages. The exchange also supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s ability to more effectively carry out its mission in the region by aligning ownership interests and reducing fragmented land holdings.
For Aleut, the exchange furthers the Corporation’s responsibility to steward lands entrusted to it on behalf of its shareholders, while creating opportunities to support long-term regional prosperity. The milestone highlights the importance of partnership, persistence, and collaborative problem-solving in addressing complex land management issues.
“This milestone reflects dedication and coordination among many partners, and we are proud to see the exchange formally completed,” said Skoey Vergen, President & CEO of The Aleut Corporation. “As an Alaska Native corporation, we have a responsibility to steward the lands entrusted to us on behalf of our shareholders. Completing this exchange creates a more sustainable ownership framework that helps preserve opportunities for future generations.”
With the final conveyance document executed, the land exchange is complete, providing greater clarity and certainty for both organizations while supporting continued collaboration in the Aleut Region.
About The Aleut Corporation
The Aleut Corporation (Aleut) is an Alaska Native regional corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. It serves over 5,000 Unangax̂ shareholders and descendants with a mission to provide economic growth and opportunities. Aleut’s portfolio includes businesses in government and mechanical contracting, real estate and property management, technology and infrastructure, fuel sales, port services, environmental services, and energy. For more information, visit: aleutcorp.com.