Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) is more than just a business—it’s an impactful supporter of the Iñupiat of Alaska’s North Slope. Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, ASRC has grown into a powerhouse spanning multiple business segments, ensuring economic benefits for its more than 14,000 Alaska Native shareholders.
What is ASRC?
Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) is one of 12 land-owning Alaska Native regional corporations established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. This landmark legislation settled indigenous land claims in Alaska and created for-profit corporations to manage the land and resources on behalf of enrolled Alaska Native shareholders. ASRC represents the Iñupiat of Alaska’s North Slope, providing economic opportunities and cultural support to its shareholders.
What does it stand for and what are its business operations?
ASRC is committed to advancing the economic and cultural well-being of its Iñupiaq shareholders. Since its incorporation in 1972, ASRC has expanded from three companies in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) to a diversified business with operations in all 50 states and select international locations. The corporation operates across five core business segments: government services, industrial services, petroleum refining and marketing, energy support services, and construction. With more than 16,000 employees nationwide, ASRC’s business success directly benefits its shareholders and their communities.
How did ASRC come about?
Before the establishment of ASRC, the indigenous people of Alaska’s North Slope had lived off the land for thousands of years. When Alaska became a state in 1959, Native land rights remained unresolved.
ANCSA, passed in 1971, created 12 regional corporations to manage indigenous lands and generate economic benefits for Alaska Native shareholders. ASRC was formed in response, requiring Iñupiaq leaders to transition from a subsistence lifestyle to corporate management, while maintaining their cultural values and responsibilities to their people.
What is its history and purpose?
For more than 10,000 years, the Iñupiat have inhabited the Arctic region, including North America’s longest continuously inhabited settlement at Point Hope. ANCSA drastically reduced North Slope Iñupiat land ownership to nearly five million acres and tasked ASRC with managing these lands and resources to benefit its shareholders. Unlike the tribal reservation system in the contiguous United States, ANCSA established corporate entities to drive economic success. ASRC was founded with a mission to actively manage businesses, lands, investments, and relationships in a way that sustains Iñupiaq cultural and economic freedom.
What is its history and purpose?
For more than 10,000 years, the Iñupiat have inhabited the Arctic region, including North America’s longest continuously inhabited settlement at Point Hope. ANCSA drastically reduced North Slope Iñupiat land ownership to nearly five million acres and tasked ASRC with managing these lands and resources to benefit its shareholders.
Unlike the tribal reservation system in the contiguous United States, ANCSA established corporate entities to drive economic success. ASRC was founded with a mission to actively manage businesses, lands, investments, and relationships in a way that sustains Iñupiaq cultural and economic freedom.
What is ASRC’s mission, and how does it align with supporting Alaska Native communities?ASRC’s mission is to manage its businesses, lands and resources, investments, and relationships to enhance Iñupiaq cultural and economic freedom—with continuity, responsibility, and integrity. The North Slope region spans nearly 56 million acres, with eight Iñupiaq communities— Anaktuvuk Pass, Atqasuk, Kaktovik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, Point Lay, Utqiaġvik, and Wainwright—spread across vast distances and lacking a permanent road system. With high living costs, limited economic opportunities, and unemployment rates exceeding 30% in some areas, ASRC plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for its shareholders by providing jobs, dividends, and community support.
What is ASRC industrial and how does it tie in with ASRC? How does ASRC Industrial generate revenue, and what are its main business sectors/industries? (also how much revenue, if possible)
ASRC Industrial (AIS) was founded in September 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), created as a platform to grow ASRC’s industrial services offerings and ultimately deliver meaningful returns to ASRC’s shareholders. AIS is comprised of over 35 operating companies that focus on customers in both the public and private sectors, with revenue at nearly $1.1 billion last year.
As part of an Alaska Native corporation (ANC) all our operating companies are Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) under federal law. Our companies are classified into three groups: civil, environmental, and industrial services. With offices across the United States, our operating companies provide services in all 50 states and select international locations.
How does ASRC Industrial balance business growth with its responsibilities to its Iñupiaq shareholders?
We are made up of some of the most successful and enduring companies in the nation—strong, independent, and setting new standards for service and quality in their industries. But it is the diverse group of backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, and opinions that gives us strength. The characteristics that differentiated these companies when they were independent—principled, nimble, resilient, and relentless—are the same characteristics that define AIS. Our focus is on realizing long-term, meaningful returns for our shareholders.
What is ASRC industrial and how does it tie in with ASRC? How does ASRC Industrial generate revenue, and what are its main business sectors/industries? (also how much revenue, if possible)
ASRC Industrial (AIS) was founded in September 2016 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), created as a platform to grow ASRC’s industrial services offerings and ultimately deliver meaningful returns to ASRC’s shareholders. AIS is comprised of over 35 operating companies that focus on customers in both the public and private sectors, with revenue at nearly $1.1 billion last year.
As part of an Alaska Native corporation (ANC) all our operating companies are Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) under federal law. Our companies are classified into three groups: civil, environmental, and industrial services. With offices across the United States, our operating companies provide services in all 50 states and select international locations.
How does ASRC Industrial balance business growth with its responsibilities to its Iñupiaq shareholders?
We are made up of some of the most successful and enduring companies in the nation—strong, independent, and setting new standards for service and quality in their industries. But it is the diverse group of backgrounds, beliefs, ideas, and opinions that gives us strength. The characteristics that differentiated these companies when they were independent—principled, nimble, resilient, and relentless—are the same characteristics that define AIS. Our focus is on realizing long-term, meaningful returns for our shareholders.
ASRC Industrial’s operating companies are certified minority-owned business—how has that certification benefited the company?
Obtaining our MBE certifications through Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council has allowed us to contract with companies that support minority businesses, contributing greatly to our annual revenue and forging relationships with some of the greatest companies who champion a welcoming and safe work environment. It has also given us a platform to be recognized for our ownership and our capabilities.
How has the NWMMSDC supported and helped ASRC Industrial?
The NWMMSDC has provided us with the necessary certifications and support to engage with other minority-owned businesses, enhancing our revenue and establishing valuable relationships. They have been a constant advocate for us and a steady supporter of our endeavors in building MBE-to-MBE relationships.
These relationships are essential to our success, to ensure our people, companies, clients, and shareholders move forward on a path for sustainable, long-term growth. Together we are changing the way our industry works, building on our shared capabilities to build something enduring and transformative.
To learn more about Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, visit ASRC’s website here.
To learn more about ASRC Industrial, visit AIS’s website here.
Thank you to ASRC and AIS for sharing this insightful information!
About the NWMMSDC
The Northwest Mountain MSDC, an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering minority-owned businesses by certifying, developing, and connecting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with major corporations and public agencies.
Since 1978, the Council has been a driving force for advancing supplier programs and creating opportunities that enable minority-owned businesses to thrive. Serving the Pacific Northwest Mountain region – encompassing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming – the NWMMSDC is committed to fostering meaningful business partnerships and driving economic growth.
For more information about the NWMMSDC and its programs, visit www.nwmmsdc.org.
To learn more about how certifying your minority-owned business can benefit you, click here.
If you would like to certify your minority-owned business as well, click here.