For Immediate Release – November 5, 2008

Bellevue, WA- Sealaska Natural Living (SNL) is conducting operations that meet vigorous standards put forth by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and have received Chain of Custody certification from the organization.  FSC was established to change the dialogue and the practice of sustainable forestry worldwide.

The certification showcases that the wood used to create SNL’s hardwood outdoor furniture products are derived from sustainably managed forests, primarily in South America and South Africa.  “At SNL we are proud to put the Chain of Custody label on our products,” said Nicole Tillotson, Sealaska Natural Living program leader.  “We have partnered with suppliers who have excellent reputations for their land stewardship and environmental practices in South America, Southeast Asia and South Africa.”

“There’s a growing international demand for certified wood products in the markets we operate within,” said Managing Director Jim Haas.  “Our expertise in international marketing of timber products and logistics, combined with the exceptional quality and variety of our FSC certified products is an exciting opportunity.”

Sealaska is the parent company for SNL.  For the past 30 years Sealaska has been committed to the best practices and innovative approaches to responsibly manage the company’s land base in Southeast Alaska.  Sealaska lands are managed for the benefit of current and future shareholders, surrounding communities as well as the environment.   Its significant forest management programs ensure the value and health of young forests.  

“Sealaska is in the process of determining whether or not having its land base in Southeast Alaska certified by the FSC makes strategic sense for the corporation,” said Sealaska President and CEO Chris E. McNeil, Jr.  “Our Native values are the foundation of our land stewardship strategies. Many of these values align with the FSC and we are working closely with the organization to establish standards for Southeast Alaska.”
 
About Sealaska Natural Living
All of Sealaska Natural Living’s furniture collections are made of sustainably managed tropical and plantation hardwoods certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The international quality standards adhered to by the manufacturing factories SNL works with coupled with the durability of their raw materials combine to provide high-quality, environmentally responsible outdoor furniture solutions that last.
 
Just as conservation and sustainability are embedded in the rich culture and heritage of Sealaska’s shareholders, the same principals guide SNL as it pursues environmentally responsible business opportunities around the world.

About Sealaska Corporation
Sealaska is the Southeast Alaska Native Corporation formed under federal law in 1971 with diverse businesses worldwide. The Corporation is owned by approximately 20,000 tribal member shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian descent and is dedicated to weaving successful businesses with culture for the benefit of shareholders, communities and the environment.

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Contact:
Nicole Tillotson
Program Leader, Sealaska Natural Living
Direct: 425.283.0624
nicole.tillotson@sealaska.com