Tradition in Action: GAAP’s ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporation Seminar 2026
Written by Gwen Helms
Edited by Dr. Amy Cooper and Stacey Currie
For over a decade, the University of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Fairbanks’ Great ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æn Accounting People (GAAP), a student organization, has upheld a tradition: connecting future leaders
with the people and principles behind ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporations. What started in
Dr. Ken Abramowicz’s CBSM class has grown into an annual seminar that, for me and
my peers, bridges the gap between classroom theory and applied leadership.
This year, as Co-President of GAAP alongside Hope Minnema, I had the privilege of carrying that tradition forward. As lifelong ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æns, Hope and I recognize that ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporations are deeply woven into the state’s history, culture, and economy. We didn't just want this seminar to inform; we wanted it to inspire our fellow students to appreciate the depth and responsibility behind these corporations. Seeing the thoughtful questions and engaged discussion throughout the evening, I knew we had achieved that goal.
We were honored to host four distinguished speakers, each bringing a unique perspective:
Hope Minnema and Gwen Helms, GAAP co-presidents, served as master of ceremonies for the seminar.
Dr. Liz Ross, CBSM instructor and Deputy Director for Tribal Government and Client Services at Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), grounded the room in history and governance. She walked attendees through the formation of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporations and explained how the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and the ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) continue to shape corporate strategy and governance today.
Aaron Schutt, President and CEO of Doyon, Limited, offered a powerful look into leadership at the executive level. He shared what it takes to guide a corporation that serves its shareholders while honoring cultural values.
Walter Williams, Chief Accounting Officer of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC), reflected on ASRC’s evolution over the years and discussed the corporation’s future direction. His insights highlighted the adaptability and resilience required to sustain growth across generations.
Melissa Jay, Audit Senior Manager at KPMG, explored several IRS tax codes and why they remain integral to ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ Native Corporations. For many accounting students, this highlighted how the concepts they study translate into real-world results, influencing both communities and corporate decisions.
By the seminar’s end, the experience extended beyond professional development, giving
students the chance to engage directly with leaders influencing ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ’s economic
landscape. This impact made continuing the GAAP tradition especially meaningful and
rewarding for Hope and me, particularly as it highlighted the importance of ÐÓ°ÉÔ°æ
Native Corporations.
The GAAP Student Organization is deeply thankful to the speakers for sharing their
knowledge and to the GAAP officers whose dedication behind the scenes made the seminar
possible.
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