CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Winter 2026 newsletter.
The Angoon Guide Academy was founded in 2024 as a collaborative effort led by Kootznoowoo, Inc., with strong support from founding partners that include:





The program was founded with the vision of bringing together a variety of stakeholders and industry expertise to offer a comprehensive training program designed to equip local Angoon youth with the skills and experience needed to lead guided adventures in Southeast Alaska’s unique environment.
Since being established, the Academy has provided career pathways for participants and strengthened Angoon’s role in Southeast Alaska’s growing ecotourism industry.
Admiralty Island is a pristine and culturally significant area known to the Tlingit people as “Kootznoowoo,” or the “Fortress of the Bears”. Located in the Tongass National Forest, it contains an old-growth rain forest that provides a rich, natural habitat for a variety of animals that include bears, eagles, and deer. Admiralty Island is the seventh-largest island in the United States and the 132nd largest island in the world.
The island has only one permanent settlement, the community of Angoon, which has a population of approximately 572 people, who are primarily of Tlingit Indian descent and consider the island sacred to their culture, heritage, and traditional subsistence practices.
The Angoon Guide Academy is committed to equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become professional guides in the unique and breathtaking wilderness of Southeast Alaska.
Through hands-on training, our program specializes in preparing young leaders for eco-tourism careers available throughout Southeast Alaska. Our program emphasizes safety, cultural respect, and environmental stewardship, fostering a deep connection to the land, waters, and wildlife.
Expert instruction is provided by seasoned guides through Above and Beyond Alaska and Southeast Alaska Expeditions. Representatives from the U.S. Forrest Service provide support and mentorship for participants along with local cultural leaders and historians. During their training, participants learn a variety of skills to gain technical expertise. This includes:
By blending traditional knowledge with modern guiding practices, the Angoon Guide Academy stands as a model for sustainable tourism and community empowerment in the region.




Find Us: 8585 Old Dairy Road, Suite 201
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Tel: (907) 790-2992 Fax: (877) 728-0522
© 2026 Kootznoowoo, Inc. All rights reserved.
Find Us: 8585 Old Dairy Road, Suite 201
Juneau, Alaska 99801
Tel: (907) 790-2992 Fax: (907) 790-2995
CLICK HERE to download a copy of the Winter 2026 newsletter.
Kootznoowoo, Inc. is pleased to announce that the 53rd Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Angoon, Alaska, at the Angoon Elementary School Gym. At the meeting, the terms of Board Directors Frank Jack III and Sharon Love will conclude, and two Board seats will be up for election. Eligible shareholders interested in running for a seat on the Board of Directors must submit a complete candidate packet by the March 11, 2026 deadline in order to be included on the corporate proxy. Shareholders who wish to receive a candidate packet may contact the Kootznoowoo Corporate Office at (907) 790-2992 or email info@kootznoowoo.com.
Kootznoowoo, Inc. is seeking one Administrative Intern for the upcoming summer to work at the corporate office in Juneau. This paid internship offers hands-on experience in a professional office setting and is ideal for individuals interested in building administrative and basic accounting skills. Shareholders or descendants who are currently enrolled in a college, university, or vocational program are eligible to apply. Duration: May-August Schedule: 4–6 hours per day Duties may include: Basic accounting, general office, administrative tasks Compensation: $18 per hour Interested applicants should submit a letter of interest to Kootznoowoo President & CEO, J. Keith Green at info@kootznoowoo.com.
The Kootznoowoo Permanent Fund Settlement Trust (KPFST) announced that it will make a distribution of $3.87 per trust unit on February 1, 2026. The record date for this distribution is Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Alaska Time). All changes and updates to shareholder records—including names, addresses, and banking information—must be completed by this deadline to be applied to this distribution. Changes requested after the record date may result in payment delays. Shareholders may update their information through the MyKootznoowoo Shareholder Portal or by contacting Shareholder Services at (907) 790-2992 or info@kootznoowoo.com.
Kootznoowoo, Inc. is pleased to announce that Joy K’áad Jáad Demmert has joined the corporation as its new Director of Finance. Joy grew up in Ketchikan and currently resides in Juneau. She is of Haida and Tlingit descent and belongs to the Káat nay-st/Yahkw Jáanaas (Shark House/Middle Town People) Clan. Joy is the daughter of Victoria Demmert Gatti and Mark Gatti, and the granddaughter of Frances Demmert Peele (Yahkw Jáanaas) and Franklin Demmert, Sr. (L’eeneidi). She is a mother of three and enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. Joy brings more than 17 years of experience in the accounting field to her role at Kootznoowoo. Most recently, she worked at Sealaska Corporation and previously spent six years at REACH, Inc. in Juneau, where she served as Controller and Chief Financial Officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration at the University of Alaska Southeast. “I look forward to working with the team at Kootznoowoo Corporation and serving the people of Angoon,” said Demmert.
At its December Board meeting, the Kootznoowoo Board of Directors approved a distribution of $4.00 per share. The record date for the distribution is Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Shareholders must ensure that all changes or updates to their shareholder records are completed by this deadline to be eligible for the distribution. Distribution payments are scheduled to be issued on Monday, December 22, 2025. Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to receive your distribution, and shareholders are encouraged to sign up in advance to avoid delays. Shareholders are encouraged to contact Shareholder Services with any questions or to update their information at (907) 790-2992 or info@kootznoowoo.com.
Chico serves as a jack-of-all-trades for the corporation. His main responsibility is overseeing the maintenance and upkeep of the K-Plaza building. However, he provides additional support when needed on a variety of projects. He is based in Juneau.