Empowering Education &
Perpetuating Heritage
The CIRI Foundation (TCF) was established in 1982 by the ANCSA Corporation Cook Inlet Region, Inc. Board of Directors. Our mission is to promote individual self-development and economic self-sufficiency through education, and to advance the cultural heritage of CIRI Alaska Native shareholders and their descendants.
Our Mission
To encourage the education and career development of Alaska Native beneficiaries through diverse post-secondary scholarships, technical credentials, and heritage grants that empower families and uplift communities.
Cultural Heritage
To support the perpetuation of Alaska Native living traditions, oral histories, tribal archives, and material culture across the Cook Inlet region and statewide through targeted project grants and partnerships.
Connie Wirz
Connie Wirz is an original CIRI shareholder with extensive senior executive leadership across Alaska Native organizations, including Southcentral Foundation, the Clare Swan Early Learning Center, and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe. Her strategic mandate focuses on expanding debt-free workforce pathways, modernizing scholarship delivery systems, expanding the Na’eda alumni network, and stewarding the foundation’s permanent endowment.
Our Journey & Legacy
Formed by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) Board of Directors to empower shareholder educational advancement.
Launch of designated endowments and named memorial funds supporting specialized academic fields.
Under Susan Anderson's 23-year tenure, TCF established A Journey to What Matters and grew permanent assets to ~$64M.
Led by President & CEO Connie Wirz, expanding CTE vocational tracks, AK/Now pilot, and the Na’eda alumni network.
The CIRI Family of Nonprofits
Cook Inlet Region, Inc. established a network of specialized nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving Alaska Native beneficiaries across housing, health, social services, and culture.
Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC)
Social, Educational & Employment Services
Provides workforce development, family preservation, youth development, and social services for Alaska Native people in Anchorage and the Cook Inlet region.
Southcentral Foundation (SCF)
Comprehensive Healthcare Delivery
Customer-owner healthcare system serving more than 70,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people with primary, behavioral, and specialty care.
Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA)
Affordable Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization
Develops and manages safe, high-quality, and affordable housing solutions tailored to families and elders across Southcentral Alaska.
Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC)
Statewide Cultural Preservation & Living Arts
Renowned cultural and educational institution celebrating the rich heritage of all eleven major cultural groups in Alaska.
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation (KNBA)
Alaska Native Media, Broadcast & Journalism
National Indigenous media center producing Native America Calling, National Native News, and KNBA 90.3 FM in Anchorage.