With the Certificate of Incorporation dated 15 February 2005 from Yukon Community Services now in hand, its Board of Directors is proud to announce the launching of the International Seppala Association (I.S.A.)! Originally conceived as a breed club to support the Working Canine Association of Canada's Seppala Siberian Sleddog (SSSD) as its population expanded beyond Canadian borders, in its final form I.S.A.'s mission is to help steward all historic sleddog breeds and bloodlines; currently Chinooks have been formally included with the SSSD in I.S.A.'s programs.
The inaugural board meeting was held electronically on the evening of February 26, 2005; and 22 resolutions were considered in a 5.5 hour marathon. Present were directors J. Jeffrey Bragg, President; Isa Boucher, Vice-President; Jack Murray, Secretary-Treasurer, and Susan Murray, Custodian of Records. While much of the business was "housekeeping" that all startup corporations must go through, several major resolutions were considered and adopted which has allowed I.S.A. to start fullfilling its mission and purposes right away:
- An extensive draft website was adopted as constituted; so I.S.A. already has a web presence! Please visit when you have a moment, at: http://www.seppalasleddogs.com/isa/index.htm
- Requirements for associate and voting memberships were established, with the annual dues set at $35.00 US per calendar year for both categories. Membership requirements and applications are available on the website, and are also available by mail from the Secretary-Treasurer, Jack R. Murray, 808 Starks Rd., New Sharon, ME 04955; or by email at jack@chinooktradingpost.com. Working Canine Association of Canada (WCAC) memberships are recognized by I.S.A., so WCAC members can become members of I.S.A. without additional dues payments!
- Foundation Stock was named, and Breed Standards and Eligibility Requirements were adopted for the SSSD and Chinook, so that as soon as pedigree database software is acquired the Custodian of Records can begin recording SSSD and Chinook stock. Notice will be posted to the Announcements page when the Custodian of Records is prepared to start taking applications.
- Finally, it was resolved to publish an invitation on the website for the submission of artwork for an International Seppala Association logotype. Please check the Announcements page for more details!
The directors look forward to the future growth of the International Seppala Association as we work with our members to help historic sleddog bloodlines remain true to purpose and type!
Jack R. Murray
Secretary-Treasurer
International Seppala Association
