Advancing the capacity of our people and tribes for the benefit of the region.

October 17, 2023

Uvllaaluataq Danielle,

Last week Monday October 9th we recognized Indigenous People's Day. Celebrating and honoring our families and cultures is something we strive to do everyday, but October 9th we had a great excuse to gather in celebration.

The Village of Solmon once again coordinated an excellent event for Indigenous Peoples Day! (middle photo) To prepare for this event, people also submitted photos that represented themselves as Indigenous People to showcase in a slideshow at the event (top and bottom photo above).

New and Noteworthy

Katirvik Cultural Center Workshops

Katirvik Cultural Center (KCC) has coordinated with many Indigenous Artists and Culture Bearers to bring some exciting workshops to the community. Upcoming include Baleen Etching, Fish Skin Basket Sewing, Sagariq Salve Making, Toddler Slipper Sewing, Child Mitten Sewing and more!

Keep in touch with out Facebook page @Katirvik or check out our website at kawerak.org/events to keep up to date on new classes.

Pictured Below, a successful and happy group from the Ka'maak Making Class with Joni Spiess.

Trainee Highlight - Mary Pete

We are proud to announce the recent graduation of Alaska Career College’s Medical Assistant Specialist, Mary Pete!

Mary said it wasn’t easy – time away focused on her studies all the time was challenging. “Many times I sat studying at the kitchen table from 5pm to 11pm…it was hard to stay focused, but I knew I needed to do it.” Mary also worked with Kawerak’s job program that gave her enough funds for housing and food so she could focus 100% on her schooling. “I was thankful I had the time to focus on school and not try to balance that and a job.”

Read more about Mary's experience

Kawerak’s Employment and Training team is available to assist tribal members with their goals to get into the workforce! That could be assistance to identify resources, scholarships, support check-ins, training, employment assistance AND MORE! We are motivated if you are. You can check out the services online at kawerak.org (Employment and Education section) or give us a call at 1-800-450-4341.

Program Announcements

RHA Supports Farm Bill

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) introduced the Improving Agriculture, Research, Cultivation, Timber, and Indigenous Commodities (ARCTIC) Act, legislation that will strengthen a variety of Farm Bill provisions to better address needs in Alaska.

This bill is supported by the Reindeer Herder’s Association (RHA) because it "provides a tangible, positive step toward promoting food security for our region, our tribes and beyond," states RHA Director Nathan Baring.

Kawerak’s Comment Letter on Farm Bill Reauthorization can be found on the RHA website under RHA News at kawerak.org/rha.

Photo from 2018 Reindeer Herder's Association annual meeting

Announcements and Reminders

Shishmaref New Head Start Facility Grand Opening!

On Wednesday August 30th, Kawerak Board, staff and the Shishmaref community came together to celebrate the new Head Start Facility Grand Opening. We are so excited for this building to be a reality and to be together to celebrate it!

Everyone gathered in the classroom to begin the celebration. Kawerak Shishmaref Board Representative Johnson Eningowuk offered a welcome and prayer. Attendees also heard from Board Chair Frank Katchatag, President Melanie Bahnke, and Head Start Director Deb Trowbridge. The Shishmaref drummers and dancers performed in honor of the occasion. The ribbon was cut by Kyle, a recent Head Start graduate who started in the immersion program when he was just 7 months old!