Core Purpose:  Strengthen Tribal Community and Culture
Core Values:  Respect, Collaboration, Endurance, Safety and Security 

​Goals:
*     Enhance the quality of life of tribal members through economic enterprises and social programs.
*     Preserve and sustain cultural traditions.
*     Advocate for the protection and preservation of customary and traditional areas and gathering practices  important to our subsistence activities.

Check out the Culture Camp website - www.ovkculturecamp.org
and the Community Calendar - www.kakecommunityevents.com

** Social Services has a dedicated cell phone number  907-518-1969​ **

4th Annual OVK Community Meeting was March 27, 2021 

Current Job Opportunities
SSP - Kelp and Oyster Farming Workshop - was held March 18-20, 2021
​Sustainable Southeast Partnership Kelp and Oyster Farming Workshop March 18-20, 2021
 
Thank you for your interest in the Sustainable Southeast Partnership Kelp and Oyster Farming Workshop!
 
This Kelp and Oyster Farming Workshop will provide tools and training for Alaska Natives in Southeast Alaska interested in starting kelp, oyster, or multi-species ocean farms. The program will include a virtual workshop series starting on Thursday, March 18 and concluding Saturday, March 20.
 
Topics covered will include an overview of kelp and oyster harvest and cultivation, and field identification of seaweed species; logistics of collecting, growing, and purchasing seed; farm site evaluation and planning, leasing, and permitting; farm design and build out; harvesting and processing techniques, and quality handling; business planning and farm financing; and other topics. Information and instruction will be provided by GreenWave, Alaska Sea Grant, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, Spruce Root, The Native Conservancy, and others. 
 
The program is free, but space will be limited to 24 participants––selected through this application process. Applications are due February 19, 2021. Project partners at Spruce Root will review applications and select participants based on the thoughtfulness of responses to application questions. Applicants selected for participation will be notified by February 26, 2021. Priority will be given to Alaska Native residents of Southeast Alaska.
 
Participants will need access to the internet and a computer, tablet, or smartphone in order to participate in the sessions and view presentations and panel discussions.
 
Following the workshop, participants may be eligible for one-on-one mentoring and, pending safety and travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in farm tours and other hands-on activities at a later date. Participants will be expected to attend and complete the workshop to be eligible for mentoring and hands-on activities.
 
Important dates and More Information
 
February 19, 2021 - Application due
February 26, 2021 - Selected applicants notified
March 18-20 - Workshop (Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday day-long sessions)
 
Would you like to know more about kelp and oyster farming in Alaska before you apply? Check out these videos for more information:
 
 
Instructions
 
This application is broken up into 3 sections:
 
1) General contact information
2) Some information and a question about your internet stability and ability to use Zoom and
3) Two short-answer questions about your interest in this workshop series
 
All questions require responses.
 
You can also fill out and submit this application online: https://www.spruceroot.org/kelpapplication
 
If you have any problems with this application or have questions about the program that you'd like to be answered before you apply, please contact Aaron Ferguson at Spruce Root (aaron@spruceroot.org) or Lindsay Olsen at GreenWave (lindsay@greenwave.org).

OVK Newsletter

Continuing through 2021
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Feds approve renaming Saginaw Bay over ‘Kake War’ connections 
- click on this headline to read the article.
OVK Tribal Member ID cards are available, see Kelly Phillips
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES at OVK
Application available for download on the Career Opportunities page.
See above.  
Testing is continuing to be done on the clam beds around the island but please keep in mind that the tides are constantly changing and use caution when gathering and consuming clams, cockles or mussels.
WARNING - WHEN PSP LEVELS ARE ELEVATED - DO NOT HARVEST OR CONSUME SHELLFISH