COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
CPD FORMS & DOCUMENTS
USEFUL LINKS
CONTACT INFORMATION
Community Planning & Development
Kawerak’s Community Planning and Development program provides training and technical assistance to Bering Strait communities in small business start-up and expansion, as well as economic development planning and project implementation. This includes developing a community’s capacity to plan, secure funding for, and implement local projects by assisting tribal governments in developing grant proposals and providing grant writing training.
Community Planning Small Business Planning Regional Planning & Economic Development
NEWS AND UPDATES
Bering Strait Regional Energy Summit
The Bering Strait Regional Energy Summit took place on May 12th and 13th!
Thank you to all the attendees, Kawerak staff, and sponsors that made the event happen.
REGIONAL PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Amanda Toerdal, CPD Program Director, (907) 443-4278, [email protected]
Goal 2: Strengthen our economy in ways that preserve and enhance our quality of life while ensuring our environment is not harmed.
Goal 3: Promote economic stability by creating, maintaining, and upgrading infrastructure and regional collaboration to adequately meet our current and anticipated needs.
Goal 4: Decrease the cost of energy.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
Gabriel Smith, Community Planning Specialist, (907) 443-4254, [email protected]
Kawerak’s Community Planning Specialist assists Tribal Communities in the development of their Local Economic Development Plan, or LEDP. The LEDP is a guide for a community’s path towards economic improvement, infrastructure development, and overall community health. The LEDP is a comprehensive strategy unique to each community which is used as a tool for identifying priority projects, seeking funding opportunities, and directing future spending.
SMALL BUSINESS PLANNING
Cara Walker, Small Business Support Specialist, (907) 308-8307, [email protected]
The Small Business Planning Support Specialist offers assistance to individuals and local organizations interested in developing new business ideas or expanding an existing business. As a key resource partner, the BPS collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal organizations to connect the region with essential small business resources. Through these partnerships, the BPS plays a role in improving diverse local economies through business development.
Small Business Success Story: Savoonga Reindeer Herders Meat Processing Plant
Kawerak’s Small Business Planning, along with local, state, and federal partners assisted the Native Village of Savoonga Tribal Council and the Savoonga Reindeer Herders with establishing a reindeer processing facility. The Savoonga Reindeer Commercial Company is up and running in a USDA-approved slaughterhouse and online purchasing platform.
Savoonga Herders Inspecting Their Meat Processing Facility in Finland
Regional Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan
The University of Alaska’s Center for Economic Development was contracted by Kawerak, Inc. Community Planning and Development (CPD) to create a regional economic recovery and resilience plan for small businesses within the Bering Strait region. The project was supported by funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to organize and facilitate planning meetings with key stakeholders, aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the region’s economic recovery and long-term resilience.
Bering Strait Business Resilience Data Report
https://kawerak.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bering-Strait-Business-Resilience-Data-Report.pdf
Bering Strait Small Business Resilience Plan
https://kawerak.org/download/bering-straits-small-business-resilience-plan/?tmstv=1721772042
Collaboration with AKSBDC
Kawerak, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (AKSBDC.ORG) to conduct business workshops and offer one-on-one business counseling in 16 communities throughout the Bering Strait Region.
Savoonga Starting a Business Workshop with Ruth Wolfe, AKSBDC Business Advisor
Bering Strait Business Directory & Resource Center
Community Planning and Development secured funding to create the Bering Strait Business Directory & Resource Center, an online platform designed to strengthen connections between residents, local businesses, and community organizations across the Bering Strait Region. The website aims to boost commerce, improve health and social outcomes, and drive economic growth and resilience throughout the region. Add your business for free today at www.beringstrait.biz/add-your-business.
Annual Berry Festival & Artist Support
The Community Planning and Development team works closely with local artists, crafters, and community leaders to continue to offer the annual Berry Festival, a one day event, that highlights the rich traditions of the Bering Strait region. This event is scheduled during the growing cruise ship season in Nome, Alaska, making it a memorable experience for visitors and locals while improving the economic landscape.
2020 Bering Strait Region Art Report
2024 Berry Festival
UNAATUQ – PILGRIM HOT SPRINGS
Kelsey Galleher, Unaatuq General Manager, (907) 443-4277, [email protected]
Kawerak is a co-managing partner of Unaataq, owner of Pilgrim Hot Springs. Alongside Bering Straits Native Corporation, Kawerak handles the day-to-day operations of the property and business, guided by the priorities set by Unaataq Board of Directors, Unaatuq’s priorities are focused on regional development and consist of four main pillars: clean energy, ecotourism, culture & history, and food security.
Unaataq is a consortium of seven organizations in the Bering Strait region, including Bering Straits Native Corporation, Council Native Corporation, White Mountain Native Corporation, Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation, Kawerak, Inc., Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation, and Sitnasuak Native Corporation. Unaatuq, LLC is governed by a board of directors with representation from each owner-organization.
To learn more about Unaatuq and projects happening at the hot springs, as well as how to visit, check out our website here: pilgrimhotsprings.com.
Unaatuq Board at Pilgrim Hot Springs
ENERGY PROGRAM
Kayla Bourdon, Energy Program Coordinator, 907-443-4279, [email protected]
The 2026 Bering Strait Regional Energy Plan Draft is available for public review & comments. The Kawerak Energy Program, in partnership with DeerStone Consulting, has compiled this document with input from regional stakeholders. It is centered around eight priorities established during the 2026 Regional Energy Summit. We look forward to incorporating edits, comments, and any suggested changes from the energy champions of our region. The comments deadline is November 30, 2026. To submit your comments, please email [email protected].
The 2026 Energy Summit gathered representatives from across the Bering Strait region to brainstorm energy needs and priorities.
Community Planning & Development
Kawerak’s Community Planning and Development program provides training and technical assistance to Bering Strait communities in small business start-up and expansion, as well as economic development planning and project implementation. This includes developing a community’s capacity to plan, secure funding for, and implement local projects by assisting tribal governments in developing grant proposals and providing grant writing training.
Community Planning Small Business Planning Regional Planning & Economic Development
NEWS AND UPDATES
Bering Strait Regional Energy Summit
The Bering Strait Regional Energy Summit took place on May 12th and 13th!
Thank you to all the attendees, Kawerak staff, and sponsors that made the event happen.
REGIONAL PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Amanda Toerdal, CPD Program Director, (907) 443-4278, [email protected]
Goal 2: Strengthen our economy in ways that preserve and enhance our quality of life while ensuring our environment is not harmed.
Goal 3: Promote economic stability by creating, maintaining, and upgrading infrastructure and regional collaboration to adequately meet our current and anticipated needs.
Goal 4: Decrease the cost of energy.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
Gabriel Smith, Community Planning Specialist, (907) 443-4254, [email protected]
Kawerak’s Community Planning Specialist assists Tribal Communities in the development of their Local Economic Development Plan, or LEDP. The LEDP is a guide for a community’s path towards economic improvement, infrastructure development, and overall community health. The LEDP is a comprehensive strategy unique to each community which is used as a tool for identifying priority projects, seeking funding opportunities, and directing future spending.
SMALL BUSINESS PLANNING
Cara Walker, Small Business Support Specialist, (907) 308-8307, [email protected]
The Small Business Planning Support Specialist offers assistance to individuals and local organizations interested in developing new business ideas or expanding an existing business. As a key resource partner, the BPS collaborates with local, regional, state, and federal organizations to connect the region with essential small business resources. Through these partnerships, the BPS plays a role in improving diverse local economies through business development.
Small Business Success Story: Savoonga Reindeer Herders Meat Processing Plant
Kawerak’s Small Business Planning, along with local, state, and federal partners assisted the Native Village of Savoonga Tribal Council and the Savoonga Reindeer Herders with establishing a reindeer processing facility. The Savoonga Reindeer Commercial Company is up and running in a USDA-approved slaughterhouse and online purchasing platform.
Savoonga Herders Inspecting Their Meat Processing Facility in Finland
Regional Economic Recovery and Resilience Plan
The University of Alaska’s Center for Economic Development was contracted by Kawerak, Inc. Community Planning and Development (CPD) to create a regional economic recovery and resilience plan for small businesses within the Bering Strait region. The project was supported by funding from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to organize and facilitate planning meetings with key stakeholders, aimed at developing a comprehensive strategy for strengthening the region’s economic recovery and long-term resilience.
Bering Strait Business Resilience Data Report
https://kawerak.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Bering-Strait-Business-Resilience-Data-Report.pdf
Bering Strait Small Business Resilience Plan
https://kawerak.org/download/bering-straits-small-business-resilience-plan/?tmstv=1721772042
Collaboration with AKSBDC
Kawerak, Inc. signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Alaska Small Business Development Center (AKSBDC.ORG) to conduct business workshops and offer one-on-one business counseling in 16 communities throughout the Bering Strait Region.
Savoonga Starting a Business Workshop with Ruth Wolfe, AKSBDC Business Advisor
Bering Strait Business Directory & Resource Center
Community Planning and Development secured funding to create the Bering Strait Business Directory & Resource Center, an online platform designed to strengthen connections between residents, local businesses, and community organizations across the Bering Strait Region. The website aims to boost commerce, improve health and social outcomes, and drive economic growth and resilience throughout the region. Add your business for free today at www.beringstrait.biz/add-your-business.
Annual Berry Festival & Artist Support
The Community Planning and Development team works closely with local artists, crafters, and community leaders to continue to offer the annual Berry Festival, a one day event, that highlights the rich traditions of the Bering Strait region. This event is scheduled during the growing cruise ship season in Nome, Alaska, making it a memorable experience for visitors and locals while improving the economic landscape.
2020 Bering Strait Region Art Report
2024 Berry Festival
UNAATUQ – PILGRIM HOT SPRINGS
Kelsey Galleher, Unaatuq General Manager, (907) 443-4277, [email protected]
Kawerak is a co-managing partner of Unaataq, owner of Pilgrim Hot Springs. Alongside Bering Straits Native Corporation, Kawerak handles the day-to-day operations of the property and business, guided by the priorities set by Unaataq Board of Directors, Unaatuq’s priorities are focused on regional development and consist of four main pillars: clean energy, ecotourism, culture & history, and food security.
Unaataq is a consortium of seven organizations in the Bering Strait region, including Bering Straits Native Corporation, Council Native Corporation, White Mountain Native Corporation, Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation, Kawerak, Inc., Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation, and Sitnasuak Native Corporation. Unaatuq, LLC is governed by a board of directors with representation from each owner-organization.
To learn more about Unaatuq and projects happening at the hot springs, as well as how to visit, check out our website here: pilgrimhotsprings.com.
Unaatuq Board at Pilgrim Hot Springs
ENERGY PROGRAM
Kayla Bourdon, Energy Program Coordinator, 907-443-4279, [email protected]
The 2026 Bering Strait Regional Energy Plan Draft is available for public review & comments. The Kawerak Energy Program, in partnership with DeerStone Consulting, has compiled this document with input from regional stakeholders. It is centered around eight priorities established during the 2026 Regional Energy Summit. We look forward to incorporating edits, comments, and any suggested changes from the energy champions of our region. The comments deadline is November 30, 2026. To submit your comments, please email [email protected].
The 2026 Energy Summit gathered representatives from across the Bering Strait region to brainstorm energy needs and priorities.
CPD FORMS & DOCUMENTS
USEFUL LINKS