Kawerak Inc recognizes the need in the Bering Strait Region communities to receive essential notifications regarding emergencies unfolding in their area in a timely and convenient way. To assist with this, Kawerak has entered into a service agreement with TextMyGov, for a solution to get the word out fast to mobile users in the Bering Strait Region. 

 

Kawerak will officially launch the new text messaging system to the public on JUNE 6, 2026. There will be two options for enrollment: 

  1. Receive emergency notifications only that are sent by Kawerak. 
  1. Receive all weather notifications and alerts sent by the National Weather Service. 

 

Some residents will be automatically enrolled into the emergency alerts and will receive a text message from Kawerak through the number 91896 initiating the service. You can choose to opt-out at any time by texting STOP. 

 

If you don’t receive the initial message, you can choose to opt-in by texting the keyword “KAWERAK” to the number 91896. After sending the initial keyword, you will be asked to reply “YES” to confirm opt-in. This service will ONLY be for emergency announcements only, that would be a threat to life or property. If you would like to also enroll into weather alerts sent from the National Weather Service for the Bering Strait Region text “KAWERAKNWS” to 91896.The process to confirm enrollment will be the same, and you can opt out at any time by texting STOP. 

 

We are looking forward to using this potentially life-saving technology as a critical communication tool for our communities across the region. For more information visit Kawerak.org/emergency or contact Kevin Knowlton, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, kknowlton@kawerak.org, 907-434-0789. 

 

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 View terms and privacy policy info at textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions. Msg & Data rates apply. Please visit: https://textmygov.com/ 

Kawerak Inc. acts in accordance with its mission, to advance the capacity of our people and tribes for the benefit of the region. Kawerak is a nonprofit tribal consortium that provides over 40 different programs to the Inupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik and Yupik people who reside in 16 communities of western Alaska and represents the 20 federally recognized tribes in the Bering Strait Region.