Our Region

The Bering Strait region is located in Northwest Alaska, just south of the Arctic Circle. The region is home to three culturally distinct groups of Alaska Native people.The Inupiaq reside on the Seward Peninsula as well as the King and Diomede Islands. The Central Yup’ik primarily reside in the villages south of Unalakleet. The Siberian Yupik live on St. Lawrence Island, and are closely related culturally and linguistically to the Chukotka people of the Russian Far East.

Alaska Native people have lived in this region as an identifiable culture for at least 4,000 to 6,000 years; the earliest documented evidence of human habitation dates back 10,000 years. Settlements concentrate along the coast and river system, as the sea was and is the principal focus of human activities.

Twenty tribal governments represent the 20 villages in the region.

Entities in the Region • Tribe • City • Corporation • Service Organizations

There are 3 entities that function within most of the villages within the Bering Strait Region. This would include the Native Corporation, the City government and the Tribal government. These three organizations together are often referred to as the tri-org. It is easy to get confused and there are some common misconceptions about the various entities. There are also other entities that provide services in the region.  See below for tips and information regarding the different regional entities including what their role is, how they work together, and how they can be a resource.

Tribe
The Tribe is a sovereign entity recognized by the U.S. Constitution as distinct governments with the same powers as the federal and state governments to regulate their internal affairs. Tribal government, predates the USA and State of Alaska, has existed since time immemorial; has its own set of laws that generally apply to its citizens but not always any non-natives living in the community. Tribal citizens may live in the village or not (depending on the tribe’s enrollment laws). Tribes operate programs for tribal citizens/village residents which can include child welfare programs, environmental, tribal courts, etc.

There are twenty federally recognized tribal governments in the Bering Strait region.  Being “federally recognized” means that the United States government recognizes each tribe as a sovereign government in the same way that it does all the other federally recognized tribes throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.  Most of the tribes in the region were organized under the Indian Reorganization Act 25 U.S.C. §461 et seq.  This federal law provided the authority and procedures for tribes to organize through an election process and adopt an Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) constitution.  The governing body of tribes that did organize under the IRA act are often referred to as “IRA Councils.”  If your tribal government did not organize under the IRA act, it is often referred to as a “traditional council.”  Both IRA and traditional tribal governments are equally legitimate, federally recognized sovereign governments.

Tribal governments in the region have the authority to develop laws and justice systems, and otherwise have the responsibilities and protections of other sovereign entities.  Outside of the legal context, tribal governments also provide many other social and economic services to tribal members either on their own or through their association with Kawerak.  The tribal governments in our region are governed by their Tribal Councils. Tribal Council members are elected by the membership. Tribes typically have 7 elected tribal Council members including the President or Chief.  In order to run for Tribal Council, all tribes in the region require that a person be a tribal member.  Tribes have their own organizational laws, including membership ordinances.  Requirements for membership in tribes in the region vary with each tribe.  There are no “shares” associated with tribal membership, so tribal members are not “shareholders.” Kawerak Tribal Coordinators work for the Tribal Council.

Corporations
The Corporation is a for-profit entity created under ANCSA in 70s. A Corporation’s goal is to generate revenue. A corporation has shareholders (usually those born at the time of ANCSA, and may or may not include those born after ANCSA was enacted) who may receive a dividend check from the corporations’ profit. Generally corporations have ownership over certain lands around the village (if it’s a village – vs regional – corporation it typically owns rights to the subsurface of the land while the regional corp owns rights to the surface).

Bering Strait Native Corporation (BSNC) and the Village Corporations

In the Lower 48, settlements with Indian tribes regarding land issues were reached in large part through creation of Indian reservations.  To settle land issues in Alaska, in 1971, Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. §§1601 et seq.   (ANCSA). ANCSA created BSNC and the village corporations, and provided them with land and money in exchange for extinguishing all aboriginal claims to the land.  ANCSA established a system in which, in general, BSNC has title to the subsurface of ANCSA lands, and village corporations have title to the surface of the ANCSA lands they acquired (with some exceptions—some villages opted to keep the subsurface, e.g. St. Lawrence Island).

ANCSA also established a system in which Native people in the region became shareholders of BSNC and their respective village corporations.  The roles of both BSNC and village corporations are to manage and invest corporate assets on behalf of shareholders. These corporations deal with land, investments, and other business ventures and are not primarily focused on providing social and economic programs.    Sitnasuak is one of the village corporations, located in Nome.  BSNC is often called the “Regional Native For-Profit” corporation for the Bering Strait region.  BSNC and the village corporations are not “federally recognized” tribal governments.  BSNC and the village corporations are governed by their Board of Directors.  They are incorporated under Alaska state law.  Board members are elected by shareholders of the corporations.

City
The City is a municipal government, is like an arm of the state. City’s have their own city laws that apply within municipal boundaries and also operates under the state constitution and laws. Residents are citizens of the city/village and must live there to be a citizen/resident. City’s operate all functions normally operated by a city government, but typically major functions are utilities, landfill, etc.

Each village in the Bering Strait region and the city of Nome have established municipal governments.  These city governments operate under the authority given to them by Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes.  Local city governments are sovereign entities with authority to develop municipal ordinances.  Municipal laws are enforced through the Alaska court system.  City governments tend to provide many of the necessary utility and other services other entities in the village do not provide (e.g. power, water, fire protection, public safety).  The jurisdiction of the city normally extends to the limits of the city’s boundaries.  Cities are governed by a Mayor and City Council.  The Mayor and City Council members are elected by residents of the city.  In order to run for Mayor or City Council, a person must be a resident of the city as well.

Service Organizations

Kawerak, Inc.: Tribes in the region have established Kawerak, Inc. as an umbrella organization in order to pool resources and funding.  Kawerak is often called the “Regional Native Non-Profit” consortium for the Bering Strait region.  Kawerak is not a federally recognized tribal government.  Kawerak is a non-profit corporation that provides numerous social, educational, construction, economic and other services to Native people of the region on behalf of the tribal governments in the region.  Kawerak receives funding by compacting with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and through numerous other state and federal funding sources.  Kawerak is governed by its Board of Directors.  The Kawerak Board of Directors consists of a representative from each of the tribal governments in the region, two Elder representatives, and one Norton Sound Health Corporation representative.

Norton Sound Health Corporation:  NSHC is the health care provider for the Bering Strait region.  In our region Kawerak and NSHC operate independently as separate organizations, though in practice they work very closely together. NSHC’s health care services are provided to all persons living in the region, regardless of their Native status.  NSHC derives its funding from the Indian Health Service (IHS) of the U.S. Government, as well as through other state and federal grants and reimbursements such as Medicare and Medicaid, and private insurance.  NSHC is not a federally recognized tribal government.  NSHC is a non-profit health corporation.  NSHC is governed by its Board of Directors.    The NSHC Board of Directors consists of a representative from each of the tribal governments in the region (Nome Eskimo Community has two representatives at the time of this writing), an appointment from the City of Nome, one Nome at-large representative, and one Kawerak representative.

Bering Strait Regional Housing Authority:  BSRHA is the “Tribally Designated Housing Entity” authorized under the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and through Alaska Statutes to construct low income housing in the Bering Strait region through U.S. Housing and Urban Development NAHASDA funding.  Tribal governments in the region may choose to associate with BSRHA or establish their own local housing entity to accept funds and construct housing.  BSRHA is not a federally recognized tribal government.  The BSRHA Board of Commissioners is, by Alaska Statute, chosen by the Kawerak Board of Directors.  There are five commissioners.

Understanding the Relationship Between These Entities

If you are a Native person living in the region, chances are you wear many hats.  You may be a shareholder of a village corporation and regional Native corporation, a tribal member of your local tribal government, and a city resident in the city in which you reside.  You may be receiving health care from NSHC and educational, social or other services from Kawerak.  At the same time, you may be applying for a house through BSRHA.  Understanding how these entities interact with each other should help guide you in addressing concerns you may have with each.  Here are some tips that may help you understand these interrelationships:

  • Village corporations and city and tribal governments in communities do not have legal authority over each other but normally have a voluntary working relationship on issues of mutual concern in the community. A common misconception is that a tribal government does not have jurisdiction within the jurisdiction of a city government. Tribal jurisdiction may exist simultaneously with a city government or state government’s jurisdiction.
  • Kawerak, BSNC, BSRHA, and NSHC do not have legal authority over each other, but work closely together and often enter into agreements with each other in providing services.Kawerak’s only role with BSRHA is to choose its commissioners.
  • Kawerak, BSNC, BSRHA and NSHC have no authority over the cities or village corporations though again they often enter into agreements with each other. BSNC does have a legal relationship through ANCSA with village corporations in which they have shared ANCSA land.
  • Kawerak, BSRHA and NSHC all have direct legal relationships with the tribal governments in the region through the services these three organizations provide, as established by federal laws. None, including Kawerak, however, have authority to resolve internal council matters or dictate how the tribal governments conduct business or operate internally. Kawerak does have an obligation through its compact with the federal government to ensure that funding passed through Kawerak to tribal governments is administered and expended in accordance with the law.

Addressing Your Concerns

Because the entities discussed do not in general have authority over each other, it is best to deal directly with the entity with which you have concerns.  Shareholders who have concerns with BSNC or their village corporation should work internally with these corporations.  Tribal members should bring concerns to their Tribal Councils.  Residents who have concerns with their city government should work internally with the city council.  Becoming involved by participating in meetings is a first step.  If concerns are not addressed, consider running for the Council or Board, or affecting change through the election process.

Regarding internal tribal government concerns, Kawerak can provide technical assistance, including providing legal assistance to the Tribal Council, at the request of the Council.  Where a concern involves management of funding provided through Kawerak to a tribal government, Kawerak must be involved.  For issues involving provision of health care, including the clinics in villages in the region, concerns should be brought through NSHC’s internal process. Issues involving homes built or maintained by BSRHA should be brought through BSRHA’s internal process.  If your village operates its own local housing entity, concerns regarding homes built or maintained by that entity should first be brought to that entity, and if not resolved, to the tribal government which oversees that entity.  Most of these entities will have policies regarding complaints involving their employees or other issues.

For more information, contact your local city or tribal government, or one of these organizations:

Kawerak: 443-5231

BSNC: 443-5252

BSRHA: 443-5256

NSHC: 443-3311

Our Region

The Bering Strait region is located in Northwest Alaska, just south of the Arctic Circle. The region is home to three culturally distinct groups of Alaska Native people.The Inupiaq reside on the Seward Peninsula as well as the King and Diomede Islands. The Central Yup’ik primarily reside in the villages south of Unalakleet. The Siberian Yupik live on St. Lawrence Island, and are closely related culturally and linguistically to the Chukotka people of the Russian Far East.

Alaska Native people have lived in this region as an identifiable culture for at least 4,000 to 6,000 years; the earliest documented evidence of human habitation dates back 10,000 years. Settlements concentrate along the coast and river system, as the sea was and is the principal focus of human activities.

Twenty tribal governments represent the 20 villages in the region.

Entities in the Region • Tribe • City • Corporation • Service Organizations

There are 3 entities that function within most of the villages within the Bering Strait Region. This would include the Native Corporation, the City government and the Tribal government. These three organizations together are often referred to as the tri-org. It is easy to get confused and there are some common misconceptions about the various entities. There are also other entities that provide services in the region.  See below for tips and information regarding the different regional entities including what their role is, how they work together, and how they can be a resource.

Tribe
The Tribe is a sovereign entity recognized by the U.S. Constitution as distinct governments with the same powers as the federal and state governments to regulate their internal affairs. Tribal government, predates the USA and State of Alaska, has existed since time immemorial; has its own set of laws that generally apply to its citizens but not always any non-natives living in the community. Tribal citizens may live in the village or not (depending on the tribe’s enrollment laws). Tribes operate programs for tribal citizens/village residents which can include child welfare programs, environmental, tribal courts, etc.

There are twenty federally recognized tribal governments in the Bering Strait region.  Being “federally recognized” means that the United States government recognizes each tribe as a sovereign government in the same way that it does all the other federally recognized tribes throughout Alaska and the Lower 48.  Most of the tribes in the region were organized under the Indian Reorganization Act 25 U.S.C. §461 et seq.  This federal law provided the authority and procedures for tribes to organize through an election process and adopt an Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) constitution.  The governing body of tribes that did organize under the IRA act are often referred to as “IRA Councils.”  If your tribal government did not organize under the IRA act, it is often referred to as a “traditional council.”  Both IRA and traditional tribal governments are equally legitimate, federally recognized sovereign governments.

Tribal governments in the region have the authority to develop laws and justice systems, and otherwise have the responsibilities and protections of other sovereign entities.  Outside of the legal context, tribal governments also provide many other social and economic services to tribal members either on their own or through their association with Kawerak.  The tribal governments in our region are governed by their Tribal Councils. Tribal Council members are elected by the membership. Tribes typically have 7 elected tribal Council members including the President or Chief.  In order to run for Tribal Council, all tribes in the region require that a person be a tribal member.  Tribes have their own organizational laws, including membership ordinances.  Requirements for membership in tribes in the region vary with each tribe.  There are no “shares” associated with tribal membership, so tribal members are not “shareholders.” Kawerak Tribal Coordinators work for the Tribal Council.

Corporations
The Corporation is a for-profit entity created under ANCSA in 70s. A Corporation’s goal is to generate revenue. A corporation has shareholders (usually those born at the time of ANCSA, and may or may not include those born after ANCSA was enacted) who may receive a dividend check from the corporations’ profit. Generally corporations have ownership over certain lands around the village (if it’s a village – vs regional – corporation it typically owns rights to the subsurface of the land while the regional corp owns rights to the surface).

Bering Strait Native Corporation (BSNC) and the Village Corporations

In the Lower 48, settlements with Indian tribes regarding land issues were reached in large part through creation of Indian reservations.  To settle land issues in Alaska, in 1971, Congress passed the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 43 U.S.C. §§1601 et seq.   (ANCSA). ANCSA created BSNC and the village corporations, and provided them with land and money in exchange for extinguishing all aboriginal claims to the land.  ANCSA established a system in which, in general, BSNC has title to the subsurface of ANCSA lands, and village corporations have title to the surface of the ANCSA lands they acquired (with some exceptions—some villages opted to keep the subsurface, e.g. St. Lawrence Island).

ANCSA also established a system in which Native people in the region became shareholders of BSNC and their respective village corporations.  The roles of both BSNC and village corporations are to manage and invest corporate assets on behalf of shareholders. These corporations deal with land, investments, and other business ventures and are not primarily focused on providing social and economic programs.    Sitnasuak is one of the village corporations, located in Nome.  BSNC is often called the “Regional Native For-Profit” corporation for the Bering Strait region.  BSNC and the village corporations are not “federally recognized” tribal governments.  BSNC and the village corporations are governed by their Board of Directors.  They are incorporated under Alaska state law.  Board members are elected by shareholders of the corporations.

City
The City is a municipal government, is like an arm of the state. City’s have their own city laws that apply within municipal boundaries and also operates under the state constitution and laws. Residents are citizens of the city/village and must live there to be a citizen/resident. City’s operate all functions normally operated by a city government, but typically major functions are utilities, landfill, etc.

Each village in the Bering Strait region and the city of Nome have established municipal governments.  These city governments operate under the authority given to them by Title 29 of the Alaska Statutes.  Local city governments are sovereign entities with authority to develop municipal ordinances.  Municipal laws are enforced through the Alaska court system.  City governments tend to provide many of the necessary utility and other services other entities in the village do not provide (e.g. power, water, fire protection, public safety).  The jurisdiction of the city normally extends to the limits of the city’s boundaries.  Cities are governed by a Mayor and City Council.  The Mayor and City Council members are elected by residents of the city.  In order to run for Mayor or City Council, a person must be a resident of the city as well.

Service Organizations

Kawerak, Inc.: Tribes in the region have established Kawerak, Inc. as an umbrella organization in order to pool resources and funding.  Kawerak is often called the “Regional Native Non-Profit” consortium for the Bering Strait region.  Kawerak is not a federally recognized tribal government.  Kawerak is a non-profit corporation that provides numerous social, educational, construction, economic and other services to Native people of the region on behalf of the tribal governments in the region.  Kawerak receives funding by compacting with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and through numerous other state and federal funding sources.  Kawerak is governed by its Board of Directors.  The Kawerak Board of Directors consists of a representative from each of the tribal governments in the region, two Elder representatives, and one Norton Sound Health Corporation representative.

Norton Sound Health Corporation:  NSHC is the health care provider for the Bering Strait region.  In our region Kawerak and NSHC operate independently as separate organizations, though in practice they work very closely together. NSHC’s health care services are provided to all persons living in the region, regardless of their Native status.  NSHC derives its funding from the Indian Health Service (IHS) of the U.S. Government, as well as through other state and federal grants and reimbursements such as Medicare and Medicaid, and private insurance.  NSHC is not a federally recognized tribal government.  NSHC is a non-profit health corporation.  NSHC is governed by its Board of Directors.    The NSHC Board of Directors consists of a representative from each of the tribal governments in the region (Nome Eskimo Community has two representatives at the time of this writing), an appointment from the City of Nome, one Nome at-large representative, and one Kawerak representative.

Bering Strait Regional Housing Authority:  BSRHA is the “Tribally Designated Housing Entity” authorized under the Native American Housing and Self-Determination Act of 1996 and through Alaska Statutes to construct low income housing in the Bering Strait region through U.S. Housing and Urban Development NAHASDA funding.  Tribal governments in the region may choose to associate with BSRHA or establish their own local housing entity to accept funds and construct housing.  BSRHA is not a federally recognized tribal government.  The BSRHA Board of Commissioners is, by Alaska Statute, chosen by the Kawerak Board of Directors.  There are five commissioners.

Understanding the Relationship Between These Entities

If you are a Native person living in the region, chances are you wear many hats.  You may be a shareholder of a village corporation and regional Native corporation, a tribal member of your local tribal government, and a city resident in the city in which you reside.  You may be receiving health care from NSHC and educational, social or other services from Kawerak.  At the same time, you may be applying for a house through BSRHA.  Understanding how these entities interact with each other should help guide you in addressing concerns you may have with each.  Here are some tips that may help you understand these interrelationships:

  • Village corporations and city and tribal governments in communities do not have legal authority over each other but normally have a voluntary working relationship on issues of mutual concern in the community. A common misconception is that a tribal government does not have jurisdiction within the jurisdiction of a city government. Tribal jurisdiction may exist simultaneously with a city government or state government’s jurisdiction.
  • Kawerak, BSNC, BSRHA, and NSHC do not have legal authority over each other, but work closely together and often enter into agreements with each other in providing services.Kawerak’s only role with BSRHA is to choose its commissioners.
  • Kawerak, BSNC, BSRHA and NSHC have no authority over the cities or village corporations though again they often enter into agreements with each other. BSNC does have a legal relationship through ANCSA with village corporations in which they have shared ANCSA land.
  • Kawerak, BSRHA and NSHC all have direct legal relationships with the tribal governments in the region through the services these three organizations provide, as established by federal laws. None, including Kawerak, however, have authority to resolve internal council matters or dictate how the tribal governments conduct business or operate internally. Kawerak does have an obligation through its compact with the federal government to ensure that funding passed through Kawerak to tribal governments is administered and expended in accordance with the law.

Addressing Your Concerns

Because the entities discussed do not in general have authority over each other, it is best to deal directly with the entity with which you have concerns.  Shareholders who have concerns with BSNC or their village corporation should work internally with these corporations.  Tribal members should bring concerns to their Tribal Councils.  Residents who have concerns with their city government should work internally with the city council.  Becoming involved by participating in meetings is a first step.  If concerns are not addressed, consider running for the Council or Board, or affecting change through the election process.

Regarding internal tribal government concerns, Kawerak can provide technical assistance, including providing legal assistance to the Tribal Council, at the request of the Council.  Where a concern involves management of funding provided through Kawerak to a tribal government, Kawerak must be involved.  For issues involving provision of health care, including the clinics in villages in the region, concerns should be brought through NSHC’s internal process. Issues involving homes built or maintained by BSRHA should be brought through BSRHA’s internal process.  If your village operates its own local housing entity, concerns regarding homes built or maintained by that entity should first be brought to that entity, and if not resolved, to the tribal government which oversees that entity.  Most of these entities will have policies regarding complaints involving their employees or other issues.

For more information, contact your local city or tribal government, or one of these organizations:

Kawerak: 443-5231

BSNC: 443-5252

BSRHA: 443-5256

NSHC: 443-3311