Council of Katmai Descendants: Company Profile

Background

The Council of Katmai Descendants (CKD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of the Katmai people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Katmai region in Alaska. Established in 1994, the CKD represents the descendants of the Katmai people who were displaced by the 1912 eruption of Mount Novarupta, which led to the abandonment of villages such as Savonoski, Kaguyak, Kukak, and Katmai. The organization comprises over 30 geographically-based native groups, all united in their mission to safeguard their ancestral traditions and history.

Key Strategic Focus

The CKD's primary objective is to preserve the cultural heritage of the Katmai people, with a particular emphasis on youth education. This focus is evident in their support for the Katmai Culture Camp, a program that allows students and culture-bearers from descendant communities to visit their ancestral homeland, engage in cultural activities, and connect with their heritage. Additionally, the CKD collaborates with the National Park Service (NPS) and other partners to document indigenous place names along the Alagnak Wild River and Brooks Camp, ensuring the recognition and preservation of these significant cultural landmarks.

Financials and Funding

As a nonprofit organization, the CKD relies on donations and grants to fund its initiatives. In 2024, the organization received a grant of $73,310 from the NPS Regional Subsistence Advisory Council to collect data on traditional subsistence access routes in Katmai National Preserve. This project aims to combine local and indigenous knowledge with remote sensing technology to identify optimal routes to the Kukaklek Caribou Herd and other important subsistence use areas for residents of Kokhanok and Igiugig.

Pipeline Development

The CKD is actively involved in several projects aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Katmai people. One notable initiative is the "Documenting Katmai National Park Indigenous Place Names" project, a three-year partnership that began in the fall of 2024. This collaboration with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation, the CKD, and the Igiugig Village Council focuses on recording indigenous place names along the Alagnak Wild River and Brooks Camp, ensuring the recognition and preservation of these significant cultural landmarks.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The CKD employs a combination of traditional indigenous knowledge and modern technology to achieve its objectives. For instance, in the project to document indigenous place names, the organization integrates local and indigenous knowledge with remote sensing technology, such as LiDAR, to identify optimal routes to subsistence areas. This innovative approach ensures the preservation of cultural heritage while adapting to contemporary technological advancements.

Leadership Team

The CKD is led by a dedicated team committed to preserving the cultural heritage of the Katmai people. Notable members include Edna Smith, the Secretary of the CKD, who has been instrumental in developing educational programs and initiatives that connect youth with their ancestral roots. Additionally, the organization collaborates with leaders from various descendant communities, such as Gerald Kosbruk, President of the Native Village of Perryville, to ensure that the programs and projects align with the needs and values of the community.

Competitor Profile

In the realm of cultural preservation and indigenous rights, the CKD operates alongside several organizations:

Katmai Conservancy: As the official nonprofit partner of Katmai National Park and Preserve, the Katmai Conservancy supports the park's preservation through education, research, and community engagement. Their initiatives include funding for interpretive staff, research projects, and community programs.

Katmai Government Services: A wholly owned subsidiary of the Ouzinkie Native Corporation, Katmai Government Services focuses on managing federal contracts and commercial efforts to benefit ONC shareholders. Their operations include various government services and contracting opportunities.

Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC): A regional Alaska Native corporation, BBNC has been involved in various initiatives, including the acquisition of Katmailand, Inc., which operates fishing lodges within Katmai National Park. This acquisition aligns with BBNC's strategy to invest in the region and expand its tourism business line.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The CKD collaborates with several organizations to enhance its impact:

National Park Service (NPS): The CKD works closely with the NPS to document indigenous place names and manage cultural resources within Katmai National Park and Preserve. This partnership ensures that cultural heritage is preserved and respected within the park.

Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC): The CKD partners with BBNC on projects like the "Documenting Katmai National Park Indigenous Place Names," combining resources and expertise to achieve common goals.

Operational Insights

The CKD's operations are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the Katmai region. By focusing on youth education and cultural preservation, the organization addresses the challenges faced by the Katmai people due to historical events like the 1912 eruption and the 1918 flu epidemic, which significantly impacted their population and cultural continuity.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the CKD aims to expand its educational programs, enhance community engagement, and strengthen partnerships with other organizations to further its mission of cultural preservation. By leveraging both traditional knowledge and modern technology, the CKD is well-positioned to continue its vital work in safeguarding the heritage of the Katmai people.