Native Village of Tyonek: Company Profile

Background

The Native Village of Tyonek (NVT) is a Dena’ina Athabascan community located approximately 43 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, on the northwest shore of Cook Inlet. The village is accessible only by small plane or boat, underscoring its remote and close-knit nature. Tyonek is home to the Tebughna, or "Beach People," who have a rich cultural heritage rooted in subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and whaling.

In 1973, under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Tyonek established the Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC) to manage land and resources for the benefit of its shareholders. TNC's mission is to profitably manage the corporation so that Tebughna shareholders have the opportunity to prosper individually and collectively, and with their partners in business.

Key Strategic Focus

NVT's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

Economic Development: Through TNC, NVT engages in various business ventures, including government contracting services, to generate revenue that supports community programs and infrastructure.

Cultural Preservation: The Tebughna Foundation, established in 2007, is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Dena’ina traditions by funding cultural enhancements and educational opportunities for the benefit of Tyonek Native Corporation shareholders and the Native Village of Tyonek tribal citizens.

Environmental Stewardship: The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD), formed in 2005, collaborates with NVT to conserve, enhance, and encourage the wise use of natural resources. TTCD focuses on projects such as fish passage restoration, habitat conservation, and community agriculture to support food security.

Financials and Funding

NVT's financial strategy involves leveraging its land and resources to generate income for community development. TNC's annual revenues exceed $100 million, with assets over $35 million, reflecting its successful business operations. Additionally, NVT has secured various grants and funding opportunities to support its initiatives. For instance, in 2024, NVT received a non-competing continuation award of $341,523 from the Department of Health and Human Services.

Pipeline Development

NVT's pipeline development includes:

Energy Efficiency Projects: In 2020, NVT initiated the Tyonek Energy Efficiency Project, aiming to reduce energy consumption in community buildings by implementing energy-saving measures.

Community Agriculture Programs: The Tyonek Grown program, established in 2012, focuses on local food production to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NVT employs several technological platforms and innovative approaches:

Energy Efficiency Measures: The Tyonek Energy Efficiency Project involves installing LED lighting, programmable thermostats, and other energy-saving technologies in community buildings.

Community Agriculture Technologies: The Tyonek Grown program utilizes hydroponic systems and other modern agricultural techniques to support local food production.

Leadership Team

NVT's leadership comprises individuals dedicated to the community's growth and well-being. The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD) Board of Directors includes:

Marian King: Board Chair, At-Large Seat

Cassandra Kroto: Board Vice-Chair, Tyonek Native Corporation Seat

Andrea Jacuk: Board Treasurer-Secretary, At-Large Seat

Judd Standifer: Board Director, Native Village of Tyonek Seat

Brandy Standifer: Board Director, Native Village of Tyonek Seat

Angie Cleary: Board Director, Tyonek Native Corporation Seat

Robert Stephan Sr.: Board Director, At-Large Seat

These leaders are committed to advancing NVT's mission through strategic planning and community engagement.

Operational Insights

NVT's operations are characterized by:

Community-Centric Approach: Emphasis on initiatives that directly benefit the Tyonek community, such as energy efficiency projects and local agriculture programs.

Cultural Preservation: Commitment to maintaining and promoting Dena’ina cultural heritage through various programs and partnerships.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

NVT has formed several strategic collaborations:

Tebughna Foundation: Established in 2007, this foundation funds cultural and educational programs to preserve Dena’ina traditions.

Tyonek Grown Program: A collaboration between TTCD and NVT, this program focuses on local food production to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Competitor Profile

NVT operates in a unique environment with limited direct competitors. However, it collaborates with various organizations to enhance its initiatives:

Tyonek Native Corporation (TNC): As the business arm of NVT, TNC engages in government contracting and other ventures to generate revenue for community development.

Tyonek Tribal Conservation District (TTCD): Established in 2005, TTCD focuses on natural resource conservation and community agriculture, working closely with NVT to implement projects that support the community's sustainability.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

NVT is exploring several strategic opportunities:

Expansion of Energy Projects: Building on the success of the Tyonek Energy Efficiency Project, NVT aims to implement additional renewable energy initiatives to further reduce environmental impact.