Effective Leadership

The Native Village of Eyak is led by an elected five-member Council. These individuals give endlessly of their time and expertise to the betterment of the organization. As a body, the Council provides oversight to all NVE programs. Individually, Council members serve on committees and planning groups for specific projects. The Tribal Council plays an integral role in identifying issues to be addressed and actions to be taken in Environmental and Natural Resouce Programs.

Program Management

The Native Village of Eyak's Environmental Program began in 1997 with a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency . The Native Village of Eyak Traditional Council strives to plan and develop environmental and natural resourcs programs in a manner consistent with Tribal culture. The program mission is respect for the Tribe's people, land, air and water through assessment, research, monitoring and management.

Environmental and Natural Resource Programs are implemented by four full-time staff. The programs also involve seasonal fisheries technicians, summer interns, student workers, AmeriCorps members and other temporary coordinator positions.

Environmental Committee

The idea for a group that provides direction and guidance to the Environmental and Natural Resouce Programs was launced in 1998 during a survey of Tribal members. Twenty percent of those surveyed were interested in serving on such a committee. An initial meeting in the winter of 1999 led to regular meetings of the group in the winter of 2000 - 2001. Issues discussed have ranged from developing a mission statement for the group to sea otter mortality in Orca Inlet to Department of Defense impacted lands.

By meeting with interested Tribal members regularly, staff receive input on environmental and other issues of concern and the future of the program. Conversely, members of this committee receive information that is valuable in the role of addressing issues the Tribe is facing. This committee assists in contributing Native knowledge to various projects that stem from the basic environmental program. The environmental education curriculum is discussed and developed in conjunction with this group as well. Committee members have the opportunity to represent the Native Village of Eyak at regional, state and national conferences, meetings and symposia. The input of Committee members is a valuable tool in shaping the program.

Respect for the Tribe's people, land, air and water through assessment, research, monitoring, and management

Copyright 2006 - The Native Village of Eyak - webmaster