QAWALANGIN TRIBE

Unalaska’s local tribe is working to stop the spread of a concerning strain of avian flu that could be killing birds in the Aleutian region. The tribe's biggest concern is the virus making the leap from animals to humans.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska will be holding a series of classes Monday on environmental monitoring at old U.S. defense sites. According to the Tribe, these sites from World War II have persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are harmful if consumed at high levels.

The Unalaska City Council has approved the Qawalangin Tribe’s full funding request for its annual summer culture camp.

The Qawalangin Tribe submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Defense, Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, to provide an updated needs assessment to evaluate progress in implementing recommendations which grew out of the IRT Mission to Unalaska in 2020. The public comment period runs through mid-March.

The Qawalangin Tribal Council swore in new member Nick Tutiakoff at its annual meeting on Oct. 8.Members of the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska elected Tutiakoff to take over Trever Schliebe’s former seat. Tutiakoff ran unopposed and will serve a three-year term.Following the election, the council also elected new officers. They chose Dennis Robinson to serve as Tribal President, replacing Harriet Berikoff. Robinson also serves as the city’s Vice Mayor.

Qawalangin Tribe President Harriet Berikoff said it was a tough year for subsistence fishing in Unalaska. Rough boating weather and low salmon numbers meant most families weren't able to fill their freezers. Last week, September 7th, the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska donated $22,000 worth of sockeye salmon to its tribal members.

The Qawalangin Tribe hosted the annual culture camp July 31-Aug. 6 in Unalaska. During the weeklong celebration of Unangax̂ culture, mentors passed down knowledge and skills, and even started a new tradition of their own.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska and KUCB are proud to present "Aqalix Qada!" — a traditional foods video series. In this episode, traditional foods expert Harriet Berikoff shows us how to salt and pickle fish!

The Qawalangin Tribe has partnered with Aleutian Housing Authority, the City of Unalaska and other local donors to open Unalaska's first official food bank. While items like frozen meat and fish aren't very common at food banks, the Tribe is making an effort to have a variety of nutrient dense and traditional foods available to the community.

In 2019, the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska initiated its Wellness Program through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Good Health and Wellness in Indian Country grant aims to strengthen cultural connections that improve health and promote wellness in Indigenous communities across North America. Unangax̂ artist Anfesia “Sweetie” Tutiakoff is the culture and wellness program coordinator at the Qawalangin Tribe, and is using weekly craft nights to address wellness initiatives.