Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association - Apicda

09/28/2026

REMINDER: 2026 Community Development Grant Program (CDGP) applications are due October 1.

APICDA's CDGP provides local governing entities with funding to address their communities’ highest priorities. In 2025, it supported projects ranging from infrastructure and housing improvements to cultural preservation and public safety.

https://www.apicda.com/programs-cdgp/

📸 Atka Bulk Fuel Maintenance and Akutan Erosion Mitigation are two projects supported through the CDGP. From 2019 to 2025, APICDA awarded more than $12.8 million in CDGP funding.

09/28/2026

Please submit your high-resolution photos by this Wednesday, September 30, to be considered for the 2027 APICDA calendar.

[email protected]
https://www.apicda.com/photo-contest/

09/23/2026

Don't miss this October 25th application deadline to learn conversational Unangam Tunuu in Atka!

The application period is open now for our one-of-a-kind Achigalgaax̂t program, until October 25, 2026.

Achigalgaax̂t is a full-time, paid opportunity for adult learners who want to learn conversational Unangam Tunuu!

Highlights:
- Travel costs, housing, utilities, and ground transportation provided
- Cooperative group learning (no lectures or exams)
- Sessions with fluent speakers/Elders
- Opportunities for cultural activities (i.e. traditional foods, crafts, dance, etc.)
- Opportunity to earn college credit
- Compensation approx. $5,000/month

Key requirements:
- 18+ years of age at beginning of program
- Pass a background check
- Ability to stay in Atka for the duration of the program
- Respect and uphold community and cultural values
- No other major commitments

🔗Link to informational video: https://tinyurl.com/2yykstc6

🔗Link to apply: https://tinyurl.com/4yujzchw
⏲️Deadline to apply: October 25, 2026

Other questions? Email us at [email protected]
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09/22/2026

What do these projects have in common? Each received funding through APICDA’s Infrastructure Grant (AIG). The AIG helps CDQ member communities move priority projects forward, from early planning through construction. The grant can potentially cover up to 50% of a project’s costs as a match, with the remaining funding coming from other sources.

Reminder: The 2026 grant cycle closes September 30. Tribes and municipalities interested in applying should contact Jessie Conner in our Program Office at [email protected].

📸: Nelson Lagoon Rural Power System Upgrade; Akutan's West Harbor Road Project; Atka Health Clinic; and the False Pass Harbor House

09/19/2026

APICDA participates in fisheries across our region, from sustainable federal fisheries that fund our mission to small-boat fisheries vital to our member communities. For example, in Nelson Lagoon, APICDA worked with the Native Village of Nelson Lagoon and Silver Bay Seafoods to help maintain market access for local fishermen following the closure of the Port Moller processing plant in 2024. This includes operating the icehouse to provide fresh ice for local fishing vessels.

Check out this short video about the project and the partnership behind it. Special thanks to the Nelson Lagoon Fishermen's Association, the Native Village of Nelson Lagoon, Silver Bay Seafoods, Angela Johnson, Jonathan Zaochney, and Rick Wedel for helping make this effort possible, and to APICDA scholarship recipient and communications trainee Eldred Paradeza of Unalaska for helping us share the story through his video work.

09/16/2026

So wonderful to see Nikolski School back in session for its third year! It’s great to see the school doing well and students excited to be back in the classroom. What a team effort by the Nikolski community, the Aleutian Region School District, and teacher Lynette Hull.

Thank you to KUCB for its long-term reporting on the Nikolski School and its journey over the years.

Nikolski’s school was closed for 15 years due to low enrollment

09/14/2026

The 2027 Atka Winter Language Immersion Program is such a wonderful opportunity for language learners! Check out the Native Village of Atka’s informational meeting this Wednesday to hear more about the program and get your questions answered.

Join the Native Village of Atka on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 6:00 PM AKST / 5:00 PM Atka time to learn more about the 2027 Winter Language Immersion Program and get answers to any questions you may have.

🔗 click the Zoom link below to register
💻 Registration: https://tinyurl.com/AtkaLanguageSession
📧 OR Email [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you and sharing more about the 2027 Winter Language Immersion Program!

09/10/2026

It's time! Please submit your high-res photos by September 30 to be considered for the 2027 APICDA calendar. 📸❤️📸❤️

[email protected]
https://www.apicda.com/photo-contest/

09/09/2026

Another opportunity for entrepreneurs in our region! Check out Upstart Alpha, an online business development program hosted by SWAMC and the Center for Economic Development at UAA from October through December.

Entrepreneurs in Southwest Alaska, this opportunity is for you!

Applications are open for Upstart Alpha, a virtual startup accelerator hosted by SWAMC and the Center for Economic Development at UAA from October through December.

The program is open to nine businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs residing in the Aleutian Region or resident shareholders in Southwest Alaska.

Complete at least 10 of the 11 sessions to be eligible for a stipend. Plus, two participants will receive a travel sponsorship to attend the 2027 Alaska Entrepreneurship Week in Anchorage.

Learn more and apply here by September 28: https://ua-ced.org/upstart-alpha-southwestalaska-cohort