Kusilvak Rising

05/20/2026

Kusilvak Rising, Inc. is seeking an Interim Executive Director to help lead the organization during an exciting period of growth and transition.

This is a remote position within Alaska preferred, with plans for an Anchorage office in the near future. The Interim Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to continue advancing KR’s mission of supporting economic development, capacity building, advocacy, and opportunity throughout the Kusilvak region.

We are looking for a motivated and community-minded leader with experience in nonprofit leadership, grant development, partnerships, organizational management, or rural Alaska community development.

Interested applicants should submit:
• Resume or CV
• Brief letter of interest
• Three professional references

Please submit complete application materials to:
[email protected]

We encourage those passionate about strengthening rural Alaska communities and supporting Alaska Native leadership to apply.

Together, we can continue building momentum for the Kusilvak region.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day from Kusilvak Rising, Inc.

Let’s take time to reflect on the state of our planet and how our actions, whether big or small, can contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

Guided by our cultural values, we remain committed to caring for the land while supporting responsible economic development for generations to come.

We aim to secure grants that reflect these values while supporting responsible economic development for our communities and future generations.

www.kusilvakrising.org

03/30/2026

PFD Deadline Reminder – March 31

Time is almost up! If you haven’t applied for your Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), be sure to submit your application by March 31.

Apply online here: https://prd.pfd.alaska.gov/

Don’t miss your chance to receive this year’s PFD. If you or someone you know needs help applying, reach out—let’s make sure everyone in the Kusilvak region has the opportunity to apply.

03/23/2026

We’re excited to share this opportunity with our communities across the Kusilvak region!

First Alaskans Institute is extending the deadline for their 2026 Summer Internship Program (SIP) through March 31st. This program supports both interns and employer partners, helping grow the next generation of Indigenous leaders across Alaska.

If you’re a young person looking to gain experience, or an organization ready to mentor and invest in future leaders, this is a great opportunity to get involved.

Let’s continue lifting our region by supporting pathways for our youth to learn, lead, and succeed.

At First Alaskans Institute our work is centered around advancing Alaska Native priorities and communities. We welcome you to our virtual home, a place to gather, share stories and celebrate our Alaska Native peoples and cultures.

03/20/2026

Credit 101: Building a Strong Financial Future

At Kusilvak Rising, we believe that strengthening our communities includes creating pathways to economic stability and understanding credit is a big part of that.

We know living in the Kusilvak region comes with unique challenges: limited access to banks, higher costs for goods, and the realities of rural life. That’s why building good credit can be especially important.

In our region, good credit doesn’t just help with big goals like housing, it can also make a difference when investing in everyday essentials like:

✔️ Reliable transportation (snowmachines, boats)
✔️ Heating systems (like Toyo stoves)
✔️ Fishing and subsistence gear
✔️ Home repairs and upgrades

Here are a few simple ways to build and protect your credit:
• Pay your bills on time—every time
• Keep credit card balances low (ideally under 30%)
• Keep older credit cards open to build your credit history
• Avoid opening too many new accounts at once
• Check your credit report regularly for errors

Why use a credit card (responsibly)?

• Some cards offer rewards like cash back or travel points
• Credit cards often provide stronger fraud protection than debit cards
• It’s usually easier to dispute unauthorized charges
• Many cards offer purchase protection if items are lost, stolen, or damaged

⚠️ Tip: Only charge what you can afford to pay off. Paying your balance in full helps you avoid high interest and build strong credit over time.

Building credit is a tool, one that can help support your household, your subsistence lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

Learn more with this trusted resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:

Understand your credit score

03/17/2026

We’d like to share a brief follow-up with our communities across the Kusilvak region regarding our recent post addressing su***de in the region.

First, we want to sincerely thank those who have already come forward and expressed a willingness to share their stories. Your courage, openness, and care for others mean more than we can fully express.

We are following up to support the journalist from The Guardian (theguardian.com), who is working on a story about su***de in Alaska, including our region. The reporter is still hoping to speak with one or two more individuals who may be willing to share their experiences.

We understand this is a deeply personal topic, and there is no expectation to participate. If you or someone you know may be open to learning more, we are here to speak privately and answer any questions.

Our priority is to honor your story, your boundaries, and your dignity.

Please feel free to message us directly and be connected to the journalist.

With respect,
Kusilvak Rising, Inc.

Latest US news, world news, sports, business, opinion, analysis and reviews from the Guardian, the world's leading liberal voice

03/12/2026

Opportunity for Native Artists & Culture Bearers

Kusilvak Rising is sharing an opportunity from the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation that supports Indigenous creativity and cultural expression.

The “Power in Our Creativity” initiative uplifts Native artists whose work strengthens community, preserves culture, and inspires positive change.

If you are an artist, cultural practitioner, or know someone who is, we encourage you to take a look and share with others across the region.

Deadline to apply 3/19. Learn more:

Featured artwork: Insecure Mix. Canoe Story. 31. Our Stories Carry Us Through Time Together (Dance to Keep them Alive), made by 2025 LIFT Awardee Sáandlaanaay Kimberly Fulton Orozco (Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska).

03/08/2026

Welcoming Sheila A. Minock – Upper Mid-River Director, representing Russian Mission/ Marshall

Kusilvak Rising is honored to welcome Sheila A. Minock as a Director. Sheila is a respected tribal and community leader from Russian Mission in the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta who has dedicated her life to serving her people and strengthening her community.

She has served as President of the Iqurmiut Traditional Council, the tribal government representing the people of Russian Mission, where she has worked to advance the wellbeing, safety, and self-governance of her community.

Minock has also served as Mayor of Russian Mission, Alaska, providing leadership on critical rural issues including public safety, community services, and coordination with regional and state partners. Through these roles, she has gained extensive experience in tribal governance, community advocacy, and navigating the challenges facing remote Alaska communities.

Sheila is the daughter of Okalena Polty and the late Nick Polty, and the granddaughter of the late Noel and Agnes Polty and Angela and Norman Housler Sr. She is the eldest of seven siblings and comes from a family deeply rooted in the Yukon River region.

As a Director of Kusilvak Rising, Sheila brings strong community ties and a lifelong commitment to strengthening rural leadership, protecting subsistence traditions, and ensuring that village voices are represented in decisions affecting the Kusilvak region.

Please join us in welcoming Sheila to Kusilvak Rising.

03/06/2026

We are thrilled to filling seats to adequately represent the entire Kusilvak region.

The Kusilvak Rising Board of Directors welcomes JoAnn Jorgensen Werning to represent Alakanuk/Nunam Iqua as the Delta Pair Director.

JoAnn is a respected leader from the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta with extensive experience in Alaska Native corporate governance, community advocacy, and regional development. She previously served as a director for Calista Corporation, representing Administrative Unit 2, which includes the communities of Alakanuk, Nunam Iqua, Emmonak, and surrounding villages.

During her time on the Calista board, Werning participated in the oversight of a diversified regional corporation with subsidiaries operating in sectors such as construction, environmental services, and natural resource development. Through this role, she contributed to strategic decision-making, financial stewardship, and the advancement of economic opportunities for Alaska Native shareholders across the Yukon–Kuskokwim region.

Werning has also supported cultural and educational initiatives through involvement with the Calista Heritage Foundation, helping strengthen programs that preserve Yup’ik culture and expand opportunities for future generations.

As the Director representing the Delta Pair seat for Kusilvak Rising, Werning brings valuable governance experience and a deep commitment to rural Alaska. She works to ensure that the voices and priorities of Alakanuk and Nunam Iqua are represented while supporting Kusilvak Rising’s mission to strengthen leadership, opportunity, and prosperity across the Kusilvak region. Help us in welcoming JoAnn Jorgensen Werning to the Kusilvak Board of Directors.

03/05/2026

Education is the foundation of strong leadership and thriving societies. For Alaska Natives/Native Americans, education is not just about degrees, it is about strengthening our ability to lead our Nations, protect our lands, preserve our languages, and exercise our sovereignty.

When our people pursue higher education, we build the capacity to govern effectively, manage our own resources, advocate in policy spaces, and create economic opportunity within our communities. Education equips us with the tools to shape our own future rather than having it shaped for us.

Self-determination and sovereignty require informed leadership. That is why opportunities like the scholarship offered by the Association on American Indian Affairs are so important. Investing in Native students today strengthens our Nations for generations to come.

If you or someone you know is eligible, we encourage you to apply and help spread the word.

🎓 Scholarships for Native students are OPEN!
Know a student who could benefit? Like, share, and spread the word with your relatives and community.
🗓️ Applications close May 31, 2026
🔗 https://www.indian-affairs.org/nativescholarship.html

02/23/2026

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the vacant Director seats. The Kusilvak Rising Board is scheduled to meet this Thursday to review all candidates. We look forward to announcing a full Board of Directors by the end of the weekend.

Below is the Kusilvak Connections LLC website, which showcases the professional services we offer. We encourage you to learn more about how we support organizations through strategic planning, grant writing, and organizational development.

We are Kusilvak Connections LLC — your trusted partner in navigating complex challenges and unlocking new opportunities for growth. With deep roots in Alaska Native communities and decades of combined leadership experience, our team is committed to helping organizations move forward with confidenc...