Koniag staff traveled to the villages of Karluk and Larsen Bay in November where they met with shareholders and descendants to discuss the current and future management of Koniag lands surrounding the Karluk River, Karluk Lake and Sturgeon River.

Chuck Reft, manager of Lands & Natural Resources, Erin Whipple, assistant manager, and Charlie Powers, vice president of Corporate Affairs, traveled to Karluk and Larsen Bay November 14th. Accompanying Koniag staff were members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Sport Fish and Commercial Fisheries divisions.

The meetings were attended by youth and Elders from both villages. Topics discussed included village involvement in management decisions, subsistence cabin prospects, commercial operations and opportunities for future shareholder guides.

ADF&G fielded questions regarding the recent decline in the king salmon fishery and KNWR staff provided insight into their role in the Conservation Easement.

A Kodiak meeting was held the next day, November 15th, at the Sun’aq Tribal Offices where similar issues were echoed.

The Lands and Natural Resources staff compiled a list of the valuable issues brought to light at the meetings and is currently working on solutions to shareholder concerns.