“This sculpture represents our collective and unwavering commitment to our region and our deep connection to the place we call home,”
Ron Unger
KODIAK, Alaska — Koniag and Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) dedicated a powerful new sculpture on Near Island Wednesday, welcoming visitors and locals to Kodiak and celebrating the region’s deep cultural heritage. Crafted with steel and aluminum by local artist Mark Witteveen, the sculpture is a bold expression of unity in the Kodiak region.
Headed in the same direction against the fierce ocean waves, an orca represents Koniag and a hunter in a qayaq represents KANA. The action symbolizes collective strength between the two organizations with a nod to the deep connection to the ocean that Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people share.
The dedication ceremony drew officials from the region’s tribes, Alaska Native corporations, and nonprofits along with local cultural and religious leaders.
Koniag Chairman & CEO Ron Unger and KANA Vice Chair Phyllis Amodo exchanged ceremonial qayaq paddles, a tribute to the Sugpiaq people and a commitment to the organizations continued partnership.
“This sculpture represents our collective and unwavering commitment to our region and our deep connection to the place we call home,” Unger said. “As Phyllis and I exchanged the ceremonial qayaq paddles, we honored our Sugpiaq people and the essential partnership between KANA and Koniag.”
Towering at 22 feet tall, the piece has been under construction for about nine months.
“We have been elevating the quality of life of the people we serve for nearly sixty years. I am proud to have this artwork as a lasting symbol of our values, culture, and vision for the future,” KANA CEO Mike Pfeffer said.
It will be visible from downtown Kodiak and beyond, looking over Near Island Channel and the same waters that have sustained Sugpiaq people since time immemorial.
“Unity is at our core as Sugpiaq people,” said Shauna Hegna, Koniag President. “This sculpture stands as a reminder of the enduring resilience and wisdom of our people and our commitment to working together for an even brighter tomorrow.”
The sculpture is now open for public viewing at 194 Alimaq Drive, home to Koniag’s headquarters and KANA’s Community Services Center.
Visitors are welcome to experience it firsthand while reflecting on the shared history and future it represents.
Press Details
Media contact: Charles Fedullo, charlesf@strategies360.com, 907.338.8055
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Based in Kodiak, Alaska, Koniag is an Alaska Native regional corporation that manages a diverse portfolio of operating companies and real estate holdings. Koniag is committed to benefiting its nearly 4,600 Alutiiq Shareholders through growing dividends, educational scholarships, and investments in cultural programs that preserve the Alutiiq heritage of the Kodiak Island region. Koniag operates technology services businesses across the U.S. in four primary areas: energy and infrastructure, commercial technology consulting, government contracting, and Kodiak Island investments. For more information about the Koniag family of companies, visit koniag.com.
Since 1966, the Kodiak Area Native Association (KANA) has served the people of the Koniag Region, including Kodiak City and six outlying villages. Governed by a 10-member Board of Directors, KANA provides healthcare, social services, and wellness programs accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). We believe that healthy individuals live in healthy communities, and we are dedicated in our efforts to elevate the quality of life of the people we serve.