North Slope Community Presentation. May 2016

Transcription

1 North Slope Community Presentation May 2016

2 About Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat was formed in 2015 as a 501 (c)4 nonprofit corporation, creating a communication network amongst Arctic Slope region communities to establish a unified voice for our people. Today, our twenty member organizations work together to ensure that our collective voice is heard and respected locally, regionally and nationally.

3 Mission We are the people of the Arctic Slope. We join together to speak as one on issues that affect our well-being. Our voice will be heard and represent our views on issues related to the cultural and economic sustainability of our communities. We are empowered by our collective representation to address the needs of our people. We are the unified Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat.

4 Goals 1. Address and participate in legislation, regulations and government programs to protect Iñupiat culture 2. Increase communication and information-sharing amongst Iñupiat organizations of the North Slope 3. Ensure the development of North Slope natural resources in a safe and responsible manner 4. Promote Iñupiat stewardship of the North Slope and stimulate the North Slope economy

5 History The leadership of the North Slope began meeting on an ad hoc basis under the forum of the North Slope Leadership Roundtable; Several meetings occurred between 2010 and 2014; At those meetings the leadership decided to formalize and develop a new entity initially called ingo for Iñupiat nongovernmental organization; The ingo formed a working group to develop bylaws that eventually became Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat in 2014; Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat became official in 2015.

6 Bylaws Membership is through resolution by the board, council or assembly of each organization resolution has to be renewed annually; The Board of Directors is comprised of the elected official of each member organization; If an alternate is designated it has to be done in writing through approval of the board, council or assembly of the member organization; The President is employed by the corporation and has to live on the North Slope; The office will be located where the President resides;

7 Bylaws (cont d) The Executive Committee (EC) is comprised of the Director from each regional organization and two members from each: a village tribal organization; a village Native Corporation; and a village municipal government. The Board will meet twice a year; The EC will meet as necessary to direct the President; The President will carry out the day-to-day functions and deliver upon the priorities set forth by the EC and Board

8 Member Organizations Arctic Slope Native Association Arctic Slope Regional Corporation Atqasuk Corporation City of Anaktuvuk Pass City of Atqasuk City of Barrow City of Kaktovik City of Point Hope City of Wainwright Ilisaġvik College Kaktovik Iñupiat Corporation Native Village of Atqasuk Native Village of Point Hope Native Village of Point Lay North Slope Borough Nunamuit Corporation Olgoonik Corporation Tikigaq Corporation Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation Wainwright Tribal Council

9 Current Activities The President has been hired through ASRC and is being contributed to the corporation; Administrative help is being added to assist the President; An office for VOAI has been established in Point Hope, Alaska; Materials have been developed for distribution; A website is up an running to provide continued access to VOAI activities; All information will be posted on the website for our members and others to abreast of VOAI activities; The Board of Directors met in February and the EC met in March

10 2016 Priorities The EC established the following 2016 priorities for VOAI Meet with all the entities in each community to introduce the President and VOAI; Actively participate in the NPRA Working Group; Participate in the BLM Regional Mitigation Strategy process; Explore becoming a Observer Participant on the Arctic Council; Work with the NSB Wildlife Department on the US-Russia Bilateral Treaty for Polar Bears; Prepare a statewide media campaign; Develop a letter campaign to the Alaska delegation on issues important to the Arctic

11 Questions? Quyanakpak Taikuu