The Power of Tribal Self-Determination
We are a federally recognized Tribe
The Akiak Native Community has over 500 residents, comprised of descendants whose ancestors lived on the same lands for centuries. Many still speak their traditional language and maintain their subsistence living. Climate change has significantly affected the Community with the thawing of the permafrost layer causing erosion of land, while also having adverse effects on many ecosystems and species and is creating new hardships for those living there.
We call ourselves Yupiit, which means 'real people'
Our Yup'ik heritage extends our foundational commitment to living our values and the cornerstone for our company and represented by the dedication of each employee.
Our Culture
We are the Central Yup’ik (Yup’ik, Cup’ik and Cup’ig) and Athabascan people with ties to western Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Region.
Salmon is life
The Akiarimiu live along the Kuskokwim River located in southwest Alaska. The salmon-producing habitat of the Kuskokwim region is diverse and productive. The Kuskokwim River connects cultural values and traditions between the people, land and animals of the region. Subsistence practices continue to be critically important and have incorporated modern harvest technologies, providing over 45% of the total subsistence harvest for the region. Without salmon, the 56 villages located within this region will starve.
Building a sustainable economy
For Alaksa Native Tribes, sustainable economies were an abstract notion for most of their 226-year history post-contact: The Yuit were in survival mode and fighting to hold onto their lands and protect their people, culture and way of life. Through the statutory SBA 8(a) Tribal Program, Akiak Enterprise Services is the foundation of enduring social and economic development for the Akiak Family of Companies. Through each contract opportunity captured by the Akiak Family of Companies revenues are shared with the Tribe, stimulating economic growth and prosperity for the Akiarimiu.