The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Navigator Program aims to empower Alaska Native communities by enhancing their access to vital federal and state resources. This program, designed by Julie Kitka, former AFN President, and Nicole Borromeo, former Executive Vice President and General Counsel, was born out of a pressing need identified in 2021: many Alaska Tribes were at risk of missing out on critical funding opportunities due to challenges like unreliable internet, outdated equipment, and staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Access to Federal Resources
Many Tribes are working to expand their access to essential platforms like ID.me and SAM.gov, which are key to securing grants and services. However, capacity in this field can be limited due to local staffing constraints and the complexity of these highly technical portals, which often require extensive paperwork and backend support. The Navigator Program offers hands-on assistance to help Tribes confidently navigate these platforms and maximize available federal resources, including:
• Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF)
• Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)
• Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF)
• Capital Projects Fund (CPF)
• Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP)
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
• State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)
• Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
• Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF)
Through personalized outreach—via email, newsletters, and phone consultations—AFN Navigators play a crucial role in identifying opportunities and guiding tribes through the application process.
Tailoring Services to Unique Regional Needs
Understanding that each region has its distinct challenges, the Navigator Program tailors its approach to the specific needs of each region. Navigators actively engage with tribal administrators, providing practical assistance and cultural context around funding uses—such as improving the insulation of community halls for traditional gatherings.
Active Tribal Involvement
The success of the Navigator Program hinges on strong partnerships with tribal organizations. Navigators forge connections within their communities, offering targeted support based on the unique challenges faced by under-resourced tribes. Regular consultations ensure that the Program remains responsive to tribal needs, allowing tribes to influence its direction actively.
Celebrating Successes
One notable success story comes from Navigator Leann Sommer, Interior and Copper River. She has built strong relationships with the Tanana Chief Conference’s Bookkeeping and Infrastructure Departments. Her collaborative efforts have led to improved compliance with grant requirements and timely reporting among tribes in the region. Leann’s engagement extends to providing training on grant writing. She and Larissa Sommer discussed the Navigator Program and available grant opportunities and presented participants with valuable resources, such as the Navigator Grant booklet.
The Navigator Program continues to make a significant impact, helping Alaska Native communities navigate the complexities of federal funding while ensuring their voices are heard and needs addressed. As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting Alaska Tribes in accessing the resources that can help build a brighter future.
Douglas Royal has become an essential figure in promoting the interests and economic development of his community. Since joining the AFN Navigator Program, Douglas has committed himself to connecting local tribes with important resources, enhancing access to capital, and backing entrepreneurial initiatives that are vital for the growth of small businesses in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands.
Operating in a remote and geographically challenging region, Douglas faces unique obstacles in his role. His deep understanding of the specific needs of the Aleutian communities enables him to build strong relationships with tribal leaders, which is essential for effective communication and collaboration. Through his efforts, Douglas has fostered a trusting environment that promotes open dialogue about economic opportunities and challenges.
One of his notable achievements has been helping local businesses navigate the complexities of various funding programs, including the SSBCI. His guidance has been invaluable in ensuring that entrepreneurs are equipped with the necessary knowledge and documentation to access these resources successfully.
Recently, Douglas played a key role in assisting several businesses in the Aleutian Region to prepare their applications and submit required documentsfor funding. His proactive approach in providing one-on-one support and tailored advice has resulted in significant milestones for these enterprises, marking a step forward in economic empowerment for the region.
Douglas’s commitment goes beyond just navigating bureaucratic processes; he is passionate about fostering community resilience and self-sufficiency. He continuously seeks out partnerships with organizations like the Alaska Small Business Development Center (Alaska SBDC) to provide comprehensive support to local entrepreneurs. Through his work, Douglas exemplifies the mission of the AFN Navigator Program, bridging the gap between federal resources and the unique needs of Alaskan Native communities. His leadership and dedication are helping to pave the way for sustainable economic growth in the Aleutian Region, demonstrating the impact of relationship-driven initiatives on promoting self-determination and prosperity within these communities.
Gage Hoffman, Navigator for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, has made a significant impact on the lives of Alaska Native communities. His dedication and collaborative approach have successfully addressed the challenges faced by tribal councils in managing their funding and compliance requirements, particularly with the SLFRF program.
A key highlight of Gage’s journey was his successful partnership with the Village of Ohogamiut, the Pitka’s Point Traditional Council, and the Orrutsararmiut Traditional Native Council. Recognizing the urgency of their situation, Gage stepped in to offer the necessary support. The tribal councils were struggling to meet compliance requirements and develop sustainable strategies for managing their SLFRF allocation, which posed a risk to their available funding.
In a pivotal meeting that Gage facilitated, he guided the councils through the essential steps to create a dedicated department aimed at managing and implementing federal funds. This initiative not only established a clear strategy for deploying resources effectively but also fostered greater accountability and transparency in managing public funds. Gage played a crucial role in drafting a tribal resolution and developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), ensuring a framework through which the new department could operate efficiently.
Thanks to Gage’s expertise and collaborative spirit, the tribes successfully secured federal funding that might have otherwise been forfeited. These funds are now designated for vital programs, including housing, infrastructure, and community development initiatives, directly benefiting tribal members and enhancing their quality of life.
Gage’s success story exemplifies the importance of partnership and proactive planning. By empowering Alaska Native tribes to take charge of their funding, he has helped lay the groundwork for their long-term resilience and growth. His commitment to supporting these communities in navigating the complexities of funding and compliance reflects a profound dedication to their development and well-being.
Through this journey, Gage has not only made a tangible difference in the communities he serves but has also reinforced the belief that strategic collaboration can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
In 2022, Leah Hansen embarked on a meaningful journey with the Native Village of Umkumiut, a small Alaskan community facing significant challenges. The late months of that year revealed a concerning trend: many Alaskan tribal communities were not taking advantage of the CPF due to outdated technology and unreliable internet access. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Navigator Program, along with Leah, took proactive steps to bridge this gap.
Initially, Leah faced hurdles in reaching the Native Village of Umkumiut. Their phone lines often went unanswered, primarily due to weather disruptions. However, after multiple attempts, she managed to connect with a voice on the other end. In her eagerness to share vital information about the AFN program, Leah forgot to ask for the janitor’s name, who humorously informed her of the small community’s unique challenges, including the roles of the Tribal Administrator (TA) managing multiple jobs to keep essential airport operations running.
Determined to assist, Leah utilized her local knowledge to reach out to the Native Village of Nightmute, obtaining alternative contact information for Umkumiut’s president. This connection ultimately led her to the right contact—Umkumiut’s TA. Through persistent communication and detailed explanations, Leah successfully guided the Native Village of Umkumiut in navigating the CPF program, leading them to join the AFN Consortium.
Months later, another critical funding opportunity arose with the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund (LATCF). However, Leah encountered further obstacles as the application process required reliable internet access to complete identity verification via ID.me. Recognizing these challenges, Leah worked closely with the new TA, Bertha Kashatok, providing support for government portal navigation and troubleshooting connection issues. During correspondence with Joshua Jackson from the U.S. Treasury, it was revealed that Umkumiut had not yet received its State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) due to an outdated SAM.GOV registration. Leah swiftly initiated the reactivation process, ensuring that Umkumiut could access much-needed financial resources. As a result, the community successfully secured approximately $3 million from SLFRF and an additional $100,000 from LATCF.
Through her dedication, Leah not only empowered the Native Village of Umkumiut to navigate complex funding processes but also strengthened their capacity to support their community and its members. Her experience highlights the importance of communication, local knowledge, and perseverance in addressing the unique challenges faced by Alaskan tribes. Leah’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of connection and advocacy in fostering resilience within Indigenous communities.
The Navigator Program has been made possible through support from the Alaska Legislature, and we extend our sincere thanks to Senator Olson and Senator Huffman for their continued commitment to this initiative. However, with state funding playing a critical role in sustaining the program—and given the current budget constraints—AFN remains hopeful for continued state support while also actively seeking additional funding sources to ensure this vital work can continue. Securing these resources
is essential to empowering our communities, and AFN is committed to doing everything possible to keep this 10 program strong.