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Association of Village Council PresidentsAVCP Executive Board Honors One-Year Anniversary of Typhoon Halong and Calls for Continued Investment in Disaster Recovery and Resilience
AVCP Executive Board Honors One-Year Anniversary of Typhoon Halong and Calls for Continued Investment in Disaster Recovery and Resilience BETHEL, Alaska — The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) Executive Board adopted a resolution marking the one-year anniversary of Typhoon Halong, honoring those affected and calling for continued state and federal support for long-term recovery, resilience, and community-led decisions. Typhoon Halong struck Alaska in the late hours of October 11, 2025, bringing destructive winds, storm surge, flooding, and erosion to more than fifty communities. Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, AVCP member Tribes, were among the hardest hit. The storm caused loss of life, widespread damage, utility disruptions, and one of Alaska’s largest mass evacuations. Recovery continues to affect housing, subsistence, education, employment, cultural connections, and community well-being. “One year later, many Alaska Native communities and families are still navigating recovery and decisions about their future,” said the AVCP Executive Board. “This anniversary honors those affected and reaffirms our commitment to stronger disaster recovery systems.” Click link below for full press release: AVCP Executive Board Honors One-Year Anniversary of Typhoon Halong and Calls for Continued Investment in Disaster Recovery and Resilience About : Association of Village Council Presidents : The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) is a regional non-profit tribal consortium comprising 56 federally recognized Tribes of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. AVCP’s region is approximately 55,000 square miles, with a population of 27,000 residing in 48 communities along the Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, and Bering Sea coast. The residents of the region are primarily Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Athabascan. AVCP promotes self-determination and protection and enhancement of cultural and traditional values. As part of its mission, AVCP has long been committed to advocating for the protection of our traditional waters and traditional resources.Read on avcp.orgAssociation of Village Council Presidents·Kongiganak💙 Some friendships pick up right where they left off.
Last week, while traveling to Kongiganak to assist Tribal members with wills and Native allotments, Susan Motgin, AVCP Supervisory Realty Specialist, had the chance to reconnect with her lifelong best friend, Karen Miller. Even though it had been some time since they last saw each other, the conversation flowed as if they had never spent a minute apart.
Moments like these remind us that AVCP's work is about more than programs and services. It's about people, relationships, and supporting our communities. Through village visits, the AVCP Realty team helps Tribal members navigate wills, Native allotments, and other important land matters, bringing services directly to the communities we serve.
✨ Help us celebrate friendship, community, and the work being done across the region by giving Susan and Karen a Like and sharing a story about a friend who always makes it feel like no time has passed!
51 shareAssociation of Village Council Presidents✨ Happy Qaspeq Friday ✨
This week, we're featuring Jacolyn Charles of Akiachak, AVCP Head Start Home Visitor, wearing a beautiful vest qaspeq handmade by Lena Tetoff of Bethel.
"What I enjoy about being a Head Start Home Visitor is having the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with children and their families," Jacolyn shares. "My favorite part is seeing the little moments that make a big difference, when a child reaches a milestone, becomes confident, or learns something new and uses it in their everyday life."
Jacolyn says knowing she can provide support, encouragement, and help create a positive, nurturing environment for children and families is what makes her work so meaningful.
Quyana, Jacolyn, for the care, compassion, and dedication you bring to the families you serve each day. 💙
👍 Like & comment below letting Jacolyn know how aspiaq she looks in her qaspeq vest! 🌺
12010Association of Village Council PresidentsWe are pleased to announce that the new AVCP Brownfield Tribal Response Program webpage is now available at https://www.avcp.org/natural-resources/brownfield-tribal-response-program/.
What is a brownfield? A brownfield is previously developed property where reuse or redevelopment may be affected by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination resulting from prior industrial or commercial activities.
This webpage was created to provide community members, Tribal partners, and other stakeholders with helpful information about brownfield sites, environmental assessment activities, cleanup planning, and opportunities for safe and sustainable reuse.
The webpage includes an overview of the AVCP Brownfield Tribal Response Program, program goals, available resources, updates on local brownfield activities, and contact information for questions or additional support. It is intended to help increase awareness, encourage community involvement, and support efforts to protect public health and improve environmental quality.
We invite you to visit the webpage and share it with others who may be interested in learning more about brownfield redevelopment and environmental cleanup efforts.
712 sharesAssociation of Village Council PresidentsToday is Orange Shirt Day! 🧡 Post a selfie of you wearing orange in our comments below!
🧡 Tamarmeng Mikelnguut Pitekluki // Every Child Matters 🧡
Qalleryamek aturluten umyuaqluki mikelnguut ayallret elitnauryarturluteng, utertellret, uterteksailnguut, angayuqait, ilait, kingunrit-llu nunait.
On September 30, we encourage you to wear orange to honor residential school survivors, remember the children who never came home, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever impacted by the residential school system.
The orange shirt movement was inspired by Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school in 1973, when she was just six years old. Today, her orange shirt serves as a symbol of remembrance, truth, healing, and the enduring message that every child matters.
September 30 is an opportunity to learn, reflect, listen, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and communities affected by this history. The day honors survivors, families, and the children who never returned home.
Wear orange on September 30 and join us in affirming that every child matters🧡
👉 Learn more at https://orangeshirtday.org/
#EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #WearOrange #IndigenousHistory
2Association of Village Council PresidentsHere is a great post by the Alaska Children's Trust about Orange Shirt Day! Check it out to learn more about our Indigenous history 👇🧡
September 30, Orange Shirt Day, is a day to bring attention to the damage the residential school system did to Indigenous children, lifeways, and cultures.
ACT, in collaboration with the Alaska Native Heritage Center, created a toolkit for educators and parents to learn from and about Orange Shirt Day. Access it here: alaskachildrenstrust.org/orange-shirt-day
How Does this Relate to ACT’s Work?
The impacts of residential schools- some of which closed as recently as the 1990s- have cascaded into our work in child abuse and neglect. These schools, which existed in Canada and across the United States, forcibly separated Indigenous children from their parents, banned the use of Indigenous languages, and alienated children from their culture. Survivors and family members have shared stories of child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect Native children experienced while in residential schools. Many of those children, the ones who were lucky enough to find their way home to their families and communities, came back with more than visible scars. Some children died at these schools, and this week 4 of them are being repatriated to Alaska.
Members of a later generation were also impacted because their grandparents, parents, aunties and uncles who survived were never given the support required to heal. The traumatic legacy of the residential school system lives on today.
One of the ways to help ensure that all children thrive is to learn from the past. Using this booklet of resources and the Heritage Center’s boarding school map, take time to learn about, listen to, heal from and elevate National Day of Remembrance of US Indian Boarding Schools (Orange Shirt Day).
Because by learning from the past and working to heal ourselves and our communities, together we can prevent child abuse and neglect.
41 shareAssociation of Village Council PresidentsNotice of Comment Period and Public Hearing
To All Tribes and Tribal Members in the AVCP Region:
The Association of Village Council Presidents' P.L. 102-477 Plan is under renewal for the upcoming 2027-2029 Plan years.
A copy of the Plan is available on the Association of Village Council Presidents' website at www.avcp.org.
Please review and send any comments to Sam Crow at AVCP's Workforce Development Division, P.O. Box 219, Bethel, Alaska, 99559 or by email to SCrow@avcp.org.
The comment period starts September 29, 2026, and ends November 13, 2026.
There will be a Public Hearing held in person in Bethel and via teleconference on October 20, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Please dial 1-907-543-7404, or if in Bethel you can attend in person at the AVCP Tugkar Building conference room, on 3rd Avenue and Main Street, Bethel, Alaska, 99559.
Download the Association of Village Council Presidents P.L. 102-477 Plan here: https://heyor.ca/4vsM0C
62 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🧡 Tomorrow is Wear Orange Day! Don't forget to wear orange & share a selfie in our comments! 🧡
🧡 Tamarmeng Mikelnguut Pitekluki // Every Child Matters 🧡
Qalleryamek aturluten umyuaqluki mikelnguut ayallret elitnauryarturluteng, utertellret, uterteksailnguut, angayuqait, ilait, kingunrit-llu nunait.
On September 30, we encourage you to wear orange to honor residential school survivors, remember the children who never came home, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever impacted by the residential school system.
The orange shirt movement was inspired by Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school in 1973, when she was just six years old. Today, her orange shirt serves as a symbol of remembrance, truth, healing, and the enduring message that every child matters.
September 30 is an opportunity to learn, reflect, listen, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and communities affected by this history. The day honors survivors, families, and the children who never returned home.
Wear orange on September 30 and join us in affirming that every child matters🧡
👉 Learn more at https://orangeshirtday.org/
#EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #WearOrange #IndigenousHistory57 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🌊 When Indigenous communities come together, our voices are stronger!
AVCP is proud to stand alongside organizations across the Pacific in supporting meaningful public input on proposed deep seabed mining activities. Indigenous peoples have long served as stewards of the lands and waters that sustain our communities, cultures, and future generations. We support efforts that ensure local and Indigenous voices are heard in decisions that may impact our shared environment.
👇 Read the original post below to learn more.
We applaud Kawerak Inc and Association of Village Council Presidents that together represent 76 federally recognized Tribes in Alaska for their support in calling for a public comment period for the proposed deep seabed mining lease off the shores of American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SEE BELOW to learn what’s happening.
Be sure to follow Papahānaumokuākea Coalition and Pacific Islands Heritage Coalition to keep up with the latest.
#ProtectTheDeep #NoDeepSeaMining #ProtectThePacific #DeepSeaMining #DefendTheDeep
3Association of Village Council Presidents·Toksook BayCongratulations to Brennan Lincoln of the Toksook Bay Nunakauyarmiut Tribe!👷🎉
This month, Brennan successfully completed the Mining and Petroleum Training Service (MAPTS) Rural Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program through the University of Alaska Fairbanks and earned 1st Place in their 2026 Rural Heavy Equipment Operating Competition! 🏆
With support from the AVCP Tribal Workforce Division Scholarship, Brennan's hard work, determination, and commitment to his future paid off in a huge way. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishment and excited to see where this achievement takes him next!
👍 Like, share, and comment to join us in congratulating Brennan on this outstanding achievement! 👏
👉 Learn more about the AVCP TWD Scholarship and apply at https://www.avcp.org/scholarships/
2524518 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🧡 Tamarmeng Mikelnguut Pitekluki // Every Child Matters 🧡
Qalleryamek aturluten umyuaqluki mikelnguut ayallret elitnauryarturluteng, utertellret, uterteksailnguut, angayuqait, ilait, kingunrit-llu nunait.
On September 30, we encourage you to wear orange to honor residential school survivors, remember the children who never came home, and recognize the families and communities whose lives were forever impacted by the residential school system.
The orange shirt movement was inspired by Residential School Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day at residential school in 1973, when she was just six years old. Today, her orange shirt serves as a symbol of remembrance, truth, healing, and the enduring message that every child matters.
September 30 is an opportunity to learn, reflect, listen, and stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples and communities affected by this history. The day honors survivors, families, and the children who never returned home.
Wear orange on September 30 and join us in affirming that every child matters🧡
👉 Learn more at https://orangeshirtday.org/
#EveryChildMatters #OrangeShirtDay #WearOrange #IndigenousHistory65 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents💜💙 Happy Qaspeq Friday 💙💜
This week, we're featuring Morgan Wuya, AVCP Human Resources Assistant I, and Alyssa Motgin, AVCP Realty Probate Clerk, proudly wearing two beautiful and unique qaspeqs.
Morgan's purple qaspeq, adorned with white rickrack and delicate floral accents, was a gift from family and remains one of her favorites. Alyssa's modern blue qaspeq with a cowl was made by Frozen Stitches and was purchased for an ANSEP celebration.
We love seeing the younger generation continue to embrace qaspeqs in ways that honor tradition while reflecting their own personal style. Whether worn at celebrations, in the community, or in professional settings, qaspeqs remain a beautiful expression of culture, identity, and pride. ✨
👍 Drop a like & comment to celebrate Morgan & Alyssa in their beautiful qaspeqs! 💜💙
5732 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents·Napaskiak👮🎉 Congratulations to Jamie Nicholai of Napaskiak and Jeremy Phillip of Kwigillingok on graduating from Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) Training Session 26-02 on September 17, 2026, at the Sheet'ka Kwáan Naa Kahídi House in Sitka, Alaska! 🎓👏
Jamie and Jeremy join a proud network of dedicated public safety professionals committed to serving Alaska's rural communities. Administered by the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the VPSO Program provides critical public safety services in remote communities where VPSOs are often the first to respond to emergencies. VPSOs are trained in law enforcement support, fire response, search and rescue, emergency medical response, and community safety education, making them an essential resource for villages across Alaska. The program serves more than 100 communities statewide and has played a vital role in rural Alaska since 1979.
Their training through the Alaska Law Enforcement Training Academy in Sitka prepares them to meet the unique challenges of serving in rural Alaska through instruction in criminal justice, investigations, communications, report writing, emergency response, and other public safety disciplines.
The graduation ceremony featured keynote remarks from VPSO Division Director James Apakcuaq Hoelscher, who spoke about the important role VPSOs play as frontline public safety professionals helping keep Alaska's communities safe.
Please join us in congratulating Jamie and Jeremy on this outstanding achievement and thanking them for their commitment to public service. We also recognize fellow graduate Jake McKeown of the Aleutian Pribilof Islands Association (APIA) and celebrate the dedication all three graduates have shown in pursuing careers in public safety service. 👏
Quyana for choosing a path of service, leadership, and dedication to our communities. 💙
👇 Help us celebrate Jamie, Jeremy, and Jake's accomplishment by leaving a congratulatory message in the comments! 🎉
1961914 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents·Kwethluk💙 Going the extra mile... or in this case, through the water!
When storm conditions and flooding impacted Kwethluk last week, Larissa Spein, AVCP Workforce & Benefits Navigator, didn't let high water stop her from serving her community. With the water too deep for knee boots, Larissa put on her waders and made her way to work, demonstrating the dedication, resilience, and commitment that help keep services available when they're needed most.
Quyana, Larissa, for your hard work and for showing up for your community, even in challenging conditions. Your dedication does not go unnoticed!
👍 Help us thank Larissa in the comments for her commitment to serving the people of the Y-K Delta!
☔ For storm preparedness tips and resources to help keep your family safe, visit our recent post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18WeaQWR9p/
13425 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🎓 From Pitka's Point to Doctor of Medical Science 🩺🏥
Please join us in congratulating Tamija Tamaralria Atumcin Pearson, Pitka's Point Tribal Member, on earning her Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) degree from Pacific University on August 31, 2026!
Tamija shared this heartfelt letter with AVCP:
"Dear Association of Village Council Presidents,
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Association of Village Council Presidents for your continued support and investment in my education throughout the years. Being continually selected as a scholarship recipient has meant more to me than simply receiving financial assistance—it has reminded me that my community believes in my potential and in the dreams I have worked so hard to achieve.
I am incredibly proud to share that I recently graduated from Pacific University with my Doctor of Medical Science degree, which was conferred on August 31, 2026. As an Indigenous woman, mother, practicing Physician Assistant, and emerging Indigenous leader, reaching this milestone holds a very special meaning for me. My education has given me the opportunity not only to build a better future for my children, but also to serve others, advocate for our communities, and demonstrate to the next generation of Indigenous students that these dreams are possible.
AVCP’s continued support has been an important part of my journey. Your investment in my education has helped turn goals that once felt distant into accomplishments that I can now proudly carry home and use in service to others. I hope to honor that investment by continuing to grow as a healthcare provider and leader and by giving back to the communities that have supported me along the way.
From the bottom of my heart, quyana for believing in me, supporting my education, and helping make my dreams a reality. I will always carry that support with gratitude and pride.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Tamija Katrice Pearson, PA-C, DMSc"
Congratulations, Tamija, on this incredible accomplishment! 👏 Your dedication, perseverance, and commitment to serving others is an inspiration, and we are honored to have supported a small part of your educational journey. We look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make across our region and beyond! 💙
👉 Interested in pursuing your own educational goals? Learn more about AVCP's Tribal Workforce Development Scholarship opportunities at https://www.avcp.org/scholarships/
5006968 sharesAssociation of Village Council PresidentsHappy Qaspeq Friday! ✨
This week, we're featuring Chad Woolley, AVCP Tribal Justice Attorney, wearing his really neat "Moose Lake" qaspeq.
When asked what he loves most about the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Chad shared:
"It's hard to just nail it down to one thing, but I love moose hunting, riding snow machines, chasing wolves, fishing and being way out on the tundra. The people living here are incredible neighbors and friends."
His appreciation for the region and its people is also what motivates his work as a Tribal Justice Attorney.
"I want to be a small part of the team that is helping people in the Y-K Delta to thrive and excel at living."
Quyana, Chad, for your dedication to supporting Tribal communities across the our region and for sharing what makes it so special! 🧵💙
3311 shareAssociation of Village Council Presidents🏆 Please join us in congratulating Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), recipient of the 2026 AVCP Health Award! 🎉
During and after Typhoon Halong, YKHC demonstrated extraordinary partnership and leadership by helping coordinate emergency response efforts, supporting recovery operations, and working alongside Tribal governments and regional partners to serve our communities.
Their commitment to the health, safety, and wellbeing of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta helped strengthen our region during a challenging time and exemplifies the spirit of service recognized by this award.
Quyana to the entire YKHC team for your partnership and dedication to our people. 💙
2815 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🏆 Congratulations to Francis H. Thompson of St. Mary's, recipient of the 2026 AVCP Hunter/Fisher Award! 🎉
For decades, Fran has been a strong advocate for subsistence, salmon stewardship, and the traditions that sustain our communities. Through tribal leadership and regional fisheries advocacy, he has worked tirelessly to protect the resources and way of life that generations of Yukon River and Yukon-Kuskokwim families depend upon.
His dedication to preserving culture, supporting subsistence users, and advocating for healthy fisheries continues to make a difference throughout the region.
Quyana, Fran, for your leadership and service to our people. 💙
👍 Like, share, and follow to meet our last 2026 AVCP Award Winner!
2688932 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents💨🌊 Attention Kuskokwim Delta Communities
The National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory and High Wind Advisory for the Kuskokwim Delta, including coastal communities and areas inland toward Bethel.
Strong winds and elevated water levels are expected through Tuesday evening, with wind gusts up to 60 mph and coastal water levels rising above normal high tides.
Please take time to prepare, check on family members and Elders, secure outdoor belongings, and stay informed as conditions change.
We encourage everyone to follow updates from the National Weather Service and local emergency management officials.
Stay safe, and look out for one another. 💙
‼ Coastal Flood Advisory and High Wind Advisory have been issued for Kuskokwim Delta including the coast and inland towards Bethel.
A low pressure system approaching western Alaska will push strong southerly to westerly winds onshore for the Kuskokwim Delta today through Tuesday evening.
Onshore wind gusts to 60 mph expected with water levels along the coast rising 1.5 to 4 feet above the normal highest tide line. Expect winds and water levels to diminish and recede by Wednesday morning.
Stay tuned, check weather.gov/Anchorage #AKwx
3 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🏆 Please join us in congratulating Theresa Mae Prince of Kotlik, recipient of the 2026 AVCP Education Award! 🎉
For decades, Theresa has dedicated her life to teaching Yup'ik language, culture, and values to generations of students. Her work as an educator, cultural bearer, and community leader has helped preserve knowledge that continues to strengthen our communities today.
A lifelong learner herself, Theresa earned her Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's degrees, demonstrating the same commitment to education that she has inspired in others throughout her career.
Today, Theresa continues to share her knowledge and wisdom as an AVCP Healthy Families Elder Participant, helping strengthen connections across generations and supporting the well-being of families in our region.
Through her dedication to education and cultural preservation, Theresa has made a lasting impact on countless families throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Quyana, Theresa, for your lifelong service, leadership, and dedication to future generations. 💜👏
👍 Like, share, and follow to meet our next 2026 AVCP Award Winners!
1906335 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🏆 Congratulations to Moses Marr'aq Wiseman of Chefornak, recipient of the 2026 AVCP Youth Leadership Award! 🎉
Moses is a dedicated advocate for Alaska Native communities, language access, cultural preservation, and education. Through leadership, service, and mentorship, he continues to create opportunities that empower future generations while remaining deeply connected to Yup'ik culture and values.
His commitment to community, culture, and lifelong learning makes him an inspiring example for young people across our region and beyond.
Quyana, Moses, for your leadership and dedication to our people. 💙
👍 Like, comment, and follow to meet more of our 2026 AVCP Award Winners!
79617 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🏆 Join us in congratulating Montel Waska of Kasigluk, recipient of the 2026 AVCP Youth Leadership Award! 🎉
Montel has demonstrated outstanding leadership through academics, athletics, community service, and cultural values. Known for his humility, strong work ethic, and willingness to help others, he has become a positive role model for youth in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
From serving as a team captain to excelling in Native Youth Olympics and supporting those around him, Montel represents the next generation of leaders helping strengthen our communities.
Quyana, Montel, for leading by example and inspiring others through your actions. 💙
👍 Like and follow our page to meet more of our 2026 AVCP Award Winners!
196227 sharesAssociation of Village Council Presidents🦊 Artifact of the Month: Ivory Mask by Harry Mike of Mekoryuk 🦊
This month's featured artifact celebrates the work of Harry Mike (1929-2007), a master ivory carver from Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island. Known for his exceptional skill and artistry, Harry Mike transformed ivory into detailed works that reflected the animals, stories, and ways of life that have long been important to Alaska Native communities. According to published records, he was recognized as a master ivory carver and proudly served more than 20 years in the United States Air Force before returning home to Alaska.
This remarkable ivory mask features a face that appears to combine both human and animal characteristics, surrounded by carefully carved figures including an arctic fox, a ring seal, animal limbs, and human limbs. Together, the figures create a striking composition that invites viewers to reflect on the deep connections between people, animals, and the natural world.
Every carved detail showcases Harry Mike's talent, patience, and craftsmanship. More than a work of art, this mask helps preserve stories, cultural knowledge, and the creativity of a respected Nunivak Island artist whose legacy continues to inspire today.
📍 On display at the Yupiit Piciryarait Museum in Bethel.
👍 Like, share, & tag a relative of Harry Mike!
731 shareComing up
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