Valdez Native Tribe

The Valdez Native Tribe (VNT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1974 to serve the Alaska Native and American Indian communities in Valdez, Alaska. Located approximately 300 miles from Anchorage in Prince William Sound, Valdez has historically been a significant place for Native peoples to hunt, fish, gather, and trade[2][3].

Mission and Services

The mission of the Valdez Native Tribe is to promote unity, self-determination, and empowerment among its beneficiaries by providing culturally relevant health, social, educational, and cultural services. These services aim to enhance the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of the community, aligning with traditional values and the land[1][2].

The tribe offers a wide range of services, including medical care, mental health services, social services, educational programs, and employment support. Medical services include laboratory tests, imaging, mental health support, chronic care management, and specialty clinics. The tribe also provides critical social support, such as emergency shelters and victims services[3][4].

Governance and Membership

The Valdez Native Tribe is governed by a board of directors composed of seven members elected from and by the tribe's membership. As of recent counts, the tribe has a total membership of around 379 individuals, with over 700 individuals from various households associated with the tribe[1][2].

Community and Cultural Preservation

The tribe is committed to preserving and revitalizing its cultural heritage, including the Sugpiaq/Eyak history and language. Efforts are underway to integrate this cultural knowledge into local educational curricula, supported by the traditional ecological knowledge of tribal elders[1].

Financial Support

The Valdez Native Tribe receives financial support through grants and contributions from various organizations. In recent years, it has received significant funding from entities like the Chugachmiut and the Rasmuson Foundation[5].

[1] https://www.chugachmiut.org/about-us/about-chugachmiut/service-area/valdez/ [2] https://www.valdeznativetribe.org/tribe/about-us/ [3] https://www.valdeznativetribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/VNTBrochure.pdf [4] https://www.valdeznativetribe.org [5] https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/valdez-native-tribe,920084385/