Restoring Balance, Strengthening Communities

In the small community of Kéex’ (Kake) in Southeast Alaska, First Nations’ community partner Organized Village of Kake (OVK) is restoring balance to the food system and environment and strengthening their community. This work includes managing clam gardens, controlling the sea otter population, restoring the National Historic Landmark Cannery, and developing a tannery.

With support from First Nations through the Community Navigator Project, the OVK Natural Resources team, led by Executive Director Dawn Jackson, is also building their grantmaking capacity. Last week, a motivated team of nine OVK staff members received grantmaking and development training from First Nations, with the overall intent of taking a team approach to expanding revenue opportunities that support existing community building initiatives, like restoring fish and clams to the food system.

As part of this work, OVK manages the growing sea otter population. Since the 1960s when sea otters were reintroduced to the region, the sea otter population has grown exponentially, creating competition for clams, fish, and crab – natural resources that have historically sustained tribal members of OVK. To help manage the sea otter population, OVK is developing the Keku Furs Tannery, a growing initiative that is creating job opportunities, restoring traditional tannery practices, generating economic development, and restoring balance between the ecosystem and food system. During the visit, First Nations learned more about this work and additional efforts planned for the future of the OVK community. Thank you for our time together, OVK!