NilaVena
Who Are We?
The NilaVena Sustainability Forum (NVSF) is a coalition of Tribal communities committed to protecting our lands, waters, and cultural traditions in the Lake Iliamna region. Anchored in sovereignty, stewardship, and sustainability, we collaborate to uphold Indigenous leadership, promote economic resilience, and ensure our way of life thrives for future generations.
NilaVena
Our Mission
We advance collaborative, Indigenous-led solutions that empower our communities, safeguard our natural resources, and strengthen our cultural identity. Through knowledge-sharing, advocacy, and innovation, we ensure our region remains a place of opportunity, balance, and self-determination.
NilaVena
Our Communities
NilaVena
What We Do
Stewarding Our Lands & Waters
- Protecting ancestral lands through reclamation and co-management
- Monitoring environmental changes with Indigenous and scientific knowledge
- Advancing climate resilience and wildfire preparedness
Strengthening Community Self-Reliance
- Expanding renewable energy solutions
- Improving broadband access through initiatives like SALMONet
- Building sustainable, culturally informed housing
Revitalizing Language & Cultural Practices
- Supporting Dena’ina and Yup’ik language preservation
- Mapping sacred sites and traditional knowledge
- Hosting seasonal cultural gatherings
Protecting Subsistence Practices
- Advocating for sustainable hunting, fishing, and gathering rights
- Monitoring the health of salmon, wildlife, and ecosystems
- Strengthening local food sovereignty
Fostering Regional Collaboration
- Aligning goals and resources across our region
- Expanding digital equity and policy advocacy
- Supporting sustainable economic opportunities
Bridging Indigenous & Western Knowledge
- Mapping and restoring tribal lands using GIS and LiDAR
- Combining traditional ecological knowledge with modern science
- Providing community workshops on sustainability and land stewardship