NilaVena
What is the Nila Vena Sustainability Forum?
The Nila Vena Sustainability Forum (NVSF) is a collective of Tribal communities dedicated to sovereignty, stewardship, and sustainability in the Lake Iliamna region. Our mission is to empower Indigenous leadership, protect our lands and waters, and create thriving, self-sustaining communities.
We advance Indigenous-led solutions that protect our homelands, sustain our cultural lifeways, and strengthen regional collaboration. By bringing together Tribal leaders, policymakers, and community members, we create a forum where knowledge is shared, strategies are developed, and action is taken to secure our future.
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What We Aim To Accomplish
Regional Data & Reporting
Partnering with McKinley Research Group to conduct region-wide census and demographic surveys to ensure Tribal communities can access accurate data for funding, development, and policy decisions.
Tribal Health & Emergency Preparedness
Establishing the Nila Vena Tribal Health Forum to advocate for culturally appropriate healthcare and public health solutions. Developing a wildfire response team to protect our communities from increasing environmental threats.
Tribal Nationhood & Governance
Supporting Tribes in achieving self-governance by providing resource templates for proposal writing, policy creation, and forum development—helping communities manage their affairs with confidence and efficiency.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Expanding broadband access through the SALMONet project, bridging the digital divide to improve healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
Housing & Land Reclamation
Developing sustainable housing solutions and advancing Landback initiatives to restore Indigenous stewardship over ancestral lands.
Language & Cultural Preservation
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How the Forum Works
The Nila Vena Sustainability Forum is building a future where Tribes are empowered to govern, sustain, and protect their people, lands, and cultures. By fostering collaboration and leveraging shared resources, we ensure that Indigenous leadership continues to shape the region for generations to come. We serve as:
A Gathering Space
Hosting discussions where Tribal leaders, policymakers, and community members.
A Knowledge Hub
Providing research, resources, and templates to support self-governance and sustainable development.
An Action Oriented Network
Turning ideas into tangible projects that benefit our communities today and for future generations.