NilaVena
Rooted in Place. Led by Communities. Built for the Future.
The Nila Vena Sustainability Forum is a regional Tribal coalition advancing Indigenous-led solutions in the Lake Iliamna region of Bristol Bay. From broadband to language, wildfire to housing, our work is grounded in a shared vision: Thriving communities, healthy lands and waters, and sovereign Tribal governance.
We don’t see issues in isolation. Every program is part of a larger ecosystem of care, encompassing land, people, and generations to come.
NilaVena
What We Do

Indigenous Guardians
We are building a regionally grounded Indigenous Guardians network that reconnects people to land, culture, and responsibility. Guardians in our communities are involved in salmon monitoring, climate adaptation, stream health, cultural mapping, and other initiatives. This work blends traditional knowledge with modern tools, helping us care for our environment while creating local employment rooted in stewardship.

Tribal Governance
NVSF supports Tribal governments with tools, templates, and peer-to-peer strategies that help communities lead on their terms. From policy development and co-management agreements to grant frameworks and regional planning models, our goal is to reduce duplication of effort and expand access to shared resources. We believe that strong, sovereign Tribal governance is the foundation for everything we do.

Climate Resilience & Wildfire Preparedness

Connectivity & Digital Equity
Through efforts like SALMONet, we’re delivering broadband access to some of the most remote landscapes in Alaska. But connectivity isn’t just about access—it’s about sovereignty, education, and equity. We are working to build long-term Tribal capacity to manage and maintain telecom systems, while also advancing cybersecurity, remote access to services, and digital inclusion for all generations.

Housing Advocacy
Access to housing in our region is a challenge across income levels. NVSF is working to identify barriers, streamline access to existing programs, and advocate for better service delivery from housing authorities. We’re also supporting communities with planning tools, legal strategies, and site mapping so they’re ready when funding becomes available. In the long term, we’re exploring Tribal-led housing pathways that prioritize local control and cultural design.

Language & Culture Revitalization
We believe that land and language are inseparable. Our programs support Yup’ik and Dena’ina language visibility, intergenerational learning, and the inclusion of cultural knowledge in everything from signage to science. Through seasonal gatherings, youth events, and storytelling initiatives, we’re creating space for communities to speak, teach, and remember. This is not cultural preservation—it’s cultural continuity.
NilaVena
How We Work
NVSF is not a service provider—we are a coordinator, convener, and catalyst. Our strength lies in developing tools and frameworks that enable communities to shape their futures. We support:
- Community-driven planning
- Shared governance and knowledge exchange
- Tribal-led program design
- Policy advocacy rooted in lived experience
- Cross-sector partnerships with integrity
We create what’s needed. We share what works. We move forward together.
