When a catastrophic storm hit Western Alaska in early October, hurricane-force winds and record storm surges caused flooding to several coastal communities, including Bethel, Chefornak, Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Napakiak, Quinhagak and Toksook Bay.
For the Alaska Native population, the effects of the storm were profoundly personal: roads and homes were destroyed, families were uprooted and essential subsistence resources were lost. It is estimated that some 60 CIRI Shareholders and confirmed Descendants live in the impacted areas. In all, more than 1,600 displaced people evacuated; nearly 600 were relocated to Anchorage.
In the weeks since the storm, CIRI-affiliated service organizations—including the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC), Cook Inlet Housing Authority (CIHA), Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) and Southcentral Foundation (SCF)—have come together to help those in need:
- On Oct. 12, the Alaska Community Foundation announced the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, a partnership among the foundation, regional organizations—including ANHC and the Alaska Federation of Natives, of which CIRI is a member—and Tribal leaders. The fund accepts donations to help coastal communities devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong and another less-powerful storm days before.
- CITC opened donation drop-off sites in Anchorage, collecting hygiene items, diapers and warm clothing and coordinating assistance for evacuees.
- ANHC has been accepting donations of traditional foods such salmon, moose, hooligan and berries to help displaced families stay connected to their culture. Additionally, ANHC opened the center for affected families to enjoy Halloween trick-or-treating and organized a benefit concert along with a silent auction to support recovery efforts and bolster longer-term relief for impacted communities.
- SCF dispatched primary care and behavioral health teams to the temporary shelter in Anchorage, providing on-site medical care, behavioral health services and connections to follow-up care. Together, SCF and CIHA are part of the West Coast Storm Disaster Housing Task Force, whose goal is to get evacuees out of group shelters and into better accommodation, including longer-term temporary housing.
“The CIRI family of nonprofits and designated Tribal organizations has been instrumental in the recovery efforts in Western Alaska—collecting and distributing essential resources, securing housing, and offering a connection to culture and heritage,” CIRI President Tabetha Toloff said. “We draw inspiration from the strength and resilience of those affected, as well as from the coordination and compassion shown by the numerous individuals and organizations that have come forward to assist.”
