2025 Annual Meeting
Quyana to everyone who joined us at this year’s Annual Meeting! We were excited to share updates, hear from members, and celebrate community accomplishments together.
2025 Election
This year’s election filled Seat A with David Kutch and Seat D with Jonathan Samuelson. We also thank Dario Notti Sr. for running and supporting the Tribe.
Council & Staff Introductions
We introduced the 2024–2025 Council and staff team:
Chair: Buddy Kutch
Vice-Chair: Jonathan Samuelson
Secretary/Treasurer: Valerie Dudley
Council Members: Gary “Isa” Fredericks and Tamara Dietrich
Executive Director: Barbara Johnson (after several years as Environmental Coordinator)
Program Director: Eric Dietrich
Environmental Assistant: Kattie Wilmarth
Tribal Liaison: Cheri Alstrom
Tribal Member of the Year
We are also proud to recognize Buddy Kutch as Tribal Member of the Year for his contributions and leadership.
Planning for the Future
The Council held a strategic planning retreat in Girdwood in December 2024, producing a roadmap with financial, management, and organizational goals for 2025–2026.
We also shared two exciting investments:
A new office building to support long-term stability.
A residential lot that could be used for housing, rentals, tribal gatherings, or events.
During the meeting, members visited the new building and were asked to provide input on how these spaces should be used. The Tribe is here to serve you — we need your guidance to make the best decisions. To share your thoughts, please contact us.
Election Process Update
Following some challenges during a special election, the election ordinance was updated to strengthen the process. Tamara Dietrich won the seat in that special election and will serve for one year.
Cultural & Language Programs
In June, weekly Yup’ik word sessions were held with Irene Venes and Helen Vanderpool, with behind-the-scenes support from Cheri Alstrom. We also hosted a Mother’s Day beading class and are planning painting and crochet workshops this fall.
Policy Committee Updates
The Policy Committee adopted new Boat Use and Vehicle Use policies. Work is also underway on a Community Building Use policy and updates to NVG’s financial policies.
ARPA Funding
We provided a full update on ARPA funding:
55% went to direct assistance (cash, training, housing, utilities, broadband).
33% went to capital investments (equipment, office, community building).
6% went to administration.
6% remains for final programs and costs.
Land & Community Development
Recent ANCSA updates may open doors for new projects such as boardwalks, cabins, and expanded community facilities.
Environmental Department Highlights
Watershed Coalition: NVG continues to lead collaboration with tribes, the Kuspuk School District, the Fish Commission, and Donlin to protect the Middle and Upper Kuskokwim watershed.
Traditional Knowledge Documentation: Members are being compensated to record subsistence practices (fishing, hunting, processing, sharing), which will be compiled into a book for all NVG members.
Mercury in Subsistence Foods: Mercury naturally occurs in wetlands, transforms into methylmercury, and builds up in fish like pike and burbot. Advisories exist but awareness is low.
Mercury risk increases through bioaccumulation (build-up in one animal over time) and biomagnification(higher levels as it moves up the food chain).
Younger, smaller animals generally have lower levels of contamination.
Mercury levels vary by river: highest in Pike from the Hoholitna River, and lower in Pike from the George and Takotna Rivers.
Virtual Follow-Up Meeting
To ensure members who could not attend in person had a chance to take part, NVG scheduled a follow-up virtual meeting the Friday after the Annual Meeting. While it lasted only an hour, it was well attended, and we were able to cover all of the main highlights and discussions.