Camai,
As we look forward to the start of the school year, the Bristol Bay Foundation (BBF) is thrilled to announce that we’ve received two significant new federal grants from the U.S. Department of Education. These grants, secured in partnership with Igiugig Village Council, two regional school districts and our Lake and Peninsula village communities, will complement our ongoing work with the Bristol Bay Teaching and Learning (BBTLC) program and our existing partnerships to grow and support educators in Bristol Bay.
These new grants will enhance existing language and educational projects by creating curriculum and language classes to meet high school graduation requirements and by hosting cultural and language activities throughout the region. We are also excited to introduce summer language programs, online dance classes, new literacy materials, and comprehensive teacher training activities. We are enthusiastic about the positive impact these initiatives will have and the opportunity to work closely with our communities.
To support these projects, we will be expanding our staff and partnerships, ensuring we have the resources needed to bring these initiatives to life. You can learn more about the funded projects by clicking here.
In other news, our camp teams recently hosted culture camps in Manokotak and Pedro Bay and participated in Naknek and Port Heiden. If you’re interested in hosting a camp in your community next summer, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of students and educators across Bristol Bay. Do you have ideas for BBF? You can always reach us at bbf@bristolbayfoundation.org or (907) 265-7810.
Aleesha Towns-Bain
Bristol Bay Foundation Executive Director
Cultural Heritage Grants Available
Continuing our commitment to cultural preservation, BBF offers small grants through the Piniq’ (strength) Grant and Native Place Names Grant programs.
Most awards are under $8,000 and can be reviewed in less than a month. Applications exceeding $8,000 will be considered at our quarterly board meetings.
You can find application details online at bristolbayfoundation.org. Your support and involvement are crucial as we strive to uphold and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Bristol Bay.
Neqa in Bristol Bay a Success!
BBF hosted the Neqa in Bristol Bay fundraiser. We raised an impressive amount of $300,000, raised in cash (our highest yet!) and more from in-kind donations. This year’s event changed locations to the beautiful historic Kulik Lodge in Katmai National Park.
We are extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors, donors, and all the attendees who made this success possible. To learn more, visit: neqainbristolbay.org.
Opportunities for Students
BBF has introduced a second higher education scholarship deadline in December! The deadline funds one term (spring or summer). The secondary application period will start on Monday, September 2, 2024, and close on Friday, December 6, 2024. The main scholarship deadline remains unchanged. It will open in mid-December and close on April 4, 2025.
Higher Education (HE) Scholarship Program
The HE scholarship program is designed to support BBNC shareholders and descendants pursuing two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees, as well as those who wish to take one degree-seeking or culturally related course, has two application deadlines each year. The next deadline is Friday, December 6, 2024.
Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) Program
The CFVE program, aimed at providing in-depth training for specific career-focused and long-term employment goals, such as professional piloting, maritime, cosmetology licensing, and industry trades, will continue to have three deadlines each year. The next deadline is Friday, December 6, 2024.
Both programs are open to serve shareholders and direct lineal descendants. There are no blood quantum or residency requirements. To apply online, visit myBBNC.net (for shareholders and descendants who are 17 and under, please follow our specific instructions). Paper applications may also be requested by contacting the BBF office at bbf@bristolbayfoundation.org or (907) 265-7810.
Additional Support for Scholarship Recipients
Ikayurgna Emergency Aid Funding
All current scholarship recipients are eligible for our Ikayurnga Emergency Aid funding once per academic year.
Free Mental Health Support/Counseling Services
Scholarship recipients are also eligible for mental health support/counseling/life coaching services funded by a grand from the Alaska Mental Health Trust.
For more information about our scholarship programs, please contact Joanie Fullwood at (907) 266-1507 or joanie@bristolbayfoundation.com.
2024 Fall Raffle
Exploring our Lands “Paqtaarluki nunaput”
Once again, BBF is hosting its annual fall raffle drawing to raise funds for our scholarship programs and mission! The drawing will be held at the 2024 BBNC Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Saturday, October 5, 2024 in Anchorage. Tickets are $20 each, or six for $100. To purchase tickets, click here. (Need not be present to win).
1st Prize: Pack Your Bags Package
- Two round-trip tickets from Alaska Airlines
- Two Patagonia bags with BBNC logo
2nd Prize: Bikes for Both Package
- Two 2024 Yamaha CrossCore e-bikes
- Backpacks, helmets, and tire pump
3rd Prize: Bay Family Travel Package
- Four tickets from Grant Aviation
- B&J’s gift card
4th Prize: Book with Your Bae Package
- Two tickets from Grant Aviation
- LFS Marine Supplies gift card
5th Prize: Indigenous Glamour Package
- Him and hers qaspeqs
- Earrings from Bristol Bay artists
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