Enrollment
Tribal Member Enrollment
Native Village of Eyak is a federally recognized Tribal government located on the southeastern shores of Prince William sound in the North Gulf Coast of Alaska
Our territory is the traditional meeting place of four peoples, the Eyak, Supiaq, Tlingit and Athabascan. Prince William Sound, Copper River Delta and the North Gulf Coast were shared between them. War and peace reigned alternately within a brisk trading business. The arrival of the Russians and subsequently Americans, greatly impacted our way of life and culture. We strive to preserve and restore that culture through our many programs and services.
We are governed by a five member elected Council who upholds our constitution and bylaws and directs an executive director to implement projects and programs according to an approved strategic plan.
Location, Hours & Contact
PO Box 1388
110 Nicholoff Way
Cordova, Alaska 99574
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
(907) 424-7738
Enrollment Supervisor:
Raven Cunningham
Office: (907) 424-7738
Fax: (907) 424-7739
Email: enrollment@eyak-nsn.gov
Enrollment Coordinator:
Amy Brockert
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll myself or a family member in the Native Village of Eyak
Please see the How To Apply section of this page for directions and a document checklist. If you have any questions, please call (907) 424-7738 or email enrollment@eyak-nsn.gov
Documents & Quick Links
How to Become a Member
The Native Village of Eyak (NVE) welcomes applications for Tribal membership from eligible individuals and families. Tribal membership honors our shared heritage, preserves our culture, and ensures that our people can fully participate in Tribal life and services. Enrollment criteria are established by Tribal ordinance and are reviewed according to NVE’s governing documents.
Thank you for your interest in the Native Village of Eyak’s Enrollment. To ensure a quick and smooth process, please have all the necessary documentation fully completed, signed, and dated. Any application that is not complete will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or stop by the enrollment office, we are happy to help!
Eligibility & General Requirements
To apply for Tribal membership, applicants must typically demonstrate the following:
Lineal Descent
Your elgibility is based on documented ancestry linked to a Tribal base roll or a recognized ancestor outlined in NVE’s enrollment criteria.
Document Checklist:
- Completed Tribal Enrollment Application
- BIA Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood (CIB)
- Birth Certificate
- Two (2) Proofs of Residency:
- Pay stubs
- Utility receipts (heating fuel, electric, utility, telephone)
- Mortgage or landlord receipts/letter
- ID Card
- etc.
Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be accepted.
Enrollment
Enrolling a New Baby
Families wishing to enroll a newborn should:
- Submit a completed Enrollment Application with the baby’s legal name and birthdate.
- Include the baby’s Birth Certificate.
- Attach a copy of the parent(s)’ CIB showing tribal blood documentation.
- Include any further documentation showing lineage to an elgible Tribal ancestor
Generally, newborns should be enrolled soon after birth to ensure elgibility for programs tied to age.
Applying as an Adult
If they meet NVE’s elgibility criteria, including documented descent to base roll and residency status if applying as active. Provide all required documents and clearly show ancestral ties in your packet.
Enrolled Active Tribal Members are formally enrolled residents or Citizens of the Native Village of Eyak who are lineal descendants of the Tribe’s base roll or are adopted Alaska Natives.
To be considered Active, a Tribal Member must:
- Meet NVE residency verification requirements, and
- Physically reside within the Tribe’s traditional boundaries for at least six months (182 days) of each calendar year.
Active Tribal Members are eligible for:
- Full voting rights in Tribal elections
- All Tribal programs, services, distributions, and benefits
- Appointment or election to Tribal leadership and governing bodies
Enrolled Inactive Tribal Members are enrolled members who do not currently meet the residency requirements for Active status.
Inactive status:
- Does not remove enrollment or Tribal identity
- Does not affect lineage or enrollment standing
Inactive Tribal Members
- Do not have voting rights
- Have limited access to certain programs, services, distributions, and benefits
Members may request a change from Inactive to Active status by updating residency documentation with the Enrollment Office.
Honorary Members are individuals who have been formally recognized by the Native Village of Eyak as a symbolic form of respect and acknowledgement by Tribal Council.
Honorary membership may be granted to:
- Spouses of Tribal Members
- Widows or widowers of Tribal Members
- Legally adopted non-Alaska Native Children
- Children living within a Tribal Member household
- Non-Alaska Native parent of Tribal Members
- Other individuals Tribal Council wishes to honor for service or connection to the community
Honorary membership:
- Does not constitute Tribal enrollment
- Does not convey voting rights
- May allow eligibility for certain programs and serviceds determined by Tribal policy
Honorary members are recognized through Tribal Council action.
Tribal Beneficiaries are individuals who are not enrolled members but are considered part of the NVE community.
Tribal Beneficiaries are eligible for:
- Direct care services at Ilanka Community Health Center (ICHC)
- Referred care services under NVE’s Indian Health Service Funding Agreement
Eligibility is determined according to Tribal and federal healthcare guidelines.
Non-Members are individuals of Alaska Native or American Indian descent who are not enrolled with NVE and do not qualify as Tribal Beneficiaries.
Non-Members are eligible for:
- Direct care services at Ilanka Community Health Center (ICHC) only
They are not eligible for referred care services or Tribal programs outside of direct healthcare.
Tribal Member ID Cards
Once enrollment is approved, members may apply for an NVE Tribal Member ID Card. A separate Tribal ID Card Application is required and will be processed through the Enrollment Office.
If you are unsure of your current status, need to update residency, or want to enroll a child or family member, the Enrollment Office can help guide you through the process.