PO Box 2053 Nome, Alaska

PO Box 2053 Nome, Alaska

(907)443-4985

www.villageofsolomon.org

SUMMER/FALL 2025-2026

C

elebrating

Indigenous

Peoples Day

annually as the lead

organizer, providing

space and activities

to amplify cultural

pride with the public of Nome. Although the current

Administration has

removed the day of

recognition; the

Village of Solomon

and community of

Nome does not

need special

acknowledgement from the federal government in order to honor the day of celebrating culture

for Indigenous Peoples.

he activities always include the Fashion show full of brave models who show up and walk

down the red carpet wearing their favorite traditional apparel with an opportunity to

share who made what they decide to show off for the audience. This year’s emcee was

James Dommek Jr. writer of the recently premiered ‘Blood & Myth’ on Hulu. A documentary

highlighting the traditional stories of little people from the Kotzebue area, very similar to our

own tales of Ishagoks. Other activities included;

Pictured above L to R: (Future VOS leaders) cultural experts teaching participants how to bead,

Tessa Timbers-Payenna, Sophia Piscoya,

sharpen knives/ulu’s, invitational dance moves and

Layna Timbers-Payenna, Ethan & Fitz

the concept of Inuit goggle making.

Piscoya, Tobias Huntsman & Tristan Hudson. VOS has been leading this effort for

IN THIS ISSUE:

 CALENDAR

several years with hopes of gaining com VOS out & about

mitted efforts of coordination and planning

 2026 ELECTIONS

from other entities that support this annual  PRESIDENTS RE B&B Updates

PORT

event. Donations are provided by various

 NEWSWORTHY

local entities; including Norton Sound

 BSRHA UPDATE

 Tribal Office CoorHealth Corporation and Kawerak, Inc as the  Tumet Update

dinator

primary fiscal sponsors as well as VOS; the



DEVELOPMENT

UPentities also provide volunteers for the

 VOS Honor Roll

DATE

event.

T



TRIBAL RESOURCES

DIRECTOR

VOS attending Tribal Self Gov in AZ

Tribal members; Deilah Johnson & Sara James at the AK

Sustainable Energy Conference in early 2025

Vice President

C.Piscoya

serving

portions

during the

Indigenous Peoples Day

potluck

President Timbers

addressing the

Indigenous

Peoples Day crowd

Photo below; Annual Fashion Show Model Photo,

sprinkled with several VOS members

It is an honor to continue serving as Tribal Council President. This is a responsibility I

take seriously, and it fills me with great pride to represent our people and our way of

life.

This year’s Youth and Elder Camp was truly incredible. The weather was warm and sunny, the silvers

were jumping, and there was plenty to go around.

Thanks to the purchase of a boat by VOS, all of our

campers had the opportunity to rod and reel or

check the set net. It was a beautiful time on the land

and river, reconnecting with our culture, food, and

family.

Our way of life as Inupiaq continues to be threatened by the proposed IPOP mine. For the past eight

years, our Tribal Council and Environmental Department have opposed this project vehemently through

public comments, government-to-government consultations, and educational campaigns.

Our partners at Earth Justice are preparing to file a

brief in the lawsuit against the Pacific Division of the

Army Core of Engineers for their mining permit approval of IPOP in the Bonanza Channel. We anticipate the case may be heard in federal court in January or February of 2026. We encourage Anchorage

tribal members to join us in solidarity during the proceedings, proudly wearing VOS gear.

We are now in our sixth year of operating the Tribal Court. While our primary focus

has been Child in Need of Aid cases, we are

considering expanding to other types of cases

on a case-by-case basis. This growth reflects

our commitment to justice and sovereignty.

We are excited to begin placing tribal members

in the newly constructed homes on East 6th

Avenue by January and to see progress on the

game processing facility.

Special thanks to Cameron, Deilah, and

Heather Payenna, King Island Native Community for securing financial resources to extend

water and sewer down East 6th Avenue, making our housing project possible.

We also recognize Cameron’s leadership in

working directly with Federal Highway Tribal

Transportation Program (TTP) to administer

our own tribal transportation funds and programs. After providing notice to Kawerak in

May, we expedited the process to be managing

the program on our own for this fiscal year.

TTP is the national program that Kawerak administers on behalf of many of our tribes but

ours will be managed by VOS now. The program provides funding directly to VOS to plan,

design, build and maintain our own VOS transportation infrastructure including education and training opportunities for our membership.

Presidents Report Continued….

Cameron has additionally submitted our facilities for 105L Lease funding to the

BIA, which will bring in building facility operation and maintenance funds. This

strengthens our sovereignty and we are proudly the first tribe in our region to secure 105L funding from the BIA. Quyanna Cam!

We are always seeking ways to provide benefit to our members. During the government shutdown, we offered food security funding to ensure families had support.

We also continue to recognize and uplift our youth through the Student Success

Program and by offering internship opportunities with the Environmental Program.

I was honored to be invited as a guest panelist at the UAF Tribal Governance Symposium, where I joined two other Tribal Council Presidents in discussing Tribal Sovereignty. Their work in food sovereignty and tribal justice is inspiring, and it was a

privilege to share our experiences and vision for the future of our tribes.

The Village of Solomon continues to grow stronger through the dedication of our

council, staff, and members. Whether through protecting our lands, expanding

housing, or supporting our youth, we remain committed to preserving our way of

life and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

BSRHA Update

Representative to BSRHA Board is Kirsten.

Exciting things are happening in Nome! Our new housing subdivision,

Nunapik, near Icy View will near completion in the fall of 2026, featuring

two triplexes and five one-bedroom homes that will soon welcome new

residents. The first road within the subdivision is named

Ayu, marking the beginning of a new neighborhood that

honors our land and community.

We’re also celebrating progress on our triplex on 6th

Avenue, built for low-income families. Plumbing and

electrical were just hooked up, another big step toward

opening doors for more families in our community.

This work has truly been a community effort. From Q

Trucking, who helped lay the groundwork to fill the pad,

to NANA, who’s been hard at work bringing the buildings to life, we’re grateful for every partner and helping

hand along the way.

Big quyanaq to Alaska Housing Finance Corp, Rasmuson Foundation, The Denali Commission, and Housing Alaskans PPP for the grant funding that made these

projects possible, and to everyone who continues to support the growth of housing in our region.

Every nail, every load of gravel, and every moment of

teamwork brings us one step closer to stronger, healthier

communities across the Bering Straits region. Together,

we’re building more than homes; we’re building hope,

opportunity, and connection.

V

OS hosted a celebration with partners in Nome at the project site for the completion of the

utility expansion. Pictured are funding partners Angie Gorn from Norton Sound Health Corp., VOS Council

member Sherri Lewis & Kirsten Timbers, King Island Chief

Heather Payenna & King Island’s Leona Mayac, VOS’ Deilah Johnson, Cameron Piscoya, & Wilma Amaktoolik and

NJUS’ Ken Morton, pictured in front of one of VOS’ new

affordable housing units.

The VOS Traditional Council was able to approve the

Affordable Housing Unit applications and scoring guidelines to the VOS tribal community.

The Utility expansion was a successful partnership between King Island Native Community, Village of Solomon

and Nome Joint Utility Systems. The first of it’s

kind and a four year project of planning, design, construction, financial fundraising and

tons of coordination between all the entities.

Everyone had a chance to provide comment

during this celebration with an emphasis in

acknowledging the dedication to each of us

that contributed to the success. Pictured

above, Deilah Johnson receiving a tour during

utility installation.

TRIBAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR

REPORT

By Deilah Johnson

We have had another busy year. We will be

able to open our Game Processing Facility by

the summer of 2026. The utility expansion

delayed our construction due to not having

access to the gravel pad for our vertical build.

VOS was also able to purchase a boat and

side by side to offer as a means of transportation for those subsistence users , so long as

they are eligible and fill out the appropriate

paperwork.

We had success with our Annual Frances Wright Youth & Elder Camp; MMIP/MMIWG event, Indigenous People’s Day event, our Annual Mtg, Elections (complete with a run-off tie), Residential Weatherization Program for our VOS households and all new VOS swag!

I received an award from the Alaska Conservation Fund, the Caleb Pungowyi award for conservation

efforts. I was also able to help educate the Nome ANSEP students in

Nome with Kawerak, REAP, and NJUS.

The success of the utility expansion was and has been an ongoing effort,

the commitment from each of us in the coordination was time consuming; I would like to share the VOS financial contributions; thanks to our

VOS team.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds (VOS) $ 750,000

Kawerak McKenzie Scott Funds (VOS) $ 100,000

Denali Commission $ 750,000 (VOS/KINC)

EPA STAG Grant $ 1,600,000 (NJUS Murkowski appropriations w/KINC

assistance)

EMI Charitable Trust $ 525,000 (VOS)

Norton Sound Health Corporation $ 1,325,000 (KINC/VOS)

ANTHC IHS/SDS $550,000 (VOS/KINC)

Total: $ 5,600,000 All of which—to fund the utilities– ONLY.

For 2026; the Environmental dept. will focus on the solar installations

within Nome under the EPA CPRG grant program and continue the residential weatherization program.

VOS will also be re-launching internet support through the NTIA Tribal Broadband connectivity program. The VOS website will continue to provide all announcements and any newsworthy information

that impacts the tribal community. VOS has also recently partnered with Kawerak, Inc.’s Environmental

Dept. to design, plan/coordinate and open a Reuse Store in Nome under a Thriving Communities grant. As VOS continues to grow in programs, services and projects; I will be reviewing all of the ‘VOS Talent

Pool’ information to ensure that when my projects need extra hands—

that we use our VOS talent first.

I look forward to another fruitful, chaotic, fun & passionate year with

you all!

VOS CALENDAR OF EVENTS/ACTIVITIES

January 15, 2026

Council Mtg

February 19, 2026

Council Mtg

March 19, 2026

Council Mtg

April 16, 2026

Council Mtg

May 5th, 2026

MMIWG WALK

May 21, 2026

Council Mtg

June 10, 2026

Open

for Letters of Intent & Notice of

Election

June 13, 2026

LAST

DAY TO SUBMIT YOUTH CAMP APPS

AND NOTICE OF ELECTION

June 18, 2026

Council Mtg

June 29, 2026

Last Day to submit letters

of intent for election

July 9, 2026

Absentee Ballots are mailed

August 3-8, 2026

YOUTH CAMP

August 7, 2026

Annual Elections

August 8, 2026

ANNUAL MTG @ B&B

August 20, 2026

Council Mtg

September 17, 2026

Council Mtg

October 12, 2026

Indigenous Peoples Day

October 15, 2026

Council Mtg

November 19, 2026

Council Mtg

The calendar of dates are also posted on the homepage

www.villageofsolomon.org

“Our children are

the future

of our Tribe—

protecting

them is our sacred

duty.”

USDA GRANT

SUPPORTS SUBSISTENCE LIFESTYLES IN NOME

AREA!

With a Game processing facility

opening in 2026,

the tribe also has

access to use a 6

seater side by

side and a SeaDoo river boat to

support and alleviate the high expense in gathering foods, transporting big game

or even accessing

the big game. For

more information; please

call the office or

go to our website.

Cont. on last page

2026 VOS Annual Elections

Seats C & D are up for election

The current seats & terms are as follows;

A- Kirsten Timbers 2024-2027

B- Cameron Piscoya 2024-2027

C- Annette Piscoya 2023-2026

D- Wilma Amaktoolik 2024-2026

E- Deilah Johnson 2025-2028

F-Imari Bright 2025-2026

G-Sherri Lewis 2025-2028

•

In order to be eligible to hold a position as a council member for Seats A, B, C, and D, a person must

meet the following qualifications:

•

Eighteen (18) years old or older by the date of the election in which the person seeks office; and

•

Physically resided within the Nome/Solomon area for a period of one (1) year immediately preceding

the date of the election in which the candidate seeks office. Reasonable temporary absences shall not

be used to establish that this requirement has not been satisfied; and

•

No convictions within the last ten (10) years for any crimes which would be a felony in Alaska,

except for State fishing and/or hunting convictions; and

Enrolled as a tribal member of the tribe and, if required by the tribe's membership ordinance, a

"Resident Member" as that status is defined by the membership ordinance; and

Free of any physical or mental incapacity which would prevent the candidate from carrying out the duties of a council member.

•

•

SECTION IV. LETTERS OF INTENT

The Letter of Intent must contain a statement confirming that the candidate meets the qualifications for

election to the council required by Section III of this ordinance. The council or its designee(s) shall collect all

Letters of Intent, determine whether candidates meet the qualifications for election to the council, and ensure that only candidates who are qualified and submit Letters of Intent before the deadline for doing so

ends appear on the ballot. Challenges to qualifications of candidates shall be handled as challenges to election results in accordance with Section II (F) of this ordinance. Records of candidates rejected for candidacy

shall be available to the public upon request.

In order to be eligible to vote, a person must be:

Eighteen (18) years old or older by the date of the election in which the persons seeks to vote; and

Enrolled as a tribal member of the tribe.

TRIBAL COURT JUDGE on BALLOT:

Judge Annette Piscoya—To Retain or Not Retain

Solomon Bed & Breakfast Update

VOS has recently hired Cynthia Gray to develop a marketing strategy, manage repairs, updates to

the building and to include support to the B&B seasonal staff. With an EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, the Environmental Dept. was able to order all replacement windows for the building, in

total that is 26 custom windows! Cynthia and Deilah were driving out to the B&B to pick up Youth

Camp laundry and found a broken exterior window that flew off due to the high winds. Each new

window will be sealed, insulated and protected with a new winterization method to protect each

new window. This window was of course, after the 2024 winter when Deilah drove out and hiked

through feet of snow to access a window to the main common area that had been hit with an icicle

from the roof which created a large sheet of ice and a pile of snow inside on the floor, destroying a

futon. The Council has recognized the need for new windows and doors.

The B&B has so much RICH history which is at the very core of the original residents in Solomon,

Alaska. Moving forward in implementing the Business Plan, hiring new staff, ensuring that everyone who walks into the B&B/Community Center will be able to feel the integral piece of Solomon

and the community the building represents. It has taken some time to build the B&B as a business;

VOS Traditional Council thanks each one of you for your continued support and patience. Managing

a remote B&B with already limited resources in Nome can be a challenging task, with Cynthia Gray

on board, VOS trusts that the business will be booming in no time.

Recent Repairs/work to date: Updated common area bathroom (2023)

Installation of renewable energy, 7kW rooftop solar array and to utilize new generator (2021) as

backup electricity

All new interior paint (2023)

Exterior paint (2021)

New stove (2025)

Window installation (2026)

Blinds installed and purchased (2026)

New Doors (2026)

Added gravel to address drainage, water buildup near and around the gen house (2021)

Ongoing maintenance includes; water system management (filters, new pumps, water testing)

Winterizing and de-winterizing

Regular deep cleaning

Generator maintenance

Smoke Alarm replacements

Appliance replacements

If anyone of our tribal citizens

are interested in housekeeping,

managing reservations, supporting any future tourism,

please email bedandbreakfast@villageofsolomon.org.

VILLAGE OF

SOLOMON

FASHION

SHOW

MODELS AND

PARTICIPANTS

New Youth Programs

Youth 2026 Elections

Notice of Youth General Election

Two (2) youth seats are open for voting. If your youth has been thinking of ways to help

their tribe or their voices want to be heard, let them know the Village of Solomon has

youth seats open. Two Youth Seats are open. Youth do not have to reside in Nome.

●Youth seat (A) 10 years old to 18 years old

●Youth seat (B) 10 years old to 18 years old

There is one meeting monthly, If you can not show up in person you can show up by

phone or if you have a laptop I will send zoom links. Candidate Essays due to Imari

Bright at imari@villageofsolomon.org. By January 15, 2026

Empowering Our Youth Through Education and Community Recognition

Program Overview

VOS Student Success Program celebrates and

supports the educational journeys of our tribal

youth. By setting goals, sharing progress, and

engaging with their community, students build

confidence and connection while being recognized for their achievements. All students encouraged to participate! K-12 and beyond.

VOS ANSEP STUDENTS!

ANSEP became available in Nome for

the 2025-26 school year and several

students applied to the program; including our very own—Roselynn

Paniptchuk and Sara James.

Roselynn and Sara are both high school

students taking college classes earning

dual credits. Tribal Member Isabella

Bohn also participated in the ANSEP

program and earning her highschool

diploma with just a couple credits shy

of her Bachelor degree. Roselynn &

Sara; we are rooting for you and are

PROUD to see you in ANSEP!

CAMP PHOTOS

TRIBAL OFFICE COORDINATOR

Uvaŋa Kelly Nalugalria Lyon. Algaaciqmuiguruŋa (sp). Aanaġa late Catherine Lyon

Aataġa Cyril Lyon. Aapaġa Joe Lyon aasii late

Sebastion Cowboy. Aanaġa Ursula Lyon aasii

late Mae Cowboy.

Myname

name is

Lyon.

My My

family

is

My

is Kelly

KellyNalugalria

Nalugalria

Lyon.

family

from

Algaaciq

(St.

Mary's)

and

Stebbins.

My

is from Algaaciq (St. Mary's) and Stebbins.

mom

is the

Lyon and

myand

dad is

My

mom

is late

the Catherine

late Catherine

Lyon

my

CyrilisLyon

Sr.Lyon

My aapa's

Joe Lyon

dad

Cyril

Sr. Myare

aapa's

areand

Joethe

Lyon

late Sebastian Cowboy. My aaka's are Ursula

and the late Sebastian Cowboy. My aaka's

Lyon and the late Mae Cowboy.

are

Lyon

and

thecoordinator

late Mae Cowboy.

I amUrsula

the new

tribal

office

for the

Village of Solomon. As I learn my role in the position, I will be assisting in program applications,

tribal enrollment, and issuing tribal ID's. I am

currently a student at UAA and working towards

getting my bachelor's degree in Public Health. I

love to spend my time outdoors during the

summertime and doing subsistence activities

like fishing, seining, berry picking, and going to camp. I am excited to be working for the tribe and

look forward to growing into my role and working with tribal members.

The Village of Solomon has been awarded a USDA Indigenous Animals

Harvesting Grant which has provided the use of a 2022 SeaArk Boat and a 6 seater side by side. In order to use either

vehicle, you must become an approved user and agree to

the user policies. The scheduling is at the link to the left,

the user policies are below and eligibility is as follows;

1.Must be enrolled with the Village of Solomon as a tribal

member

2.Must demonstrate experience in using either vehicle

3.Must have a valid drivers license

4.Must adhere to each policy requirements

https://www.villageofsolomon.org/user-policies