# PO Box 2053 Nome, Alaska > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Avillage_solomon%3A05ff2e3b9f006e2e ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Avillage_solomon%3A05ff2e3b9f006e2e. Public record. Not legal advice.