Willie Kasayulie, Board Chair
Storyknife, January/February 2026 edition
Calista has been supportive of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Tribal Government (Y-K RTG) since its establishment in 2021. We recognize the opportunities a regional tribal government can provide our communities at the state and federal levels and the additional funding it can bring to the Region.
The Y-K RTG held its second Tribal Summit on December 1, 2025, with representation from over 40 Tribes from across the Region. Additionally, more Tribal representatives expressed interest in joining the Y-K RTG. The RTG extensively discussed the intent to not compete with any of our Region’s Tribes or organizations for resources.
The Y-K RTG will not take away or compete for financial resources with the Tribes in-Region. The RTG will open the door to more funding source opportunities. The Y-K RTG Council outlined its five-year strategic plan. The Y-K RTG is focusing on four key areas of priority: subsistence, public safety (including emergency management), infrastructure and cultural preservation and Traditional Knowledge systems.
Looking at the new year, the Y-K RTG plans to unveil a Unity Compact between the Tribes and organizations within the Region. The Unity Compact provides an outline for how we plan to work together and commit to addressing strategic priorities.
In tandem with the Unity Compact, the Y-K RTG also plans to host subcommittee meetings to continue developing action items in the priority areas based on Tribes’ input. We are looking forward to what the future holds for the Y-K RTG and their strategic goals moving forward.