Q&A with Lynn Kic’i Church of Nalaquq, LLC of Quinhagak
Three years ago, village corporation leaders in Quinhagak created a subsidiary called Nalaquq, LLC focused on science and technology. Nalaquq focuses on local needs, resources and opportunities to provide local jobs.
The following is a Q&A with Nalaquq, LLC CEO Lynn Kic’i Church. We’re pleased to highlight Nalaquq in our ongoing series of articles on businesses that have joined the Calivika Shareholder Directory.
How did Nalaquq, LLC begin?
It evolved from the 12-year-long Nunalleq Archaeological Project in Quinhagak. The name “Nalaquq” means “we found it” or “discovery” in Yup’ik and reflects our commitment to uncovering new opportunities for the community.
Nalaquq, LLC was created by our village corporation, Qanirtuuq Inc., to address the need for a new research model that not only gathers data but invests in the local economy, supports local businesses and empowers the community.
The name Nalaquq means ‘we found it’ or ‘discovery’ in Yup’ik and reflects our commitment to uncovering new opportunities for the community.
Lynn Kic’i Church, Nalaquq, LLC CEO
What services do you provide?
We collaborate with Indigenous communities on co-production and co-design of research projects, to ensure Indigenous values are respected. This allows us to integrate local knowledge and ensure the community has a direct voice in research outcomes.
We offer community-based training that provides local job opportunities and skills that can be used both locally and outside the village, helping build a more resilient workforce.
Through cultural resource management, we work with Indigenous partners to interpret and manage archaeological findings. This includes meeting qualifications for Section 106 excavations and ensuring the community is actively involved in managing its cultural resources.
Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) & satellite-based remote sensing, we map subsistence areas, monitor landscape changes and gather high-precision geospatial data. This technology helps remote communities make informed decisions about land and resource management. We’ve certified one local as a Part 107 drone pilot, with two more in process.
Nalaquq hosted a basic wildland firefighting Red Card training last year. Can you tell me about that?
After a fire in Quinhagak last year, Warren Jones and volunteers recognized the need for better fire preparedness. Through a partnership with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection, the first Red Card training certified 26 community members.
The Red Card training, drone pilot training, and another training we did through YKHC to certify 16 search and rescue volunteers in first aid, demonstrated that community-based training is most effective.
People feel more comfortable in their own environment, and they can immediately apply what they’ve learned. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Division of Forestry along with other agencies and other organizations in Quinhagak this coming year with the communities of Quinhagak, Eek, Goodnews Bay and Platinum.
What is another project you are working on this year?
We depend on boat skiffs to travel to surrounding villages and feed our families. In late October 2020, seven boaters went missing from Quinhagak. Unfortunately, search efforts were paused indefinitely due to harsh weather.
Recognizing the importance of accurate, timely information about ocean conditions, we are partnering with the Alaska Ocean Observing System and the Background Buoy Program to help local communities gain real-time insights into ocean conditions. This program is led by local navigators along with our new partners. They will have access to crucial ocean data—such as currents, depth and more—directly on their phones, improving safety and awareness.
Do you have advice for other village corporations trying to start a new business venture?
My advice would be to build a strong team with a shared vision and common goals. The foundation of a successful business model is not only the idea but the people behind it. Having the right team ensures that everyone stays motivated and focused, which is essential for overcoming the challenges that any new venture brings.
Sometimes we need to take risks to create opportunities for our community, especially for our shareholders. These risks are taken with the long-term vision of providing meaningful opportunities that will support and uplift families in our region. It’s about ensuring that we create sustainable growth that benefits everyone in the community.