A conceptual elevation drawing of what a planned carving shed would look like on Front Street in downtown. The Wrangell Cooperative Association received a grant last week to assist in the development of the shed and completion of Shakes Island.
The Rasmuson Foundation is making the dream of a new totem pole carving facility and the completion of the Shakes Island renovation a reality after making a $450,000 grant available to the Wrangell Cooperative Association.
A $135,000 portion of the grant is earmarked for a new carving facility to be located on the property on Front Street at the former location of the Alaska Native Brotherhood hall.
“The WCA has been awarded a grant for $450,000 for the renovation of the Chief Shakes Tribal House from the Rasmuson Foundation,” said WCA president Dawn Hutchinson. “WCA is very indebted to Tis Peterman for her non-stop diligent work toward WCA’s collective dream.”
And though the grant will go a long way toward completing both projects, the hunt for money to pay for it is far from over.
“We are grateful for this endorsement from the Rasmuson Foundation, but will continue to seek more funding for the expanded interests of the Tribe. This was a big step in the right direction for us.”
According to Peterman, the grant administrator for the WCA, the money comes with a 12-month deadline to disburse – a factor that will move the project forward with an advanced schedule.
“We have a year to get this done and spend the money, so we should see construction begin within the next 12 months. We do not have the land as of today, but hopefully we will be able to acquire it soon,” Peterman said.
In other WCA news, the group is actively seeking candidates to fill four seats on the tribal council. According to the WCA bylaws, the election will be held on January 5, 2012.
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