The local Tribe has received a substantial grant from the Administration for Native Americans to address outmigration over much of the past several decades.
Wrangell Cooperative Association began applying for the grant in April, putting forward a project proposal to the federal agency, part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The two-year grant is for $200,000, with the first year’s allotment set at $110,916.
With those funds, WCA will be hiring one full-time and one part-time staff member to handle the project.
“They’re going to develop a comprehensive action plan over the next two years,” explained tribal administrator Esther Reese. “It’s going to identify the needs and priorities of tribal citizens.”
Outmigration is a problem for a number of rural communities in Alaska, as the state boasts one of the nation’s highest rates of population turnover. There are substantial migration flows within the state as well, primarily to the greater Anchorage area. Among the area’s Native population the declines have been felt acutely. Comparing 1990 census data with the 2013 American Community Survey and other figures, the community saw a 32-percent decline, from 496 to 335 people.
“The median age has risen as well,” Reese added. Over that same time frame, the average age among Alaska Natives grew from 31.8 to 46.7 years, mirroring a wider graying trend within the region.
Factors behind the exodus are thought to be a lack of economic opportunity and affordable services. Addressing those concerns was a priority identified by Wrangell-area residents during 2015 surveying and community visioning sessions held by WCA.
“We would like to acknowledge the role of tribal citizens in securing this funding,” Reese mentioned. “That is what came out of those visioning exercises.”
Their role in developing a response to these trends will continue. While the new project staff the grant enables will be developing a comprehensive action plan over the next 24 months, during that time they will hold 20 community meetings to direct the Tribe’s long-term goals.
Once a an action plan is developed, it would go before the WCA Board for consideration, adoption and implementation.
“It’s really a stepping stone to be utilized,” she said. The board meets later today, after which Reese expected to begin advertising for the project manager and assistant positions.
WCA’s was one of 39 projects selected for this year’s ANA project grants, and one of four specifically selected under the Social and Economic Development Strategies category in Alaska. Other groups this year include the Cheesh’na Tribal Council for its leadership capacity building, Copper River Native Association for its school readiness project, and Village of Iliamna for its own capacity-building project. Other initiatives covered under the grants target language preservation, youth development and environmental regulatory enhancement.
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