Nalaquq, LLC of Quinhagak
Nalaquq, LLC partnered with the Alaska Division of Forestry and Fire Protection to host a 4-day training to help enhance local firefighting skills, emergency preparedness and workforce development.
Three years ago, village corporation leaders in Quinhagak created a subsidiary called Nalaquq, LLC focused on science and technology.
Nalaquq doesn’t immediately resemble a typical village corporation-owned business in our Region, like a store or utility coop. But Nalaquq has a similar purpose—it focuses on local needs, resources and opportunities to provide local jobs.
We’re pleased to highlight Nalaquq in our ongoing series of articles on businesses that have joined the Calivika Shareholder Directory. Following is a Q&A with Nalaquq CEO Lynn K’ik’ Church, a Calista Shareholder with village ties to Quinhagak and Twin Hills.
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 this need for local research support that helps build businesses and empowers the community.
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 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 archaeologists to interpret and manage archaeological resources. This includes the significance for Section 106 compliance and emergency response—we’re actively involved in responding to cultural resources.
Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) & satellite-based remote sensing, we map subsistence areas, monitor land impacts, manage changes and gather high-precision geospatial data. This technology helps remote communities manage landscapes, fisheries and land and resource management. We’re certified locally as a Part 107 drone pilot, with two more in process.
Lynn K’ik’ Church, Nalaquq, LLC CEO
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, this 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 the 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 access to fresh water to survive, and wildlife and food for families. In late October 2020, seven boaters went missing from Quinhagak. Ultimately, search efforts were paused due to high tide or 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 NOAA. Fishermen say they now have access to crucial ocean data—such as currents, depth and more—directly on their phones, which strengthens 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 mission. The foundation of each project and business model is people. Identifying the mission, shared values and long-term goals 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 can turn into 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.
“The name Nalaquq means ‘we found it’ or ‘discovery’ in Yup’ik and reflects our commitment to uncovering new opportunities for the community.”
– Lynn K’ik’ Church, Nalaquq, LLC CEO
With sponsorship from Qanirtuuq Inc., American Seafoods, AVCP Tribal Workforce Development, and Coastal Village Region Fund, Nalaquq partnered with the YKHC EMS and Behavioral Health Services for wildland fire and SAR training with Quinhagak, Eek, and Goodnews Bay SAR volunteers.
Interested in listing a Tribal or Village Corporation-owned business in the Calivika Shareholder Directory? Scan the QR code in the image.
