Doc Meister - Bristol Bay Native Association

for Chignik Bay Community Plan

Bristol Bay Native Association (ID: 1005)

The Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA) is a service agency dedicated to the betterment of the Native People of the Bristol Bay region. BBNA began as a land claims Association after the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1972 and signed into law by President Richard Nixon. BBNAs office is located in Dillingham, Alaska.

Statement of Principles

BBNA is dedicated to the principle of Native self-determination. Its primary purposes are:

* To respond to the needs and priorities of the recognized tribal councils of the region as those councils determine them to be.

* To encourage, support and foster each council's ability to do those things they can and want to do for themselves in exercising self governance.

* To foster personal responsibility and self-sufficiency among our Native People.

BBNA is an advocate for the Native People of Bristol Bay. As such it will:

* Represent and be an advocate for the interest of the Native People of Bristol Bay and of the Tribal Councils and organizations of the region as authorized by those councils.

* Areas of advocacy and representations include Tribal Affairs, government, education, social, economic, and cultural well being.

* Use all social, educational, political and legal means to protect the subsistence, economics, lifestyle and culture of the Native People of Bristol Bay.

* Enhance and promote the self-respect, pride and well-being of the Native People of Bristol Bay.

BBNA is a community and social service agency dedicated to serving the Native People of Bristol Bay. As such it will:

* Actively develop, support and implement Tribal, Federal and State policies designed to create a sound socioeconomic base in our villages consistent with each village's needs and plans.

* Deliver services to the people of Bristol Bay in a manner sensitive to their needs, life ways and humanity.

* Deliver services to the people of Bristol Bay in a manner as efficiently and effectively as possible.

* Maximize the beneficial effects of the services provided and maximize Tribal and agency resources used to provide those services.

BBNA Programs includes the following: Community Services - Economic Development, Tribal Government Services, and Village Public Safety Officers; Head Start; Lands & Resources; Natural Resources Department; Social Services - Indian Child Welfare & TCSWs, Elderly Services, Family Services, and Food Bank; Workforce Development - Higher Education, Employment, Supportive Services, Adult Temporary Assistance, Youth Opportunities, and Vocational Rehabilitation.