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TRADITIONAL VILLAGE COUNCIL

Governing with Respect, Integrity, and Tradition.

The Traditional Village Council represents the Native Village of Goodnews Bay with honor, transparency, and a commitment to cultural preservation.

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS
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"Traditional Village Council, 2025"

The Traditional Village Council of the Native Village of Goodnews Bay (NVGB) is the official governing body representing the Central Yup’ik people of Mamterat. The council oversees Tribal programs, advocates for community needs, and ensures that decisions reflect Yup’ik values and the wisdom of our Elders.

 

Our leadership unites traditional knowledge with modern governance; balancing heritage and innovation to guide the future of our people.

Our Mission:

“To serve our people with respect, protect our land and resources, and preserve the Yup’ik way of life for generations to come.”

The Council is committed to promoting  the well-being of every Tribal Member through responsible leadership, transparent decision-making, and sustainable development. 

The Traditional Village Council of Goodnews Bay carries out a broad range of duties that support the Tribe’s daily operations and long-term vision:

  • Developing and enacting Tribal laws and resolutions.
  • Managing budgets, grants, and community programs.
  • Overseeing land, housing, and resource stewardship.
  • Protecting cultural sites and subsistence areas.
  • Promoting education, health, and economic opportunity.
  • Representing NVGB in regional and federal consultations.

These responsibilities ensure that NVGB’s leadership remains accountable to Tribal Members while preserving the integrity of our Yup’ik traditions.

 

Meet the Traditional Village Council of the Native Village of Goodnews Bay; Serving Tribal Members through leadership, stewardship, and cultural preservation. 


COUNCIL LEADERSHIP

Brian Barnes Goodnews Bay Tribal Council

Brian Barnes

President

Barnesbrian06@gmail.com  

 

Presides over meetings, and serves as the Tribe’s primary representative in all official matters to protect sovereignty and advance the community’s wellbeing. 

Tommy Ayojiak, Goodnews Bay Tribal Council

Tommy Ayojiak

Vice President

Tommy.a@nvgb.org   

 

Supports the President in leading the Council, steps in to preside over meetings and decisions when the President is unavailable, and helps ensure Council’s actions are carried out smoothly and in alignment with the Tribe’s goals and values. 

Daniel Smith Secretary/Treasurer

Daniel.s@nvgb.org        

 

Responsible for keeping accurate records of all Council meetings and decisions, managing official correspondence, and overseeing the Tribe’s finances, including budgets, reports, and funding allocations, to ensure transparency and accountability.  

Louis Evon

Member

Carlevon1@gmail.com

 

Represent the voices and concerns of the tribal members, ensuring that community needs and perspectives are heard in every decision. 

Rosalie Smith

Member

Rozahsmith04@gmail.com 

  

Represent the voices and concerns of the tribal members, ensuring that community needs and perspectives are heard in every decision. 

Daniel Smith

Traditional Village Council Secretary/Treasurer

“Each member of the Traditional Village Council is elected by Tribal Members and entrusted to guide the Tribe’s vision for the future while protecting its cultural identity. The Council works closely with Elders, youth, and regional partners to ensure NVGB’s programs reflect community priorities.”

The Native Village of Goodnews Bay Tribal Council is guided by the enduring strength of our ancestors and the collective vision of our people. We uphold our responsibility to protect our land, preserve our traditions, and promote the health and prosperity of every tribal member. Through collaboration, integrity, and forward thinking leadership, we continue to build a reislient future. One that honors our past while empowering generations to come.

Goodnews Bay Traditional Village Council

The Goodnews Bay Traditional Village Council is the governing body of the Native Village of Goodnews Bay (Mamterat). Elected by tribal members, the Council represents our people, safeguards sovereignty, and guides the future of our community. The Council leads with Yup’ik values of respect, stewardship, and unity, ensuring decisions benefit the wellbeing of all tribal members.

 

Council Governance

*Form of Government: Constitutional Tribal Government

*Council Size: 5 duly elected members

*Constitution & Bylaws Adopted: October 19, 1978 

*The adoption of the Tribal Constitution & Bylaws formally established The Native Village of Goodnews Bay’s self-governing authority and recognition as a sovereign nation by the United States government.

 

Responsibilities of the Council

The Council oversees all aspects of tribal governance, including:

*Safeguarding tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

*Representing tribal citizens at local, regional, and national levels.

*Managing programs, services, and funding allocations.

*Overseeing enrollment and maintaining the tribal membership roll.

*Supporting language revitalization, cultural preservation, and traditions.

*Promoting stewardship of ancestral lands, waters, and resources.

 

Meetings

The Council encourages participation from all Tribal Members. Regular meetings are held on the first business day of the month at 9:00 am in the NVGB Tribal Administration Office Building. Meeting agendas and minutes are posted at the NVGB office and online. Special meetings are announced as needed for time-sensitive topics such as budget approvals or seasonal planning. To request to speak at a meeting or to submit an agenda item, please contact the Tribal Administrator at Freida.j@nvgb.org or call (907) 967-8929.

 

Partnerships & Collaboration

The Traditional Village Council maintains strong partnerships with regional and statewide organizations to expand opportunities and resources for NVGB members:

* Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) – Regional coordination of social  and economic programs.

* Calista Corporation – Regional corporation partnership for resource management and business development.

*Alaska Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development – Infrastructure and grant support.

*Neighboring Tribal Councils – Cultural and environmental collaboration.

These partnerships strengthen self-governance, promote sustainability, and help preserve the Yup’ik identity of Goodnews Bay.

 

Contact the Village Council

We welcome communication from tribal members and partners:

*Tribal Office Address: 100 Caribou Lane, P.O. Box 138, Goodnews Bay, Alaska 99589.

*Office Phone: (907) 967-8929.

*Email: info@nvgb.org

*Office Hours:  Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A contact form is also available on this site to submit questions, requests, or agenda items directly to the Council.

 

Commitment to Self-Governance

The Native Village of Goodnews Bay continues to move forward through unity, self-determination, and respect for the Yupik way of life.

Our Council honors the past, serves the present, and builds a foundation for the generations yet to come.

“We lead with our hearts and serve with our hands-for our people, our land, and our children’s tomorrow. “





Native Village of Goodnews Bay
100 Caribou Lane
P.O. Box 138
Goodnews Bay, Alaska 99589

Phone: (907) 967-8929
Fax: (907) 967-8330





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