Dig Afognak's purpose is to connect Sugpiat (Alutiiq Peoples) with our rich heritage through connection to community, land, and traditional practices through hands-on cultural experiences and activities with Alaska Native artists, Culture Bearers, and Elders. While NVA focuses on local Alutiiq arts and traditions, we are inclusive and welcome all Alaska Native cultures. Dig Afognak is designed to share Alutiiq cultural knowledge and traditions, which reduce substance abuse, child abuse, and neglect, and strengthen families within our Tribal and larger Kodiak community.
Youth Camp 1, June 26-30 (Register by June 5th)
Koniag Shareholder Camp, July 9-13 (Register by June 22nd)
Youth Camp 2, July 17-21 (Register by June 5th)
Aunties, Uncles, & Elders Camp, July 24-28 (Register by July 6)
Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Camp, July 31-August 4 (Register by July 6)
*Afognak Peoples Picnic* Saturday, August 1st (Register by July 6)
Youth participants will take part in harvesting, preparing, and preserving Ancestral foods, with support from Elders and mentors, in addition to beach cleanups, outdoor activities and games. Both camps will engage in Sugpiaq/Alutiiq language and arts, nature walks, and learning from Elders while creating healthy friendships. Youth Camps are open to all, with preference given to Alaska Natives and Tribal Members.
$267.50 for NVA Tribal Members and Descendants/$374.50 for non-members.
Corporation sponsored camps are open to shareholders of the Afognak Native Corporation and Shareholders and registered descendants of Koniag Inc.
Participants are invited to take part in cultural arts, learn Alutiiq language, participate in harvesting foods and materials from the land, and more! Families have the opportunity to connect to our culture and the land, while building community at this camp. Family Camps are sponsored by the corporations they are named for and are open to their respective Shareholders at no cost.
Shareholders or Descendants under the age of 16 cannot attend without an adult guardian or chaperone present at camp; the responsible adult still needs to meet basic eligibility requirements.
The Afognak Peoples Picnic will be held at the Afognak Village weather permitting. Please contact NVA to RSVP and register no later than July 11th. Attendees needing boat transport will be charged a $50 transportation fee due at registration to secure your charter boat transportation from Port Lions or Antons. Transportation to Antons dock is not provided for the picnic. Please complete the Registration form for the picnic.
Native Village of Afognak, Native Village of Port Lions, and Afognak Native Corporation collaborate to host this event for the Afognak People. Each year we plan to host the event over the weekend during the Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Camp, to include those at Dig Afognak. Native Village of Afognak plans charters and facilitates registration, and provides staple food items and utensils. Afognak Native corporation sponsors the transportation cost and markets the event. NVPL assists with charter coordination.
There are usually 5 camps per year, with one offered for a special population. In 2025, we hosted Sobriety Camp to focus on supporting the individuals in our community who are working to maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol. In 2026, we are hosting Aunties, Uncles, and Elders Camp.
Our Elders are the foundation of our leadership, values, and community strength. They carry the knowledge and teachings that guide how we care for one another and move forward together. This camp brings Aunties, Uncles, and Elders together to share stories, strengthen connections, and honor their role in our community. Open to Elders, Elders in Training, and those who value learning from them, the camp will include talking circles, hands-on cultural activities, and support from service providers sharing resources for our community.
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Dig Afognak Camp staff are paid a daily rate for days worked. Temporary staff are not eligible for benefits offered through NVA. Room and board will be provided while onsite at the camp. Seasonal staff is required to secure own lodging and food during camp breaks. The season schedule is set in advance of start date.
NVA offers internships at Dig Afognak for youth ages of 16-18, preference will be given to youth of Afognak descent.
Questions about Dig Afognak can be directed to Denise Malutin, Camp Manager at 1-888-885-3931 or email dig@afognak.org
Dig Afognak began in 1993 as part of a community-wide effort to regain, restore and carry forward the light of our ancestral Alutiiq culture. Archaeological research in the Kodiak Archipelago began in earnest following the Exxon-Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound in 1989. With the clean-up of Alaskan shorelines following the disaster, many archaeological sites were being disturbed and valuable information lost. Storm waves, vandalism and time itself were working to destroy the archaeological record.
At the same time, the former Soviet Union made available collections gathered during the days of the Russian American Company, and our people saw for the first time in more than two hundred years, beautiful and elaborate bird-skin parkas, painted and decorated bentwood hunting visors, and mask regalia. Our hearts were deeply touched by the work of our ancestors and we determined that we needed to take responsibility for the excavation of sites located on our Native lands.
Through our direction, archaeologists worked alongside Native landowners, which promoted sensitive handling of culturally significant materials. Artifacts and information recovered are housed and curated in the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository in Kodiak. To make the research circle complete, we invited tribal members and the visiting public to join us as Dig Afognak participants.
As the program developed, traditional cultural activities and youth camps joined the itinerary. Now, Dig Afognak has transformed into a haven for cultural exploration.
The upcoming season heralds a series of cultural immersion programs for our community. So join us to light the past and spark the future as we reveal the life ways of our Alutiiq ancestors.
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