Kawerak, Inc. A Tribal Experience in the State of Alaska

摘要

The problems are not all resolved; many have not yet been faced. Kawerak also has recognized the need to devote resources to research and resolving problems. We not only negotiated the IRR program contract, but also actually developed and provided the contract template for BIA's regional office. Kawerak does not intend to rely on BIA's IRR funding to operate. We are seeking other sources of funds, including the state, other federal agencies, and private foundations. We will be a leader in identifying transportation needs in Alaska and will work with the federal administration and Congress to find creative means to address those needs. Kawerak is in business to serve its communities. If those communities are not satisfied with the level and quality of service we provide, those communities will pull their authorizing resolutions and take their business elsewhere. This means that Kawerak has to be focused on customer service and quality. Communication is perhaps the most important component of customer service. Telling the communities what Kawerak is doing is not enough; communication involves listening to what the communities identify as their needs and desires. We cannot fix all problems, but through coordinating with other resources, we hope to meet the needs of our communities. We intend to be full partners with our villages, the state, BIA, FHWA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and every other participant in the transportation process. In addition, we are identifying other entities that have a stake in the infrastructure development of our villages. Through coordination, cooperation, and communication, we hope to build better, cost-efficient, environmentally sensitive transportation projects for the generations to follow.