Why Tribes Are Being Asked to Participate
The Interior Native Organizations Economic Impact Study is a collaborative effort led by multiple Interior partners, including Tanana Chiefs Conference, Doyon, Limited, Fairbanks Native Association, Interior Regional Housing Authority, and Denakkanaaga, in partnership with Information Insights.
This study focuses on the economic contributions of Interior Alaska Tribes, regional and village corporations, and Native organizations. Its purpose is to ensure that the economic role of Interior Native Organizations is accurately documented using information provided directly by Tribes and Native entities.
Interior Tribes and organizations have participated in economic impact studies in the past, including a previous Interior-focused study conducted in 2018. Since that time, significant shifts in funding, service delivery, and community priorities have changed how Tribal governments and Native organizations operate. Updated data is needed to reflect the current conditions across the Interior.
Why This Matters
Economic impact data is often used to inform funding decisions, policy discussions, and planning efforts at the state and federal levels. When Interior Tribal data is outdated or incomplete, the full extent of Tribal contributions is not visible.
This study will help:
- Document jobs, payroll, and spending generated by Interior Native Organizations
- Show how Tribal governments and programs support local, regional, and state economies
- Ensure Interior Tribal activity is accurately represented in reports and discussions
- Provide data that Tribes and organizations can reference for planning and funding purposes
This work is not an evaluation of individual Tribes or programs. It is a collective effort to ensure Interior Native Organizations are counted and represented based on real, current information.
What We Are Asking
The project team will be seeking data from Interior Tribes and Native organizations between now and May. Tribes will be contacted to share information on employment, spending, and operations. The process is designed to minimize burden and respect existing capacity.
Your Tribe’s participation ensures this study reflects real conditions on the ground rather than assumptions or outdated data.
Questions
If you have questions about the study or your organization’s participation, please contact Information Insights project lead(s):
Jamie Hansen and Charlene Ostbloom at econ@iialaska.com.
We appreciate the time and effort Interior Tribes and Native organizations contribute to this work and look forward to working together on this important study.