Dig Afognak
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.
Register for Dig Afognak at the link below:
RSVP for the Afognak People's Picnic below:
2026 Camp Dates
Youth Camp 1, June 26-30
Koniag Shareholder Camp, July 9-13
Aunties, Uncles, & Elders Camp, July 24-28
Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Camp, July 31-August 4
*Afognak Peoples Picnic* Saturday, August 1st
Please email or call to express interest in chaperoning, teaching or being an Elder Mentor at Dig Afognak.
Youth Camps, open to youth ages 9-14
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.
Koniag Shareholder Camp & Afognak Native Corporation Shareholder Camp
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.
Afognak Peoples Picnic
The Afognak Peoples Picnic will be held at the Afognak Village weather permitting. Please contact NVA to RSVP and register no later than 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.
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.
FAQs
Who can attend a Dig Afognak Youth Camp?
- All Elders and youth (9-14) are encouraged to attend.
- NVA Tribal Members will have priority placement when accepting Dig Afognak applications.
- We welcome positive role models, cultural educators, and volunteers to help make camp run smoothly.
- All adults attending Dig Afognak are background checked to increase the safety of our youth and Elders.
What does it cost to attend a Dig Afognak camp?
- There is a fee of $267.50 for NVA Tribal Members and $374.50 for non-members (these prices include city sales tax).
- There is no charge for the ANC Shareholder Camp and Koniag Shareholder Camp.
- There are many scholarship options to cover camp fees. Our staff can help you find one that you may be eligible for.
- If you are an Elder or a recipient/participant of any of the Kodiak Island Housing Authority NAHASDA Assisted Programs (must list this on your application) you are exempt from camp fees.
- R
What are the facilities at Dig Afognak like?
- There are 2 chaperoned dorms for youth participants. One girl's dorm and one boy's dorm.
- There is a women's log cabin and a men's log cabin for adult participants. Cabins and dorms are shared living spaces with bunks and mattresses.
- Our Mess Hall houses a large kitchen and dining/gathering area for meals and activities.
- Dig Afognak has no running water; however, we do maintain multiple handwashing stations and 2 banyas (steam baths) that are available for daily hygienic needs. All participants use nuus'hniiks (outhouses).
- Transportation from the NVA office to camp is provided vis van to Anton's dock and then via Charter Boat to Dig Afognak.
- Dig Afognak has a zipline and low ropes course facilitated by trained staff members. Release form is required.
- Dig Afognak provides Kayaks and life jackets for use on the lake located in camp.
What should I bring to camp?
- Shower kit, toothbrush and tooth paste, deodorant, sunscreen
- There are 2 chaperoned dorms for youth participants. One girl's dorm and one boy's dorm.
- Sleeping bag and pillow (we provide bed and mattress)
- Changes of clothes for at least 6 days plus some extra socks and warm sleep wear. Include warm clothes in preparation for our climate's variety of weather (wind, rain, sunshine, chilly and warm).
- Light raingear
- Rubber boots, tennis shoes, hiking shoes
- Water Bottle
- Small day pack
- Flashlight
Traveling to Kodiak for Dig Afognak?
- Travel is not covered by Native Village of Afognak at this time.
- Participants/Parents/guardians are responsible for all travel (airfare or ferry) to and from Kodiak, thought participants from Ouzinkie and Port Lions can be picked up by charters on the way to Dig Afognak. This makes the skiff ride longer for the participant, but is coordinated by NVA staff.
- Transportation to and from the airport or ferry office: NVA has a limited staff that not only coordinates the logistics of camp but also fulfils normal day-to-day duties. We can’t guarantee the availability of transporting your child to NVA offices or back to the airport/ferry office.
- Getting weathered in Kodiak: Kodiak’s weather is unpredictable throughout the year. Our staff is not equipped to chaperone youth or provide housing if they get weathered in Kodiak.
- If you are sending a child to Kodiak to go to camp, please provide staff with all contact information for any adults responsible for your child while in Kodiak.
I think I left something at camp, how do I get it?
- If we can locate the lost items, we will do our best to get them to you.
- Lost and found items are collected by camp staff, transported to Kodiak, and washed.
- We hold items for 30 days and all items not claimed after that date will be donated to a local charity.
- If you/your child forgets any items at camp, please contact our office immediately.
- If items required mailing, the participant must pre-pay postage costs.
What should I bring to Dig Afognak?
- Sanitary supplies
- Sleeping bag (we provide beds with mattresses)
- Pillow
- Changes of clothing for at least 6 days, please include clothes that would allow you to dress for the variety of weather that occurs on Kodiak (wind, rain, chilly, or warm). This may include T-shirts, jeans, shorts, sweaters, sweatshirts, sweatpants.
- Light raingear
- Rubber boots, tennis shoes, or hiking shoes.
- Extra socks
- Water bottle
- Insect repellent – aerosol cans are NOT permitted.
- Sunscreen – aerosol cans are NOT permitted.
- 2 large towels and 2 wash cloths
- Warm jacket
- Small day pack
- Warm sleepwear
- Flashlight
- Banya / Personal items – soap, shampoo, deodorant, shower supplies, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hairbrush
You may also wish to bring the following:
- Binoculars
- Camera
- A special skill / craft to share with others.
- Swimsuit
- A musical instrument
- Sandals / slip-ons for traveling to outhouse and banya
- Personal life jacket if you have a favorite (we have plenty)
Do Not Bring:
- No aerosol cans allowed.
- Firearms, knives, explosives, fireworks, pets, computers, or other electronic devices, etc.
- Food/Candy – You will not go hungry at camp! Hiding candy or food in bunks might encourage squirrels or even bears to visit.
Quyanaa to our 2026 Camp Sponsors and Grantors
Afognak Native Corporation
Koniag Inc.
Alaska Community Foundation
Matson Inc.
Rasmuson Foundation
US Department of Health and Human Services
Tribal Transportation Program
