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First Alaskans Institute (FAI) has been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to be good relatives and protect the health and safety of our staff and community. We know we are all in this together and would like to share resources that we have either created or found that are helping us navigate this pandemic and our “new normal” here in our homelands.  Many of these are working documents or resources that will continue to be updated, so we’ll try to keep on top of that as well. 

*Please Note* – We do not claim ownership of resources we didn’t create.  We are also not sharing any of this as legal advice or provide any guarantees about these resources.  We are doing our best to only share information we have used or found educational.  

If you have any questions, updates or suggestions, please send them to [email protected] and we will respond as soon as we are able.  

Be well.

Organizational Resources

• FIRST ALASKANS INSTITUTE RESPONSE TO COVID-19  (March 18, 2020)
• FAI Emergency Office Closure Procedure – COVID19 – updated 11.24.2020 (PDF)
• FAI Delegation of Responsibilities – updated 3.24.2020 (PDF)
• FAI Emergent Community Connection Response Plan – 3.25.2020 (PDF)
• FAI Tips for Tribes and Non-Profit Organizations Navigating Operations During Crisis (PDF)
• FAI COVID-19 Resource List and FAQ – updated 4-14-20
• FAI Community Engagement Update
• FAI – Indigenous COVID-19 Relief Funds – updated 4-24-20
• FAI – Advice from Our Elders Through Challenging Times – 4-24-20, 5-07-20 and 7-13-20
• FAI – COVID-19 Responsive Letter to Funders template – 6-05-20
• Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP) – a tool for successful management of a disaster begins at the local level
• Alaska’s People is a recruiting, job placement, and employment service network for Alaska Native job seekers and employers.
• One-stop-shop website for Alaskans as they navigate the resources that the State of Alaska is offering during this unprecedented crisis.
• National Indian Health Board COVID-19 Tribal Resource Center
• Urban Indian Health Institute resource, A Historical Trauma-informed Approach to COVID-19
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation COVID-19 Small Business/Nonprofit Legal Clinic

Advocacy

• COVID-19 And Your Rights | ACLU-Alaska
• American Bar Association is hosting a series of webinars exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic highlights critical legal issues of criminal justice, civil rights, human rights and economic concerns
• The Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General’s Office enforces Alaska’s consumer protection laws, which are aimed at preventing unfair or deceptive trade practices. See how to file a complaint of price gouging
• Support for Small Businesses in Alaska – Economic Recovery Resource Portal 
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation COVID-19 Legal Resources
• Alaska Legal Services Corporation Tenant/Landlord Helpline
  • Anchorage: 907-743-1000
  • Statewide Toll Free: 855-743-1001
• Indigenous Climate Action COVID-19 Resources for Indigenous Peoples

Financial Relief

• Nonprofit Advocacy Matters | Analysis of COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Legislation
• Alaska SBDC Overview of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak | Indian Affairs
• SheaMoisture announces $1M relief fund to women of color entrepreneurs affected by coronavirus
• In hopes to ease the administrative burden as tribal child welfare services continue to meet challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will disperse funds to all tribes (over 300 tribes) that are Title IV-B, Subpart 1 grantees
• Rasmuson Foundation is committing $2 million to help Alaska respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and they have listed some state, regional and national resources
• ArtPlace America | Running list of resources during COVID-19 pandemic 
• Financial Recovery: Where do I go to get support for bills, food, etc.? Where Alaskans can find economic help during the coronavirus crisis? Click here for information regarding updates to: 
  • Small Business support 
  • New unemployment expansions and benefits
  • Rent and utility payments, and actions taken to protect Alaskans 
  • Medicaid and Public Assistance benefits 
  • Student loan payments 
  • Extra cash assistance 
• Alaska Humanities Forum COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grants
• FAI – Indigenous COVID-19 Relief Funds – updated 5-07-20
• Spirit of Youth COVID-19 Youth Message Grants
• Seventh Generation Flicker Fund – COVID-19 Rapid Response
• NDN Collective’s COVID-19 Response Project 
• AgroEcology Fund COVID-19 Emergency Response
• Funders’ Collaborative on Youth Organizing COVID-19 Youth Organizing Rapid Response Fund
• NB3 Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund
• Libra Foundation – COVID-19 Fund for Current Grantees
• AISES Together Towards Tomorrow (T3) Fund
• Norton Sound Economic Dev. Corporation Community Benefit Share Distribution for member communities
• Alaska COVID-19 Response Fund
• United Way of Southeast Alaska COVID-19 Response Fund
• United Way of Tanana Valley COVID-19 Response Fund
• Mat-Su Health Foundation Coronavirus Prevention and Response Grants for Mat-Su non-profits
• Juneau Community Foundation COVID-19 Response Funds
• Bethel Community Services Foundation YK Delta COVID-19 Response Fund
• The Trust COVID-19 Response Grant Program
• Alaska Institute for Justice Fund for Alaska Families
• RurAL CAP Foundation Grants
• Artist Relief to support artists during the COVID-19 crisis
• City of Fairbanks CARES Act Relief Funds – Application Period Opening for businesses and individuals/families 
• Stabilization Grants for Native-Owned Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus Pandemic | NCAI

Tribal Response

• Department of Interior Consulted With Tribes About COVID-19 Funds on April 2 and April 9. The phone number is 888-950-5924 and the participant code is 1682452. Tribes can email their comments to [email protected] or [email protected] until April 13. The funds are set to be distributed by April 26.
• What are Tribes/Villages and ANCs doing to respond?  Developing Community Response Plans: Travel Restrictions & Waivers, Curfews, Office Closures, Limitations on Gatherings, Mandatory Quarantines, etc.
  • Y-K Delta: Which Y-K Delta Villages Are Restricting Travel To Protect Against Coronavirus? This article contains a list of Tribal Community Action Plans being developed, including travel restrictions. For direct links to what each village is doing, please read the above article. 
  • Bering Straits: Read how villages in this region are responding.
    • Villages with Passed travel bans: Diomede, Gambell, Shaktoolik, Shishmaref, Unalakleet, Golovin, Wales, Savoonga, White Mountain, Elim, Koyuk, St Michael, Teller, Brevig Mission, Stebbins. 
    • Travel Authorization Permit: Unalakleet, Elim
• Regulating Spring Subsistence Hunting – Kwigillingok Looks Ahead To Spring Hunt

What is my region doing to respond? 

1. Southcentral 
   • Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) COVID-19 Information
     • How to donate masks/cloth caps to ANTHC
   • Guidance from ANTHC if you have symptoms or exposure to COVID-19:
     • If you or a family member has flu-like symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath), or believe you may have been exposed to coronavirus, you should:
     • Remain home and call your primary care provider. Calling ahead helps to determine the most appropriate care.
     • Refrain from visiting hospital emergency departments, urgent care or outpatient clinics to avoid spreading the virus. If you need to visit the ANMC Emergency Department with symptoms, call ahead for procedures to limit exposure to others at (907) 729-1729.
     • Additional information about COVID-19 Testing at ANMC.
   • Medical transports and Elder resource specialists are available through the Southcentral Foundation Elder Program: (907) 729-6500
   • Cook Inlet Tribal Council, Inc. – Nat’uh Access & Operations During COVID-19 Pandemic
   • The CIRI Foundation (TCF) Access & Operations: COVID-19 Update
     
2. Prince William Sound
   • Chugachmiut Coronavirus Response Updates
   • Chugachmiut Clinic Update
   • Chugach Alaska Corporation COVID-19 Informational Site
     
3. YK Delta
   • Guidance from YKHC if you are sick: “If you have symptoms like a cough, fever or shortness of breath and have traveled out of the YK Delta in the past 14 days, do not go to your village clinic and do not go to the Emergency Room in Bethel. Instead, call your village clinic, or in Bethel, call 543-6949.” — YKHC
   • See updates from YKHC here.
   • Putting Out Earlier Shareholder Dividend Payouts –Earliest Calista Spring Distribution Ever
   • Waiving Utility Bills and/or Providing Subsidies – These Y-K Delta Communities, Including Bethel, Waiving Some Utility Costs During COVID-19 Pandemic
   • Calista Corporation COVID-19 Updates 
     
4. Norton Sound
   • Guidance from NSHC if you are sick: you can call the Norton Sound Health Corporation nurse line at 443-6411 if you are ill and have questions. NSHC is asking people who are sick to call and speak to a nurse first before just going to the hospital.
   • Kawerak’s COVID-19 Response
   • Preparing Quarantine Units – NSHC Prepares Quarantine Units For Patients and Travelers Waylaid in Nome
   • Waiving Utility Bills and/or Providing Subsidies – NSEDC Gives Second Energy Subsidy, Households Will Receive $1,150 This Year
   • Bering Straits Native Corporation COVID-19 Updates 
     
5. Northwest Arctic 
   • If you are concerned you have been exposed to COVID-19, call the Maniilaq Health Center’s COVID-19 hotline at 1-833-442-7015 before going to the emergency room or local clinict. For more information on the hotline, click here. 
   • Maniilaq’s COVID-19 Response
   • NANA Updates on COVID-19 Response
   • Norton Sound Health Corporation‘s response to COVID-19
     • Check out their newsletter focused on COVID-19 updates, plus a social distancing contest using a coloring page from Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson
       
6. North Slope 
   • ASNA Public Service Announcement on COVID-19 (How to Keep your Family Safe): 
   • ASNA Testing Policy
   • Arctic Slope Regional Corporation COVID-19 Updates
     
7. Interior 
   • Guidance from TCC: If you think you have COVID-19 or if you need to go to the clinic, call the COVID19 Hotline first: 907-451-6682 (Dial 9)
   • Tanana Chiefs Conference – COVID-19 Updates
     
8. Southeast 
   • See how SEARHC is responding to COVID-19 here.
   • COVID-19 Hotline – 907.966.8799
   • Guidance from SEARHC if you are sick: Call your local health clinic before visiting or the COVID-19 Hotline. Calling ahead to make an appointment before seeing a clinician will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. When you call, make sure you tell the provider if you think you may have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19, either through travel or with an actual case of the disease.
   • Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources website. They have created a Tribal Emergency Operations Center.
   • Sealaska Coronavirus Updates
   • Sealaska Heritage Institute News updates
     
9. Bristol Bay 
   • Public Access Notice from BBNA
   • Food Bank clients will receive boxes at the Lower Annex Food Bank entrance, please contact 842-FOOD prior to arrival.
   • Bristol Bay COVID-19 Response website
     
10. Kodiak Island
    • Guidance from KANA: An RN is available for any COVID-19 questions at 907-486-9870.
    • Information on access to KANA services
      
11. Aleutian Chain & Pribilofs
    • Access to services from APIA
    • Call your local clinic before coming in!
    • Aleut Corporation COVID-19 Update
      
12. Copper River Basin
    • Update from CRNA
    • Ahtna, Inc. COVID-19 Resources

Virtual Coffee Time For the People Recordings

Quyana cakneq for everyone who joined us for the *Virtual Coffeetime* for the People on March 18, March 22, April 26 and May 6! Gunalchéesh to our guests who joined us and shared their wisdom and stories. We will continue to host more virtual coffee times.

• Lgeik’i Heather Powell & Family (Lingit/Ojibwe) of Xunáa (Hoonah). 
• Dr. Rev. Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert (Gwich’in), Arctic Village
• Shaagunastaa Bob Sam (Tlingit), Storyteller, Ancestor Caretaker, Tribal Council Sitka Tribe of Alaska
• But We’re So Happy, Tonya Garnett (Gwich’in) and Didder Tritt (Gwich’in), Co-founders & Humorists
• Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson (Yup’ik), FAI Trustee, Former Lt. Governor, Former Commissioner of HSS on March 18 and March 22
• Our Global Whānau (Family) – An Aotearoa + Alaska Visit on April 26 (Alaska time) and April 27 (New Zealand time) hosted by La quen náay La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit) and Ayyu Qassataq (Iñupiaq). Quyanaqpak to our whānau from Aotearoa and Alaska for joining us!
  • *Aotearoa*
    • Bentham Ohia (Te Ati Awa, Ngati Pukenga)
    • Kate Cherrington (Ngati Hiine, Ngati Wai)
    • Lee Ann Muntz (Ngati Koroki Kahukura, Waikato Tainui)
    • Craig Muntz (Fijian) Komene Kururangi (Ngati Ranginui, Whakatohea)
  • *Alaska*
    • Jessica Black (Gwich’in)
    • Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson (Kaagwaantaan)
    • Kaaxúxgu Joe Nelson (Tlingit/Eyak)
    • ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake (Haida/Tlingit/Ahtna)
• Native Leaders Shaping Our World on May 6 hosted by Gatgyedm Hana’ax Karla Booth (Ts’msyen) and La quen náay Liz Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit). Háw’aa to youth from around Alaska for joining us!
  • Alicyn Bahnke (Inupiaq)
  • Zoe Okleasik (Inupiaq)
  • Nanieezh Peter (Gwich’in/Diné)
  • Quannah Chasing Horse Potts (Han Gwich’in/Oglala Lakota) 
  • Ch’aak’tí Shawaan Jackson-Gamble (Tsaagweidi of Kheexh Kwaan)
  • Henrik Brandt (King Island Inupiaq)
  • Kóot Xheech (Chookaneidí, Tlingit)
  • Naawéiyaa Tagaban (Tlingit/Cherokee) & Ilocano

We apologize for background noise – our team was working hard behind the scenes to troubleshoot the audio for all to hear. Thank you for your patience during this first time doing this. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Other Information

How do I find out if I have COVID-19? What should I know? 

• Think you might have been exposed? Click here to check your symptoms and see if you should seek out medical care. (Note: the self-checker does not provide a diagnosis, only guidance on whether you should see a doctor.) 
• Click here for what to do if you are sick
  • Stay home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor
  • If you are sick wear a facemask in the following situations, if available.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday Monitor your symptoms
• For testing, contact your local clinic or nearest hospital if you are concerned you may have COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to the doctor or emergency room so they can plan ahead to protect staff and other patients. 
• There is a drive-thru testing site in Anchorage. You must have a doctor’s referral and $49 if you don’t have insurance. – Link here

Who is most at risk? 

• We need to protect our Elders, those with compromised immune systems, and those with a history of heart and lung issues. Read here to learn about people who need to take higher precautions

How do I keep myself and my family safe? 

• If you are traveling back home to your village, the CDC recommends you quarantine yourself for 14 days away from others – this will ensure you do not accidentally spread the virus to Elders, family and community members. Check with your local Tribe or city office to get the most current information and safety precautions. They will know how to assist you.
• How to protect yourself and your family
• How to protect you, your family and the community against COVID-19
• How to protect our Elders and those most at risk 
• Helping our Elders
• How to disinfect without running water
• Watch this video from ANTHC: Social Distancing Combats COVID-10
• If you are a parent/caregiver that is struggling, here are some self-care ideas while in quarantine:
  • For immediate response call 911
  • Alaska 2-1-1 — assistance, referrals, resources. Email:  [email protected]
  • Alaska’s CARELINE — 877-266-HELP (4357)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233  *** 800-787-3224 TTY
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline — 800-656-HOPE (4673)
  • To report Child Abuse call — 1-800-478-4444 or online at  [email protected]
  • For a listing of all local victim services 24/7 hotlines visit Alaska’s Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
  • Stronghearts Native Helpline. The StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a safe domestic violence and dating violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Anonymous and confidential. Callers reaching out after hours may connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline by selecting option 1.
• National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center. Call 406.477.3896 or Toll-Free: 855.649.7299 (855.NIWRC99)
• Behavioral health resources from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition – A Time for Grieving and a Time for Healing—the Light in the Darkness of COVID-19

Misinformation & Rumors – Be responsible about what you say and post in person or on social media. Ask yourself:

• Is it helpful?
• Is it true?
• How do you check?
• Is it backed by the CDC?
• Fact check on the Google or Snopes.com

Feeding Your Families

• Check with your local school district, many are running food distribution centers to students and families. Check with your local Tribe/city government as well, many are working to deliver food boxes to community members– they can point you in the right direction to local resources. 
• Alaska Dept of Health and Social Service put out a temporary waiver from SNAP work requirements for duration of the state of the emergency response – read here
  • Reapply if you have lost benefits due to the work req! – start application
  • Call the SNAP Outreach Specialist at the Food Bank of Alaska: 907-222-3119 or toll free at 844-222-3119 or email [email protected]
• Anchorage School District has food distribution sites during school closure – Map
• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services has made 2-1-1 a resource for questions from the public regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 – COVID-19. Visit Alaska 211 for information. If you are trying to reach any of our clinics to ask general questions about the Coronavirus, please call 2-1-1 for up-to-date information. If 2-1-1 does not work in your area, please call 1-800-478-2221.
• Check your local organizations for programs to feed Elders. For example, an organization is helping to give food boxes to Elders in the Anchorage area. 

Educational Resources: 

• Check with your local school for the most updated information on local programming. 
• Coronavirus Resources for School Districts from AASB
• The Indigenous Governance Program at the University of Arizona is offering their live streaming January in Tucson Courses in May event free of charge to all participants, except those using the courses for University credit. 
• The Kahn Academy is a great resource and it’s free 

Where can I find the latest updates from the State and Federal Governments? 

• One-stop-shop website for Alaskans as they navigate the resources that the State of Alaska is offering during this unprecedented crisis.
• Alaska Department of Health and Social Services: For the latest information in Alaska
• Alaska Coronavirus Response Hub
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National information