Bristol Bay Native Association (BBNA)

BBNA is a private, non-profit regional corporation providing social, economic, cultural, educational opportunities and initiatives benefiting the Tribes and the Native people of Bristol Bay. A 31-member Board representing each of the 31 Bristol Bay Tribes governs BBNA. The region is unique in its cultural diversity; all three the major Alaska Native indigenous groups are represented in the region: Yupiit, Alutiiq and Athabascan. BBNA was formed in 1966 by fifteen (15) Native villages in Bristol Bay that were joined by 14 more villages between 1970 and 1972. Many requests were heard regarding the need to for services to address social and economic problems. Although these services would normally be handled by state or federal agencies or non-profit service organizations, the desire was for a more approachable and responsive source. To address these needs BBNA formally incorporated on January 31, 1973. BBNA programs, services, and membership initially extended to individual members of the 31 Bristol Bay Tribes. In recent years, the BBNA Board of Directors changed membership from individuals to the 31 Tribes in the region. BBNA’s funding levels and sources have experienced significant growth and diversity. The BIA compact is no longer the single source of funding, but represents 36% of BBNA’s total funding. BBNA operates with funding from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, other federal agencies, and contracts with the State of Alaska. Today, BBNA administers about $28.5 million in federal and state contracts and employs a staff of about 300. The mission of BBNA is to maintain and promote a strong regional organization supported by the Tribes of Bristol Bay to serve as a unified voice to provide social, economic, cultural, educational opportunities and initiatives to benefit the Tribes and the Native people of Bristol Bay.