What Is KIMO? The King Island Native Community
The King Island Native Community, often referred to as KIMO, is an Alaskan Native organization dedicated to the well-being and cultural preservation of the King Island Iñupiat people. Based in Nome, Alaska, it serves as a central entity for the former residents of King Island (Ugiuvak) and their descendants. This organization works to uphold the unique traditions and identity of its members, who primarily reside on the Alaskan mainland. KIMO represents a continuing effort to maintain a distinct cultural presence within the broader Alaskan Native landscape.
Founding and Mission
The establishment of the King Island Native Community arose from a significant historical relocation. In the early 1960s, the Iñupiat residents of King Island, known as the Ukivokmiut or Ugiuvaŋmiut, were compelled to move to Nome due to a combination of social and economic pressures. This displacement marked a profound change from their ancestral home, where they had lived for over a millennium. The need to preserve their collective identity and ensure their people’s welfare became a driving force for forming a formal community organization.
As a federally recognized tribe, the King Island Native Community operates as a distinct village corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Its mission centers on cultural heritage preservation, self-determination, and advocating for its members’ rights and well-being. The organization strives to maintain the unique Inupiaq language, traditional arts, and subsistence practices that define the King Island Iñupiat.
Community Programs and Advocacy
The King Island Native Community implements various programs and advocacy efforts. Cultural preservation initiatives focus on language revitalization through Inupiaq immersion classrooms. The organization supports educational curricula like the Uqapiaqta Series and the Visual Inupiaq Vocabulary Acquisition (VIVA) program, which has been specifically translated into the King Island dialect. These efforts ensure the continuation of the Inupiaq language for future generations.
In addition to language, KIMO supports the perpetuation of traditional arts and subsistence activities. Historically, King Islanders were renowned for intricate ivory carvings and seal skin sewing, and these skills are maintained within the community. Subsistence practices, such as walrus and seal hunting, remain an important part of their cultural and physical sustenance. The community also engages in political advocacy, operating an IRA Council and working with regional entities like Kawerak Inc. to represent tribal interests.
KIMO also addresses contemporary issues, as evidenced by its 2007 resolution on climate change. The organization also provided emergency assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these varied programs and advocacy, the King Island Native Community works to empower its members, protect their heritage, and ensure their collective future in Nome.