Category Archives: ONC News

Special ONC Council meeting on Wednesday evening at 5:30PM. Agenda includes Calista Regional Tribal Government, 2021 Jesuit Volunteer Program and continuing discussion of the CARES program. Dial in @ 800-315-6338, passcode: 16226

The ONC Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, November 4 at 5:30 pm.

102820 Letter from the President_CEO

As Covid-19 numbers increase here we know that some of you will be required to self-isolate or quarantine. Please follow whatever instructions and advice you may receive from YKHC or Alaska DHSS. These are important protective measures for yourself, your family and your community.

ONC is advertising for two additional CARES Technicians who will be able to provide assistance to our members as they isolate and quarantine. This might include shopping and other assistance to allow you to safely remain in your home.

If you are isolating or quarantining please let us know by email, quarantine@nativecouncil.org and tell us if you need any help. We will get right back to you.

James Paul with the Accounting Department. Photos by Charles Guest

Orutsararmiut Native Council celebrated 18 years of diligent service to the Tribe by retiring Chief Accountant James Paul with a retirement luncheon on Wednesday, September 30. Council members, ONC staff and friends gathered for a noon potluck at the Multi-Purpose Building to honor James who led ONC’s accounting department for nearly two decades. He was presented with a “Mosquito Dance” shadowbox created by Yup’ik artist John Oscar as a farewell gift from the Tribe. Two beautifully decorated cakes topped off the excellent food brought to share. Members of the ONC Council paid tribute to James and his years of work not only at ONC but also at AVCP.

Pictured, L-R Yvonne Kinegak, ONC Emergency Management Specialist; Mark Springer, ONC Executive Director; Michelle DeWitt, BCSF; ONC Chairman Henry Hunter, Sr.; ONC Council Member Connie Sankwich and ONC Council Member Thaddeus Tikiun, Jr. (ONC photo by Mike McIntyre)

ONC Chairman Henry Hunter, Sr. presents a check for $100,000 to Michelle DeWitt of Bethel Community Services Foundation for the Bethel Homeless Coalition. The grant was approved by the ONC Council as part of ONC CARES Program.

Here are some pictures of the first moose being given away to the elders for ONC Moose Proxy hunt this year.

Elder and chief Louie Andrew and Helena Andrew receiving moose

Matthew Kapsner assisting with delivering moose

Edwin Charles, moose proxy hunter

Nellie Evon receiving moose

Helen Lilienthal receiving moose

Janelle Carl and Nellie Evon with processed moose

With the current increase in positive cases of COVID-19 in Bethel, Alaska. ONC is taking precautions for the safety of our staff and Tribal members.

The ONC office has been closed to visitors. ONC Pull tabs has also been closed until further notice. For assistance please call 543-2608 or 543-0500.

All ONC staff have now been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results.

We encourage all Tribal Members to observe Covid-19 Prevention Guidelines. Avoid crowds, stay within your immediate family groups, wash hands regularly, social distance and wear a mask! YKHC reports that Bethel may be close to a community spread outbreak, and we all have to be ready for it.

ONC Senior Services continues to deliver meals on weekdays to our Elders.

Please watch this page for updates as well as the YKHC Corona Virus page (https://www.ykhc.org/covid-19/).

QUYANA!

The State of Alaska has issued a Shelter in Place/Travel Ban effective 3/28/2020 at 5pm
For the latest COVD-19 updates in the State of Alaska please go to: coronavirus.alaska.gov

ONC Continues to Respond to COVID-19

Orutsararmiut Native Council (ONC) is continuing to provide essential services to the community members of Bethel.

Until further notice, ONC is asking clients to submit applications electronically if possible. Since most of us have cell phones we are advising clients to take pictures of their application and supporting documentation which can be attached to an email and forwarded to appropriate staff for processing. If you are unable to submit documents electronically, please schedule an in-office appointment and be advised that ONC has a screening protocol. For additional questions or to schedule an appointment please call our main office number at 543-2608.

As we continue to provide services safely and protect the Community of Bethel, ONC has taken the following actions:

• Adopted an In-House Safety Response to COVID-19, part of which included an employee Exposure Reduction Plan, and Client/Guest screening measures. Some of these measures include staying home when sick, suspending all work-related travel. Employees that have returned from recent travel may be asked to stay home and must get permission from direct supervisor to return to work. We are keeping a close eye on the recommendations of Center of Disease Control (CDC) and following their guidance.
• ONC Technology has prepared employees to work from home. In a worst-case scenario ONC is prepared to function even if the Main Offices are ordered to be closed. Some staff are currently practicing working from home as part of our Exposure Reduction Plan and to become familiar with the practice.
• ONC sponsored events, including the Annual Membership Meeting have been canceled indefinitely.
• The Housing Department has put a moratorium on all required payments for the Homebuyer Clients or any other actions that would result in ONC program clients becoming homeless or otherwise unstable.

In addition to the steps that staff has taken, the Council passed Resolution #20-03-05 which is a “Declaration of Emergency” in light of the spread of the Coronavirus. This Declaration of Emergency shows the public the seriousness of the situation, gives tools to staff to expedite purchases in response to the virus, directs staff to coordinate with other organizations regarding coronavirus response, and opens up opportunities to seamlessly pursue funding as it becomes available to address the emergency situation as it progresses.

ONC continues to stress to the community the importance of social distancing, washing your hands, and staying home as much as possible. Follow Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation recommendations at ykhc.org/covid-19.

As we development additional resources they will be posted on ONC’s Facebook page (Orutsararmiut Native Council-ONC) and website (nativecouncil.org)

To our beloved Elders- We will do everything we can to protect you. Never hesitate to ask us for help.

To the Community- Please maintain social distancing, isolation and follow YKHC’s guidance on calling their Covid-19 phone @ 907-543-6949

ONC is committed to working closely with the City of Bethel, YKHC, and other agencies and organizations as we all work together to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Please listen to and follow all announcements and notices from the CDC, State of Alaska, YKHC, the City of Bethel, and ONC for the latest information.

This has been a message from Orutsararmiut Native Council, Bethel’s Federally-Recognized Tribe.

Quyana!

Declaration of Emergency