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Sun’aq Tribe began an enrollment campaign in 2003 in an effort to:
- increase membership
- more closely unite with its citizens, and
- become a stronger nation with a greater sense of community.
During this 17-month project, we used genealogical research to locate descendants of our tribe and encourage them to enroll as members of Sun’aq. We also created a newsletter, held community meetings, and offered workshops on important issues related to tribal membership, such as dual enrollment.
Enrollment is an on-going project.
Applying for membership is easy. Simply complete a one-page application, submit a family tree, and provide an original birth certificate and CIB (Certificate of Indian Blood). You may also be asked to prove that you are not an enrolled member of another tribe. Each completed application is reviewed by the enrollment committee before going to the Tribal Council for approval. Download an application or contact us.
Are you an official tribal member?
Community members may believe they are already enrolled for a variety of reasons. In the past, they may have completed paperwork to receive Exxon monies or applied for BIA Social Services. None of this paperwork means you are an official member. Contact us to learn your status.
Why is enrollment important?
Enrolled members receive a tribal membership card, which determines your eligibility for many social services. Indian Health Service now requires proof of tribal membership, which means that you cannot receive services at Kodiak Area Native Association or Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) without proof of membership. Tribal membership cards are also now being required at ANMC for IHS services. Even if you have a CIB, you may still be asked for a tribal membership card. A card is especially helpful for students and families who live in the lower 48 states. Please note that BIA social services are available to all enrolled tribal members, regardless of your tribal affiliation.
Do you have a “hard-card”?
We now have hard-card photo IDs. If you don’t have one of these cards, stop by our office. It only takes a few minutes to capture your signature and take a digital photo to make an ID card. If you are traveling off island and are planning to take care of medical needs while in Anchorage, you want to make sure you are carrying your tribal membership card.
Remember: Dual membership is not permitted.
Our Constitution prohibits dual membership. The only tribes on the island that permit dual enrollment are Afognak, Lesnoi, and Larsen Bay. Make sure that you are not enrolled elsewhere before applying for Sun’aq membership.
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