Chilkat Fund (Jilkáat Aani Ka Héeni Fund)

Ventures

Chilkat Fund (Jilkáat Aani Ka Héeni Fund)

Uplifting Indigenous stewardship, community resilience and cultural continuity in the Chilkat Valley through place-based investment and strategic partnerships.

The Chilkat Fund is a place-based initiative rooted in the ancestral homelands of the Jilkáat Kwáan and Lkóot Kwáan in Southeast Alaska. Led by the Jilkáat Kwáan (people of the Chilkat) and community allies, the fund supports the protection of the Chilkat River Watershed (Jilkáat Aani Ka Héeni) and promotes sustainable futures for the region through Indigenous stewardship, civic engagement, advocacy, community education and conservation.

The Chilkat Fund reflects Alaska Venture Fund’s commitment to directing investment toward locally led, place-based transformation, where traditional ways of life, land stewardship and Tribal self-determination form the foundation for a thriving and sustainable future for people, lands, and waters.

Our Work: At the Crossroads of Culture and Conservation

The Jilkáat Aani Ka Héeni — the 2.6 million-acre Chilkat River Watershed — is both a vital ecosystem and the cultural heart of the Jilkáat Kwáan. This watershed supports all five species of Pacific salmon and hosts the world’s largest congregation of bald eagles. It lies within the Tongass National Forest, the largest intact temperate rainforest and one of the largest carbon sinks on Earth, making its protection a global ecological priority and a local imperative.

Rooted in the Tlingit values of Háa Áani (our land) and yáa at wooné (respect for all things), stewardship here means caring for the land as kin, with humility, reciprocity and vision for future generations.

We envision the Chilkat Valley as a vibrant, sovereign and sustainable home for generations to come, rooted in culture, kinship and connection to the land.

**Pictured:** Jones P. Hotch Jr., Tribal Council Member for Chilkat Indian Village (Klukwan). Hotch Jr. is a lifelong advocate of preserving and protecting Klukwan's traditional way of life in the Chilkat Valley.

**Pictured:** Tlákw Áan (Klukwan) is an ancient Alaska Native village of 91 residents, located on the banks of the Chilkat River. In Tlingit, Tlákw Áan translates to “the village that has always been” or “the eternal village.”

**Pictured:** Karlie Spud in front the Jilkáat Kwáan Heritage Center (2023). Karlie is a language apprentice, cultural advocate, community programmer and dance group leader for the Jilkáat Kwáan (people and territory of the Chilkat).

**Pictured:** Jilkáat Héeni (Chilkat River), translates to “winter storage container for salmon.” All five species of salmon rely on the waterways of the Chilkat River and are an important traditional food for the people of Klukwan.

**Pictured:** Wall screen carving project for the Jilkáat Kwáan Heritage Center's Traditional Knowledge Camp. Projects like these exemplify how traditional arts and place-based programming help transmit cultural knowledge and storytelling to future generations. This piece was carved by Master Carver Jim Heaton, with tribal members and carvers Cody Hotch and Joleen Hotch.

Key Initiatives

Indigenous-led Land and Water Stewardship

Advance local solutions for water and air quality, salmon health and environmental monitoring. Invest in research that informs Tribal governance and strengthens sovereignty.

Nation Building

Partner with the two Tribal governments of the Chilkat Valley to support tribal priorities and cultural projects that strengthen community and identity. Identify and create opportunities that elevate local strengths and sustain intergenerational knowledge through language programs, cultural programming, art and storytelling.

Community & Climate Resilience

Support local climate initiatives addressing air quality, housing, geohazards, food security, and watershed protection through Indigenous stewardship. Strengthen community ties through partnerships and collective action. Invest in opportunities for critical infrastructure development like riverbanks, affordable energy, roads and clean water to build lasting resilience.

Chilkat Biodiversity Forum

An interdisciplinary forum showcasing research, advancing Tribal data sovereignty, supporting community science and offering small grants to promote biodiversity conservation in the Chilkat Valley.

Visit the Forum website here.

Chilkat Forever

A tribally led campaign opposing destructive development and defending sovereignty, salmon and traditional ways of life.

Learn more about Chilkat Forever here.

When Tribal members feel valued and supported, their cultural identity grows stronger—and with it, their understanding of their vital role in our community. Every person is an essential asset in building a strong foundation for our next generations. That’s the true systemic impact of our work: resilient people create resilient communities.

Shawna Hotch Tribal Liaison for Strategic Initiatives

Our Impact

Tlákw Áan (Klukwan) and Strategic Initiatives in the Chilkat Valley

Learn more about Shawna Hotch and Alaska Venture Fund’s impact in Tlákw Áan (Klukwan) here.

Chilkat Biodiversity Forum

The Chilkat Biodiversity Conference brings researchers and interested parties together in conversation to share research findings, fill gaps in knowledge, and recognize the Chilkat Valley watershed for its unique and significant biodiversity.

Visit the Forum website here.

Chilkat Forever

Led by Chilkat Indian Village, Chilkat Forever is a collaborative group working together to channel the power of the Chilkat River to protect Haa Kusteeyí (our way of life).

Learn more about Chilkat Forever here.