Sivunniigvik means “the planning place” in the Inupiaq language. It sits in the northern part of the Kobuk River delta, approximately 30 air miles east of Kotzebue, Alaska. It takes about an hour and half boat ride one way from Kotzebue and about a forty-five-minute boat ride one way from Noorvik, Alaska. The camp site was chosen by our NANA Regional Elders Council because of its higher elevation protects it from flooding and because of its proximity to wood and nearby streams of good drinking water.

During the early 1980’s, Camp Sivunniigvik was born from the vision of our Inupiaq elders alongside the hard work of our NANA leaders under the helm of Robert Aqqaluk Newlin, Sr. The spirit of Camp Sivunniigvik connected itself with the heart of the Inupiat Ilitqusiat values. From the very beginning, Camp Sivunniigvik bridged the gap between the old ways and modern times. Our elders sought the need to create a culture camp that would bring our youth to the center of who we are as Inupiat and the old ways of our ancestors. An instrumental part of their Inupiaq identity is realized not only through curricular classroom type activities, but through hands on traditional and cultural activities such as fish net setting, cutting and preparing fish and other wild game, gathering and chopping wood, picking berries and greens, setting snares and traps, and Inupiaq dancing and singing. Inupiaq cultural continuity, or being who we are in our genetic makeup, is foundational to our emotional and social wellbeing.

Camp Sivunniigvik is spread over several acres with the two main focal points being the main camp facility and the boat landing. There is also a side building that houses the generator and small engine repair shop. Near the main facility are five small two-bed log cabins connected by the wooden boardwalk. In front of the facility are seven tent frames for our seasonal summer campers that usually takes place starting in July and at times ending in the first part of August. The large main building is divided into two large areas, separated by an adjoining hallway and entry. One-half is a large meeting room and the other half is divided into a residence living room and small commercial kitchen.