News - The Native Village of Dot Lake

Monthly Dot Lake Village Council Meetings

The Dot Lake Village Council will begin holding regular meetings of the Tribal Council on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The meetings will be held virtually over Zoom.

Pursuant to Article 7, Section 2 of the Dot Lake Constitution (adopted by Tribal Voters on July 9th, 2016),

“Regular meetings of the Council shall be held monthly, on a date, time, and place to be determined by majority vote of the Council. Notice shall be posted at a minimum of 7 days prior in at least 2 public places in Dot Lake, and may be posted on the Tribe’s website, on the Tribe’s social media, and emailed or mailed to the tribal voters. Meetings shall be generally held under Roberts Rules of Order. Minutes shall be taken at all regular meetings of the Council and shall be made available for tribal members to see. Major business of the Council shall be done by tribal resolution. All regular meetings shall be open to the general tribal membership except when the Council is in executive session.”

This notice will include the link to join the monthly Tribal Council meeting, and it will be posted on the Tribe’s website, social media, and emailed to Tribal voters. If you have any questions, please reach out to the email listed at the bottom of this notice.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82017180549?pwd=noqAP4x1nk6labsPsnGIXlkhgGlnan.1

Meeting ID: 820 1718 0549

Passcode: 1361

October 2, 2025

News

Culture Camp: Passing Down Knowledge, Strengthening Community

The 2025 Dot Lake Village Culture Camp brought together youth, elders, and instructors for three days of immersive, hands-on learning. Rooted in both tradition and modern knowledge, each day offered a balance of cultural teachings, subsistence skills, and educational presentations. The camp is designed to prepare the next generation to thrive while honoring their heritage.

Youth learned the fundamentals of ethical and legal hunting through detailed moose lessons, gaining an understanding of:

Habitat.
Proper shot placement.
Alaska’s game management practices.

Campers also worked alongside instructors on traditional crafts like beading lanyards, keychains, and earrings, honing patience and attention to detail.

Trips to the historic Sam Lake fish camp provided real-world experience in setting and pulling fish nets, canoeing, boating, and processing native whitefish. Instructors also shared skills essential for a self-reliant lifestyle in Alaska’s Interior region:

How to preserve foods.
Identify edible plants.
Prepare traditional recipes.

Cultural preservation was woven into every activity. Elders and traditional instructors led singing and drumming lessons, teaching songs from Interior villages and encouraging participation in dances. Guest speakers introduced new opportunities in fields like anthropology and environmental science, connecting cultural heritage with academic and career paths.

The Tribe’s behavioral health team also provided education on the impacts of opioids and available community resources, underscoring the importance of wellness alongside cultural knowledge.

More than just a camp, this gathering served as a bridge between generations. It celebrated the land, strengthened community ties, and instilled pride in cultural identity. Culture Camp helped ensure our traditions, values, and skills continue to be carried forward by the youth of Dot Lake.