Doyon, in partnership with Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks Native Association, Interior Regional Housing Authority, and Denakkanaaga, Inc., has long recognized the critical importance of quantifying the economic power of Interior Alaska Native organizations. This collaboration initiative, now entering its fifth cycle, plays a vital role in ensuring that the significant contributions of these organizations are accurately measured, communicated, and understood at the local, state, and federal levels.
Uncovering the Economic Weight
For years, Native organizations have been major contributors to the region’s economic vitality, yet their collective role is often understated when compared to industries such as oil and gas, mining, and tourism. The Interior Native Organizations Economic Impact Study was developed to demonstrate the substantial infusion of jobs and capital generated by these organizations-benefits that extend to Alaska residents and communities across the region.
Key Economic Footprint Takeaways
Information Insights, a Fairbanks-based consulting firm, conducted the most recent economic impact study in 2018. The findings highlight an often overlooked part of the Interior Alaska story: Interior Native organizations are a powerful economic force, driving job creation and investment throughout the state and region.
The 2018 study captured the significant indirect economic effects-the ripple impacts of job creation and spending as dollars circulate through the economy. Interior Native investment fuels a substantial portion of the regional economy, supporting 1 in 9 jobs across the Interior and generating more than 1 in 3 rural jobs outside the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
- Wage Generation: for every $100 in employee wages, an additional $50 in wages is generated in the broader economy.
- Local spending: for every dollar spent by Interior Native organizations on goods and services, another 80 cents in economic activity is created.
A decade ago, the economic impact of Interior Native Organizations approached $600 million in total economic contribution within the Interior and exceeded $1 billion statewide.
Why participation in the New Study Matters
It is time to update the record and demonstrate the current economic impact of Interior Native organizations. With leadership from Doyon, TCC (Tanana Chiefs Conference), FNA (Fairbanks Native Association), IRHA (Interior Regional Housing Authority), and Denakkanaaga, this new round of data collection will assess today’s economic landscape and quantify the contributions of Interior Alaska Village Corporations, Tribes, and Native Regional and local organizations.
The Need for Updated Data
The economic environment in Interior Alaska has changed significantly since 2018. Shifts in funding, service delivery models, and community priorities have reshaped how Native organizations operate. Updated data is essential to reflect current conditions. Without it, the full extent of each corporation’s contribution may be overlooked in critical state and federal discussions.
How Current Data Provides Power
Economic impact data is a key tool used by policymakers, state agencies, and federal regulators. When Interior Village Corporation data is current and complete, it ensures accurate representation in reports and policy decisions that influence funding and long-term planning.
The study will help:
- Document True Impact: Quantify jobs, payrolls, and spending generated by Interior Native organizations.
- Show Regional Support: Demonstrate how the organizations sustain local, regional, and statewide economies.
- Inform Decisions: Provide reliable data for strategic planning and funding efforts.
- Counter Misconceptions: Ensure Interior Native organizations are represented based on facts rather than assumptions.
This effort is not an evaluation of individual performance. It is a collective initiative to ensure that the full economic impact of Interior Alaska Native organizations is recognized.
Call to Action: Data Participation Needed
The project team from Information Insights will contact Interior Village Corporations to gather fiscal year 2024 employment and expenditure data. Outreach will occur from mid-February to mid-May 2026 from the email address econ@iialaska.com. Recognizing the demands on limited staff capacity, the team is committed to making participation as straightforward as possible.
Each corporation’s participation is essential. Accurate data ensures the study reflects real conditions on the ground and strengthens the collective voice-an economic story exceeding $1 billion-in the discussions shaping the future of Interior Alaska.
Upcoming Webinar
Interior Village Corporations are invited to join the Economic Impact Study (EIS) Zoom meeting on March 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Hosted by Doyon, the webinar will outline the project scope and data needs.
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/cMpOJEb-SXy66KRBXn2FsQ
For more information, please contact Jamie Hansen or Charlene Ostbloom at econ@iialaska.com. The project partners look forward to working together on this important effort.
