Special Projects
Building Our Future by Honoring Our Past
The Special Projects Department of the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska is responsible for advancing initiatives that require long-range planning, cross-department coordination, and sustained partnership. The department supports projects that shape the Tribe’s future, from infrastructure and energy research to justice planning, broadband access, and food sovereignty, ensuring they are developed thoughtfully and aligned with Tribal and community priorities.
Rather than focusing on a single service area, Special Projects works at the intersection of planning, implementation, and collaboration, helping transform complex ideas into actionable projects that serve and invest in the community over time.
About Our Active Projects
Makushin Geothermal Energy
Makushin Volcano, the focus of ongoing geothermal research supporting future energy and infrastructure planning. Alaska Volcano Observatory / public domain
The Makushin Geothermal Project is a visionary initiative to better understand the geothermal energy potential of the region surrounding Makushin Volcano. As part of a broader effort to support a more resilient, energy independent, andself-sustaining future for the Unalaska community, the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska is proud to contribute to this work by facilitating new research, building workforce pathways, and engaging our people in meaningful, forward-looking science.
For more than 20 years, legacy information shaped how geothermal energy in this area was understood. By bringing together experienced scientists, researchers, and engineers, the Tribe is leading the way in generate new, high-quality data that will be shared openly and used to guide future energy and environmental investments in the region.
Science Rooted in Community
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Public data sharing that benefits the community
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Energy knowledge supporting Tribal sovereignty
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Career exposure for Tribal youth in environmental science
Community Benefits
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Fully funded youth expedition to the Makushin site
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Full-ride STEM bachelor or master scholarship in partnership with a tier-one Research University
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