Indian Affairs leadership highlights infrastructure and education during visit to Alaska’s North Slope

Earlier this week, Senior Advisor Scott Davis spent two days in Utqiagvik, Alaska, formerly known as Barrow, to strengthen partnerships with local leaders and community organizations.

During his visit, Davis met with the North Slope Regional Advisory Council to discuss subsistence practices and regional issues. A key part of the visit was Davis' meeting with Barrow Utilities and Electric Cooperative Inc. to learn about the utilidor system, a heated and insulated network of underground utility tunnels used to protect critical infrastructure like water, sewer, and power lines from the extreme cold. He also visited Ilisagvik College, Alaska’s only tribal college, to highlight the importance of supporting local education.

Davis wrapped up his trip with a tour of the Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital, operated by the Arctic Slope Native Association where he learned about the healthcare needs of the community and the challenges of supporting all neighboring communities in the Arctic Slope region.

Throughout the trip, Davis connected with local organizations, including the Native Village of Barrow Tribal Government, Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation and the North Slope Borough, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Alaska’s North Slope communities, aligning with the Administration’s support for tribal initiatives—from infrastructure to energy development. This visit reinforces Interior’s commitment to enhancing quality of life, promoting economic opportunities, and empowering tribal partners.

You can see more photos from the trip by visiting this album on our Flickr.