Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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Photo: Kometos employees atop a new reindeer processing facility in Savoonga. (Wali Rana / KNOM)

On St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, the remote village of Savoonga has long struggled with limited jobs and food security.

A new reindeer processing facility hopes to help change that.

KNOM’s Wali Rana visited the site to learn more about how the development could benefit the community, while also connecting Savoonga with its history.

Just steps from the crashing waves of the Bering Sea, a new structure rises beside the sandy beach.

Workers from Finnish construction company Kometos hammer and drill away on the rooftop of the facility.

The company specializes in modular food processing facilities and is working alongside local hires from Savoonga.

The workers are putting the finishing touches on a large, white facility destined to become the village’s new reindeer processing plant.

Bengamin Pungowiyi is the president of the Savoonga Tribal Council. He says the new facility will kick off a number of opportunities for the village of 800.

“I’m making hope that if we expand over the decades, we would hopefully bring in some employment from the Nome area and some of the villages that, some of the funds that, if they accumulate, we could start a little youth camp.”

The facility will be run by Savoonga Reindeer Commercial Company (SRCC).

The history of reindeer in Savoonga goes back over a century, when a Presbyterian missionary brought a small herd to the island.

The herd grew and eventually migrated east to what would become Savoonga.

“The herd wanted to linger on the east side because of the food abundance, and the initial herders thought that they should send four apprentices to watch the reindeer, and those four men looked at Savoonga. From there, they start getting their relatives to move in.”

Over a century later, Pungowiyi says the facility aims to carry that legacy forward by creating jobs, supporting food security, and keeping reindeer at the heart of Savoonga’s identity.

“We’re hoping to bring up a little island employment, both villages, you know, the younger generation could continually benefit from that. And hopefully, for food security.”

Once operational, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will inspect the facility.

If approved, reindeer produced in Savoonga could earn the coveted “USDA Certified” label.

The designation lets customers know the animals were raised appropriately and are safe to eat.

For over a century, the Santa Fe Indian Market has been a spotlight for some of Indian Country’s most talented artists to shine, from crafts to fashion.

As KJZZ’s Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, 1,000 juried artists from more than 200 tribes descended upon New Mexico over the weekend.

Among them was Naiomi Glasses …

“What’s so great about Santa Fe Indian Market is that you can meet the artists and that supports so many livelihoods.”

… and her brother, Tyler.

“It’s a good time to go out and find pieces that speak to you.”

They’re both Diné and just released a new collection this week with Polo Ralph Lauren.

“I’m over the moon about it, doing cartwheels and flips inside. I’m excited for it to get out there in the world and for everyone just to see what this whole collection is about.”

His sister Naiomi was named the company’s first artist in residence in 2023.

“I’m fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with companies that I’m able to design something and then they’re able to manufacture it. I also still do my beautiful handwoven goods that I sell at markets like Santa Fe.”

She says if you love wearing Native art, buy directly from Indigenous designers.

“Authenticity is what really matters, and I really hope that more companies learn from the model that we did with Polo Ralph Lauren. I really want to see more of that.”