Tourism hopes grow in Kaktovik for pioneering woman boat captain

by Elise Sereni Patkotak and Kathy Leary

The village of Kaktovik is gearing up for the increasingly popular business of ecotourism.

Located on Barter Island, the village is a major gateway for tourists wishing to experience the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, its environs, and all the beauty the area offers, a statement sent by Iligsagvik College said.

Since this type of tourism is ideally suited to generate money and jobs in the local economy, Ilisagvik College is in partnership with the State of Alaska's Office of Economic Development, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and several business partners to provide training in Eco-Tourism, Business Development, Captain's Licensing, Basic Merchant Mariner credential, and Boating Safety in Kaktovik.

The result of this partnership is a potentially significant increase in local tourism jobs and local businesses. One person who has positioned herself to be a central part of that economic boom is Carla Sims Kayotuk, the first Inupiat woman to complete all of her credentials through Ilisagvik College's program to earn her Captain's License.

Since guides into the Refuge were required to be in substantial compliance with permitting requirements by April 2010, this license enables Carla to participate in the burgeoning interest of adventure tourists to venture into ANWR and see for themselves what one of America's last wild places really looks like.

Carla states that "I would never have gotten my license if the class was not offered in Barter. Thanks again for this great opportunity." Carla plans to use her license for tourism and, if the opportunity presents itself she will be able to captain her own boat to assist research agencies that might procure her services. At this time Carla says she does not intend to involve her business in offshore activities but did not rule that out for her husband, who may also pursue his license. She plans to apply for the next Alaska Growth Capital/ASRC Marketplace Competition to help get her business up and running.


Ilisagvik College sends their congratulations and best wishes to Carla on becoming the first woman to achieve her license through courses at Ilisagvik College. She may even be the first Inupiat woman to earn this license!

The College also sends its congratulations to all its Kaktovik residents who are taking the time and giving the energy needed to advance their education and create a brighter future for themselves and their families. A few other participants such as Don and Nora Jane Burns were successful recipients of the Alaska Growth Capital/ASRC's Marketplace Competition for their business, Arctic Chalet Tours. Don received his Captain's License, and Nora Jane is waiting her credentialing from the United States Coast Guard. Robert Thompson is another success as he waits for his credentialing as well for his business, Kaktovik Arctic Adventures.

Anyone interested in this class or other classes Ilisagvik offers that can help you create a clear path to a sound economic future should contact Janelle Everett, Ilisagvik College Recruiter at (907) 852-1799 or Kathy Leary, Workforce Training Manager at (907) 852-1868.

Remember, more education, more options, more out of life!

The Artic Sounder

Contact us about this article at editor@thearcticsounder.com