Interpretive Park Ranger Kristin Reakoff shares information about careers with the Fish and Wildlife Service with Allakaket resident Walter Bergman. FWS photo. April 17, 2008.

On April 17, Kanuti Refuge participated in the annual Health and Career Fair in Allakaket, a remote village adjacent to the Refuge in northern Alaska. Staff provided a host of information about career opportunities with the Fish and Wildlife Service at the booth, which was busy with visitors the entire evening!

Allakaket students and community members enthusiastically gathered at the school gymnasium, kicking off the Fair with traditional songs and a dance performed by local students. The opening festivities were followed by a traditional  ”potluck” dinner, after which community members browsed through numerous staffed informational booths, stopping to visit and ask questions. The event concluded with an ice cream social and ever-popular door prizes.

Allakaket residents are familiar with Kanuti Refuge staff from village meetings and school visits, but parents and students alike really enjoyed the opportunity to visit in the fun and informal setting that the Fair provided.  Kanuti’s participation in this event and others like it strengthens relationships between village residents and Refuge staff, providing a positive way for to interact with the community.  Staff continually seek outreach opportunities within communities near the Refuge, and are looking forward to participating in future outreach events, including next year’s annual Health and Career Fair in Allakaket.