KANA and Koniag Host Chamber Members in New Building

Maggie Wall/KMXT

Koniag President and CEO Will Anderson in his corner office at the new KANA/Koniag Building on Near Island. Jay Barrett photo

Local chamber of commerce members got an opportunity to tour the newest building on Near Island on Friday.

The Kodiak Area Native Association and Koniag Incorporated hosted the monthly chamber Business After Hours mixer in the new Near Island building that they share.

KMXT’s Maggie Wall was there and has this report:

Even with the fog, the low, grey building has a commanding view of the channel, the two boat harbors and the mountains south of town. The new KANA-Koniag building will house the corporate headquarters of Koniag Incorporated and the Kodiak Area Native Association’s community service programs:

Will Anderson is Koniag president and CEO discusses the new corporate headquarters….

— (Koniag corporate offices)

Downstairs is the home of Kodiak Area Native Association’s community programs.

Mike Pfeffer is KANA’s Operations Director. He says the lower hallway was specifically designed with the idea of accommodating large murals and other artwork that add a cultural element to the building.

One end has scenic murals—one of Near Island as seen from town today, and another of town seen from Near Island several decades back.

The opposite end of the hall houses children’s services and so features murals that appeal especially to youngsters. Mike Pfeffer:

— (Outside children’s clinic….)

The hallway bookended by murals could easily be part of a world class Native museum. Recessed spaces hold locally carved Native masks on loan from the Alutiiq Museum:

— (Masks)

KANA’s Operation Director Mike Pfeffer, giving us a guided tour of the new KANA-Koniag Near Island facility.

I’m Maggie Wall.

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