Leadership

Ivan Encelewski is a dedicated Alaska Native leader with a longstanding commitment to community development and cultural advocacy. As the Executive Director of the Ninilchik Village Tribe and Ninilchik Traditional Council, he oversees a broad range of tribal operations—including health care services, environmental stewardship, housing initiatives, tribal programming, and educational support. Under his leadership, the Tribe has seen expanded membership, new community health infrastructure, and strengthened housing resources.

A passionate defender of subsistence rights, Ivan champions the rights of Alaska Native people to sustainably harvest traditional resources and to self-manage their fisheries. Beyond his work in Ninilchik, he has chaired the Cook Inlet Tribal Council board, contributed to the Alaska Native Justice Center, and guided civic engagement efforts through his role with Get Out the Native Vote. Ivan also serves as the Ninilchik village representative to the Cook Inlet Treaty Tribes, where he fosters collaboration across regional and village organizations to support the wellbeing and heritage of Alaska Native communities.