Permitting

Historical photo of people signing permitts

Kuukpik Corporation Lands & Permitting

Stewarding Our Lands: Kuukpik’s Role in Responsible Development

Kuukpik Lands

Established in 1973 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Kuukpik Corporation holds surface rights to approximately 74,000 acres within the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska (NPR-A) and an additional 69,000 acres to the east of the NPR-A. Subsurface rights are held by the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC). Together, these lands represent a vital nexus of natural resource development and cultural stewardship.

At the heart of Kuukpik’s mission lies a deep responsibility to protect the homeland of the Kuukpikmiut. Our lands are more than acreage—they are the living foundation of our community’s identity, culture, and way of life. Kuukpik’s Board of Directors is committed to ensuring these lands continue to serve both subsistence needs and economic opportunities for future generations.

Our lands remain open for subsistence use by Kuukpik shareholders and their families. This includes fishing, hunting, berry picking, and spiritual connection to a place. All decisions about land use are rooted in our duty to protect these resources and practices. Permitting supports this goal by providing structure while preserving access.

Much of Kuukpik’s land lies in the Colville River Delta, home to rich petroleum and natural gas reserves. Kuukpik holds surface rights to the parts of the Alpine Field (operated by Conoco Phillips Alaska) and the Pikka Field 9currently under development by Santos). The Alpine Field, producing since 2000, was the first major oil project developed on Native-owned land. Pikka, discovered in 2013, is one of Alaska’s largest recent finds. Kuukpik has negotiated comprehensive land access agreements with both companies. These agreements are designed to:

  • Protect environmental and subsistence values;
  • Provide shareholder benefits, including employment and training;
  • Ensure responsible, community-centered development.

The Board of Directors actively engages with developers and stakeholders to uphold this balance, and Kuukpik continues to support broader conservation priorities, including the Teshekpuk Lake area and habitat protections for caribou and fish.

To protect Kuukpik’s lands and ensure responsible use, all access requires prior authorization. We offer several types of permits.

Spur Road Access: A privately owned Road Supporting Local Opportunity

The Kuukpik Spur road was constructed to provide a direct connection between the village of Nuiqsut and the nearby oil field infrastructure in the Colville River Unit. Its primary purpose is to support employment access for Nuiqsut residents, enabling them to commute safely to and from job sites in the oil fields. The road also plays a role in regional development and logistics coordination.

This is a privately owned road, managed by Kuukpik Corporation. It is not open for general public use. Access is regulated to ensure safe, respectful use of Kuukpik lands and to uphold the Corporation’s responsibliites to shareholders and the environment.

Who needs to complete the Access Form?

As of August 2025, all users of the Spur Road must complete an official access form through Smart Waiver. Kuukpik Shareholders and Nuiqsut Residents must complete the form once. Updates are only required if your contact or personal information changes.

All other users (e.g., contractors, researchers, agency staff, visitors) must complete a new access form each time access is requested or renewed.

How to request access:

Visit the Smart Waiver Portal

Complete the following:
  1. Spur Road Access Form;
  2. Waiver of Liability:
  3. Review and accept the Spur Road Rules   

Submit Digitally: You will receive a confirmation email with a PDF copy of your signed form.

Need Help?

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact:
Willow Hetrick – Kuukpik Permitting Director
permitting@kuukpik.com | 907-330-9085

Event Permit

Kuukpik now offers a simplified way for groups visiting Nuiqsut for tours, cultural exchanges, or special occasions to complete Spur Road Access requirements through a Smartwaiver Event Link.

How it works:
  • Your company coordinator requests a unique event link from Kuukpik.
  • Each member of your group uses that link to complete the Waiver of Liability and Spur Road Rules forms electronically.
  • The coordinator can track who has signed and send reminders to anyone who hasn’t.
  • Prior to arrival, Kuukpik staff will confirm waiver completion—no paper forms required.
For Companies or Field Coordinators:

To request a Smartwaiver event link for your team, please contact:
Willow Hetrick – Kuukpik Permitting Director
willow@kuukpik.com | 907-330-9085

Once your event is created, you’ll receive a link that can be distributed to your crew. Anyone who signs through that link will automatically be added to your group record.

How to Apply for the Use of the Spur Road

Complete Application

Apply

Enforcement

Unauthorized entry or use of Kuukpik lands is prohibited.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact:

Kuukpik Permitting
permitting@kuukpik.com

Anchorage Office

582 E. 36th Avenue,
Suite 600
Anchorage, AK 99503