About Us

The Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point is the federally recognized government for over 700 Tribal Citizens who are primarily of Aleut Heritage primarily residing in Sand Point Alaska, on Popof Island in the Shumagin Islands.

The territorial jurisdiction of the Qagan Tayagungin Tribe of Sand Point extends from the south end of Kodiak Island (50.60 N. Latitude 254.50 W. Longitude) to the end of the Aleutian Chain (53 N. Latitude 172.50 E. Longitude).  The Village of Sand Point is located 570 air miles southwest of Anchorage on Popof Island, in the Shumagin Islands, along the Alaska Peninsula.  The Aleutian Islands, including the Alaska Peninsula, stretches over 1,000 miles across the North Pacific Ocean. The land consists of more than 100 islands ranging in size from the largest, 1,474 square mile Unimak Island, to the smallest, unnamed rocks. The current population of Sand Point is 990, the majority of which are Alaska Native/ Native American.  The population increases during fishing seasons due to the arrival of fishermen and cannery workers. The economic base of the community and region, and economic survival of the community and region is solely dependent on the fisheries.

The Aleutian Islands are known for their isolation and intense storms which brew over the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. Volcanoes frequently erupt along the rugged terrain. The Aleutians are known for the breeding grounds they provide for migratory birds from around the world supporting vast populations of waterfowl, marine mammals, and fish.  Popof Island has buffalo herds which are managed by the Shumagin Corporation, and there are cattle on Unga Island.  This area is one of the last strongholds for the western stock of the endangered Stellar Sea Lion.  The Alaska Peninsula contains both caribou and moose.  Residents of the Aleutian Islands/Alaska Peninsula area rely on hunting and fishing for their subsistence lifestyles, and collect plants, berries, and eggs within this abundantly rich environment.

The Qagan Tayagungin Tribe has a total of 746 members. The Qagan Tayagungin Tribe is famed for the ornate wooden hunting hats, which feature elaborate and colorful designs and may be trimmed with sea lion whiskers, feathers, and ivory.  Traditional arts of the Tribe include hunting, weapon-making, building of bidarkas (special hunting boats), weaving, clothing, carving, and mask making. Ivory and woodcarving were and are prevalent crafts for the Tribe. Aleut basketry is some of the finest in the world, and the tradition began in prehistoric times.  There are two other tribes which reside in the community, the Pauloff Harbor Tribe and the Unga Tribe.