Welcome to Kodiak Island Stacey Simmons

Hi, my name is Stacey (Imaq – Ocean) Simmons, and I am the Director of Operations at the Kodiak Brown Bear Center and Lodge. I truly love what I do—it’s one of the most rewarding and meaningful jobs in the world.

Let me tell you a little about our lodge.

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center and Lodge is not your typical lodge nor a wildlife sanctuary—though our name can sometimes suggest that. Owned and operated by Koniag, an Alaska Native Corporation, our lodge sits on the traditional lands of our Alutiiq ancestors, who have lived here for over 12,000 years. Most of the land we use for bear and wildlife viewing is privately owned by Koniag, which makes this an incredibly special and protected place.

As an Alaska Native-owned lodge, we weave Alutiiq culture and language into everything we do. Guests encounter this through local artwork, ongoing archeological digs at Karluk Lake, and the incorporation of traditional foods into our meals.

Our lodge hosts a maximum of eight guests at a time, providing an intimate experience where every visit directly supports our Alutiiq Shareholders. Revenue generated helps fund elder distributions, youth scholarships, cultural programs like language preservation and traditional dance, and subsistence initiatives.

We’ve also created unique opportunities for our Alutiiq youth through a hospitality training program at the lodge. Each year, young participants help prepare trails and grounds for the season, while in-season apprenticeships provide hands-on experience in hospitality and guiding. Recently, one apprentice pursued yoga training to enrich the guest experience, and another is earning certification to captain our boats eventually.

We’re a lodge with a purpose. Every guest contributes—whether they know it or not—to keeping the Alutiiq people, language, and culture alive and thriving.

Our work is work is deeply personal to me. In addition to my role at the lodge, I manage all Shareholder benefits for Koniag. Both my parents are Indigenous to Kodiak, and I grew up in one of its villages. These two roles allow me to share my home with guests, support my community, and serve as a steward of our land and culture.

It’s a privilege to work at the intersection of hospitality, cultural preservation, and sustainability. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

bear viewing and fly fishing in Alaska

Ready to discover amazing Kodiak?