The Native Village of Kotzebue is the Federally-recognized Tribal government representing the Qikiktagrukmiut, the original inhabitants of the area of northwest Alaska surrounding modern day Kotzebue (Qikiktagruk). The Tribe, a sovereign entity, is commonly called the Kotzebue IRA due to its organization pursuant to the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act and as amended for Alaska in 1936.