NANA
2026
NANA
Awards
The NANA Awards celebrate the heart and spirit of our corporation. They represent more than just individual achievements; they reflect the deep commitment, resilience, and cultural values that bind our region and our people together.
Through this recognition, we honor exceptional shareholders and partners whose dedication has strengthened our communities and helped ensure a prosperous future for all of us. We are proud to recognize their contributions and reaffirm our shared mission to improve the quality of life for our people.
2026 NANA Award winners were honored at a banquet in Kotzebue on Feb. 7, 2026. From left to right: Elder of the Year Lee Stalker, Military Service Award Winner Dempsey Woods Sr., Youth of the Year Ava Jones, Shareholder of the Year Ila Ballot, Small Business Award Winner Jaelyn Cleveland, and Richard A. Baenen Award Winner John Shively.
Elder of the Year Lee Nanauq Stalker
The Elder of the Year Award is one of NANA’ s most significant honors, recognizing the profound role our Elders play in guiding our people and preserving our values. This recognition is given to individuals who exemplify the spirit of service, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the well-being of our people and the strength of our culture.
NANA is proud to honor Lee Stalker as the 2026 Elder of the Year. Raised in Noatak and Kotzebue, Lee has dedicated his life to serving our community and region. He is a college graduate with a bachelor ' s degree in ministry, serves as a pastor in our region, and is a constant source of support for our people.
When a community member passes in our region, Lee can be found at the NIHA shop in Kotzebue, often working late after his day job, to build caskets, burial boxes, and crosses for families in need. As a pastor, he officiates funerals and weddings, never hesitating to provide comfort and guidance, even on his own birthday or anniversary. His commitment is a testament to his character and faith.
Lee ' s actions are guided by a principle he often shares, a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: " Life ' s most persistent and urgent question is, ' What are you doing for others?'" His life is a powerful answer to that question, reflecting his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our people.
At 71, Lee maintains a full-time job while devoting his personal time to helping others.
Military Service Award Dempsey Woods Sr.
NANA holds deep respect for those who serve our nation, and the Military Service Award is NANA’ s way of formally honoring our veterans. This special recognition is presented to a shareholder who is currently serving in the U. S. Armed Forces or has been honorably discharged. It represents our immense gratitude for their sacrifice, courage, and dedication to protecting our freedoms. By celebrating these individuals, we acknowledge their embodiment of service and honor their significant contributions to both our country and our community.
NANA is proud to present the 2026 Military Service Award to Dempsey Woods Sr. of Shungnak. This award honors his 22 years of dedicated service in the Alaska National Guard and his lifelong commitment to his community and Iñupiat culture.
Born and raised in Shungnak, Dempsey sets an example of service and hard work. A fluent Iñupiaq speaker, he grew up living a subsistence lifestyle, a tradition he continues with his family and generously shares with others. His dedication extends throughout his community, where he volunteers his time making caskets, teaching subsistence skills to students, and serving with the search and rescue and fire teams.
Dempsey is a lifelong dog musher and an inspiration to younger generations. His service to our country inspired his son, Dempsey Woods Jr., to follow in his footsteps and join the military. NANA honors Dempsey for his profound dedication to our nation, our culture, and our people.
10 The Hunter | 2026 Spring Edition