NANA
Youth of the Year Ava Jones
The Youth of the Year Award represents NANA’ s commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders who will guide our region toward the future. This honor recognizes young shareholders who demonstrate exceptional dedication to their education, culture, and community, embodying the values that define our people. It highlights those who are learning to balance modern challenges with traditional wisdom, showing resilience and purpose in their daily lives.
By celebrating these outstanding young individuals, we acknowledge the vital role they play in shaping our future. Their achievements reflect not only personal success but also a deep commitment to the collective well-being of our shareholders.
This year, NANA is recognizing Ava Jones as the Youth of the Year. Ava is from Buckland and is currently a senior majoring in entrepreneurship at The Master ' s College in California. Ava demonstrates remarkable drive and commitment to her future and community. By earning college credits while in high school, she is on track to graduate early and plans to return home to the NANA region to start her own business.
Ava spends her summer breaks as an intern at Red Dog Mine and as a volunteer at regional sports tournaments. Despite facing challenges and hard times, she has shown incredible resilience by maintaining high grades and continuing to serve as a positive role model for her siblings and peers. Ava excels in her studies while staying connected to her home and culture.
Ava’ s dedication to encouraging others and supporting her peers inspires everyone around her. We commend Ava for her commitment to inspiring youth across our region with her positive example.
Shareholder of the Year
Ila Jane Ballot
The Shareholder of the Year Award celebrates a NANA shareholder who has made a significant and lasting contribution to our people and communities. This recognition is given to individuals who show leadership, contribute to their community and the NANA region, and help preserve Iñupiat culture and heritage.
Ila Jane Ballot is NANA’ s 2026 Shareholder of the Year. For decades, Ila has dedicated her life to serving the children and community of Noorvik. Beginning as a teacher’ s aide in 1986, she has influenced three generations, providing a consistent source of warmth, love, and stability in our schools.
Beyond the classroom, Ila has served in many critical roles, including as a school board member, city council member, community health aide, and VPSO. In every capacity, she embodies the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values of respect, love for children, cooperation, and humility. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people has strengthened her community and inspired those around her.
NANA is proud to present this award recognizing Ila’ s extraordinary service, compassion, and lasting legacy of devotion to the well-being of our people. Her contributions have helped to build a strong foundation for future generations.
Small Business Award
Jaelyn Cleveland
The Small Business Award celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that strengthens our communities from within. This honor is presented to a NANA shareholder who, as a small business owner or manager, demonstrates exceptional dedication and contributes to the economic well-being of our region.
By recognizing these leaders, NANA highlights the vital role that local businesses play in creating opportunities and fostering selfreliance. This award highlights the innovation and hard work of shareholders who help to build a more resilient and prosperous future for everyone.
NANA is pleased to recognize Jaelyn Cleveland, operator of Harry O.’ s in Kobuk, as the recipient of the 2026 Small Business Award. This honor celebrates her success as a manager and her dedication to strengthening her community. Through her work, Jaelyn has not only provided valuable local services but has also used her platform to give back to the region she calls home.
Beyond her day job, Jaelyn is deeply invested in her neighbors ' well-being. She is a dedicated supporter of local search and rescue efforts, actively participating in fundraising initiatives that ensure these vital teams have the resources they need. Her commitment to safety and community resilience is a testament to her character and leadership.
Jaelyn’ s impact is also felt within the school system, where she serves as an active and engaged parent. By donating her time to support student activities and fostering connections between students, teachers, and parents, she helps create a supportive environment for our youth. NANA commends Jaelyn for her entrepreneurial spirit and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those around her.
Richard A. Baenen Award John Shively
The Richard A. Baenen Award is a special recognition that honors the vital role of partnership in our collective success. This award is presented to a non-shareholder who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to NANA, our region, and our people through meaningful contributions and service. It celebrates individuals who, though not shareholders themselves, have aligned their work with our values and committed themselves to improving our communities. By recognizing these outstanding partners, we acknowledge that our strength is often amplified by those who stand alongside us, sharing a vision for a prosperous future.
NANA is proud to honor John Shively with the 2026 Richard A. Baenen Award, recognizing his profound commitment to our people and region. For more than five decades, John has dedicated his career to serving rural and Alaska Native communities. His journey began in 1965 as a VISTA volunteer and led to key leadership roles, including at the Alaska Federation of Natives and as Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
A defining part of his career was his work as a senior executive at NANA, where he was instrumental in planning and developing the Red Dog Mine. Guided by the principle that " Development must serve the people who live closest to the land." John helped to ensure the project was built on a foundation of Iñupiat priorities and cultural values. His advocacy for shareholder hire, training, and education created lasting economic opportunities and reinforced his unwavering dedication to advancing the well-being of the Iñupiat people.
At the NANA Awards banquet in Kotzebue, John expressed his gratitude to NANA and the people of our region. He also extended a special thanks to the Native Village of Kotzebue Tribal Council and said, " They gave my wife and I the greatest gift anyone ever could when they allowed us to adopt our daughter, Natasha."
The Hunter | 2026 Spring Edition
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