NANA
Spotlight on success Senior Manager of Quality Assurance Garrett Aqupkaq Smith
Our people are the foundation of NANA and the work that we do. Garrett Aqupkaq Smith is a NANA shareholder whose 19-year journey working at our corporation reflects our shared commitment to community and meaningful work.
Garrett was born and raised in Kotzebue. His parents are Jeff and Carolyn Smith, and his grandparents are Art and Marie Fields. He is proud to carry his grandfather Art Fields Sr.’ s Iñupiaq name.
Garret says that his greatest joy is being a father to his four children: Hannah, Lexus, Aiden, and Gabriel. He enjoys spending his free time sharing experiences, traveling, and exploring different cultures with them.
Over his 19-year tenure at NANA, Garrett has served our region across operations, information technology, and the legal department. Today, he is the senior manager of quality assurance for NANA North.
In his current role, he streamlines workflows, manages records, and supports contract optimization. His focus on process improvement helps ensure our operations run effectively and efficiently to better serve our shareholders.
Garrett is quick to recognize the guidance he has received from others along the way. He credits NANA shareholder Sandy Baker, whose compassion shaped his approach to his work. He also extends his gratitude to Zal Parakh, an outstanding mentor who taught him the value of selfconfidence and strong documentation practices.
Quyanaq, Garrett, for all that you have done to contribute to NANA and our shareholders.
Garrett Aqupkaq Smith( left) and Gabriel Smith( right).
Honoring the land
Protecting caribou cows
As the crisp fall air settles in and families across the region head out to stock their freezers for the coming year, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to the land and our subsistence resources.
Our traditional values are the foundation of who we are, and they guide how we care for the resources that sustain us. As we work together during this caribou season, we encourage all hunters to practice responsible harvesting. Please take the time to clearly know the difference between cows and bulls, and carefully review what is currently in season before heading out on the land.
By making informed choices today, we ensure that our caribou herds remain healthy and that our shared harvests can provide for our region for generations to come.
Please review current hunting regulations and season updates before your next trip. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and successful harvest season.
To learn more about identifying the gender of caribou or to test your skills, you can visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game online at bit. ly / bullvscow or scan the QR code.
SIVU Summer is coming soon
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Get ready for SIVU Summer 2026 with The Aqqaluk Trust! Starting this June, families can sign up their children for SIVU Summer Kits filled with a custom t-shirt, supplies and instructions for making fun crafts, and a special booklet filled with culturally inspired lessons and activities.
Last July, 1,115 SIVU Summer kits were sent to 367 families thanks to partnership between The Aqqaluk
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Trust, NANA, Maniilaq Workforce Development, and Bering Air. NANA’ s shareholder relations coordinators helped deliver the SIVU Summer kits to participants in the region and hosted story bracelet making activities.
Quyanaq to the team at The Aqqaluk Trust for leading this program and helping bring our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values to life.
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Madilyn Smith( left), Helen Beasley( background), and Wayne Schaeffer Jr. enjoyed SIVU summer activities at the NANA office in Noorvik. |
Zaylie Wells spent time doing SIVU summer kit activities with NANA staff at our office in Noorvik. |
Keep an eye on Aqqaluk Trust’ s Facebook page for the sign-up link!
14 The Hunter | June 2026