2026 Hunter Summer Edition | Page 9

NANA
Vice President of Lands Qaulluq Cravalho( left) and Senior Director of NANA Works Ben Foxglove III( right) enjoyed greeting shareholders in Noorvik before the annual meeting.
Glenn“ Paco” Octuck is a NANA shareholder who works for NMS and helps to lead the catering efforts at our annual meeting each year. Thanks for joining us in Noorvik this year, Paco!
Angeline Newlin( left) and NANA Board Director Piquk Linda Lee( right) enjoy a laugh together before the annual meeting in Noorvik.
NANA shareholders are provided with the opportunity to listen to live Iñupiatun interpretation at many of our meetings. This year, we were grateful to have a group of highly skilled interpreters at our annual meeting in Noorvik. From left to right: Nellie Ballot, Hilda Haas, Christina Westlake, and Angeline Newlin.

Snapshots from the annual meeting Photography by NANA shareholder Brian Adams

Quyanaq to the Kiana Opt-In Dancers for joining us in Noorvik and providing an incredible performance after our annual meeting. From left to right: Inukuk Gerhardt- Cyrus, Sarah Jackson, Sierra Foster, Thomas Jackson, Martin Woods, Ally Jackson, Gracelyn Morris, Michelle Barr, and Valerie Curtis.
From left to right: Vice President of Communications Josie Wilson, Senior Executive Assistant Dana Jack, Paralegal Director Linda Adams, Shareholder Communications Specialist Marvin McCall, Communications Intern Shaedyn Barr, Vice President of Economic Development and Sustainability Albie Dallemolle, Senior Director of Corporate Initiatives and Administration Doll Garoutte, and Interpreter Hilda Haas get ready for the flight to Noorvik for the annual meeting.
Vice President of Economic Development and Sustainability Albie Dallemolle caught a ride with Noorvik Shareholder Relations Coordinator Raelene Smith.
From left to right: Shareholder Communications Director Fallon Fairbanks, Corporate Communications Director Sarah Neas, Vice President of Lands Qaulluq Cravalho, and Resource Protection Officer Amil Coffin get ready to drive to Kotzebue after the annual meeting.

2025 overview

Over the past year, the Regional Elders Council( REC) was focused on strengthening Elder leadership, guiding youth, and preserving Iñupiat cultural knowledge and values. The council remains committed to upholding Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat and ensuring that wisdom, faith, and tradition continue to guide our region.

Elder guidance The council emphasized the importance of Elders working together to guide young people. Elders are called to lead with care, presence, and gentle correction. They do not always need to take action themselves, but their steady presence and example are
essential. When community needs arise, such as a lack of individuals willing to take on responsibilities like grave digging, Elders can encourage youth to step forward and serve.
Members also stressed teaching youth to care for Elders out of respect, not for payment. Reinstilling this value strengthens responsibility, humility, and intergenerational connection.
Spiritual guidance Spiritual strength remains central to community well-being. REC reaffirmed that youth should be taught that God comes first and should understand
their identity, origins, and purpose. In addressing challenges facing young people, Elders encouraged focusing on positive guidance rather than negative language. Youth should be approached with love, respect, and encouragement, helping them build hope and resilience.
Respect for nature and cultural knowledge Preserving traditional knowledge was a key priority. The council supports expanding culture camps to teach hunting, food preparation, survival skills, and traditional games. Both coastal and inland ways of life should be passed on to ensure a full understanding of Iñupiat heritage.
Elders expressed concern that younger generations are not consistently taught to use all parts of harvested animals. Renewed instruction is needed on properly bringing home and using every part of animals such as caribou, including the heart, tongue, liver, head, and other traditional foods. Teaching youth how to prepare and eat Iñupiaq foods strengthens cultural identity and promotes healthy living.
Through unity and shared commitment, REC continues to guide the region with wisdom, faith, and respect for our land and people.
The Hunter | June 2026
9