NYOPHOTOS Pages 6-7
GRADUATION PHOTOS
Pages 8-9
USCG visit to Kotzebue............................................................. 3 Energy in the region................................................................. 4 UKMP summer update............................................................. 5 Stock will information............................................................ 12 Calendar................................................................................. 12
May / June 2016 Volume 48 Published by NANA Regional Corporation, Inc.
Connection to Iñupiat identity will help graduates be successful
In the pages of this Hunter, you will find the faces and names of many NANA shareholder graduates. Some graduated from kindergarten or high school, others from military academy or higher education institutions, but all have something in common. They accomplished an important goal and we are proud of them.
As Iñupiat, we can think in more than one framework. This means we can solve Western problems in an Iñupiaq way.
The Iñupiaq values that are instilled in us as children remain with us through our lives and inform all we do. This is a gift from our Elders and the NANA region.
On May 6, I had the honor of being in Kiana to speak to the 2016 graduating class of Kiana High School. Kiana is my hometown; I was raised there, graduated from high school there and met my wife there. When preparing the comments for that special day, I wanted to convey to these young graduates that they have a competitive advantage over other students in the United States. Why? They, like other shareholder students, are the products of a dual education – a Western one, and an Iñupiaq one.
This dual education lets these young people see the world in several different ways, through different cultural lenses.
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Because of this gift, when we interact with others in our lives, we help them think outside of the Western viewpoint box, and by doing that, create innovative solutions.
Many graduates will be traveling away from home, maybe for the first time ever, to continue their education, join military service, or on other adventures. This can be frightening and exciting all at the same time.
When I left Kiana and went to college, I was ready but I was also a little apprehensive. I was worried that everyone“ Outside” would know more and have more experience. When times got tough for me, I thought about my family and community. I thought about the encouragement and support that I received when I was growing up.
Remembering Kiana would connect me back to who I truly am, an Iñupiaq operating in
NANA President / CEO and Kiana High School graduate Wayne Westlake spoke at the Kiana High School graduation ceremony.
the bigger world. It centered my decisions and kept me focused. When things got tough then, and when they get tough now, I think about Kiana – of family and community and the lessons I learned there from the Elders.
Thinking about home reminds me to see the world in more than one way, to bring the Iñupiaq perspective to the table. Kiana is part of my life every day.
No matter where our lives lead us, what we learned of our culture stays with us. It connects us.
Graduates, so many people are proud you! There are so many possibilities in front of you and you will have some big choices to make. As you face those choices, if they seem overwhelming, remember who you are. Remember you can look at challenges through different cultural lenses and see multiple solutions. Remember that this ability is a secret strength that you have.
Most of all, remember that wherever you go, whatever you do, you are Iñupiaq. You are from a strong people of connection. Your roots and identity are always with you. Keep them at the center of your life. They will protect you and help you stay on track to reach your goals. Remember you never need to feel alone or lost. We are standing with you, and we believe that you can do anything you want to in this world! ■
Greene appointed to United States Arctic Research Commission( USARC)
PO Box 49 Kotzebue, Alaska 99752 |
On December 16, 2015, President Barack Obama announced the appointment of Kasaŋnaaluk Marie Greene, of Kotzebue, Alaska, to serve as a commissioner on the U. S. Arctic Research Commission( USARC). The USARC is an independent agency with seven commissioners and one chair that advises the President and Congress on domestic and international Arctic research through recommendations and reports. It is currently chaired by former Alaska Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer. |
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“ Through my experience in living and working in Northwest Alaska, I know the concerns of the people of the Arctic” Greene said.“ It’ s important to consult with the Iñupiat while working with federal, state, and local governments because of our knowledge of the land.”
Greene retired from NANA in February of 2015 after 20 years. Throughout her
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career, she served as a member of a number of Alaska and international organizations focusing on the Arctic including the Northwest Arctic Leadership Team( NWALT), the Iñuit Circumpolar Council – Alaska( ICC), and the board of the Alaska Federation of Natives( AFN).
“ This process has been such an honor,” Greene said.“ My goal is to make sure that the indigenous voice and perspective is always at the table."
Greene was appointed to a three-year term on the USARC ending in July 2019.
" The NANA region and Iñuit across the globe are very fortunate that Marie is serving on the commission," said NANA President / CEO Wayne Westlake.“ Our Iñupiat values are always present in her work. We know she will work in Cooperation with other commissioners to leverage opportunities, mitigate threats
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On December 16, 2015, Kasaŋnaaluk Marie Greene of Kotzebue, Alaska, was appointed to serve as a Commissioner on the USARC.
and to ensure the circumpolar Iñuit voice is heard, and our way of life is protected."
For more information about the USARC log on to www. arctic. gov. ■
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