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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