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From all of us at NANA, we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
As we move into 2017, it is important to reflect on the past year. 2016 was a major milestone for the Alaska Federation of Natives( AFN) as the organization celebrated its 50th anniversary. During this year’ s conference in Fairbanks, keynote speaker Emil Notti spoke about the formation of AFN and the young Alaska Native leaders that selflessly volunteered so much of their time and money for the
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Wayne Westlake, NANA President / CEO, with Selawik Youth Leaders Shaylynn Hingsbergen and Keana Howarth.
betterment of their people. Many of the people that Emil referenced are from our region, and it was inspiring to hear about the great things that have stemmed from our Northwest Arctic home.
It is also the 50th anniversary of the formation of NANA’ s non-profit predecessor, Northwest Alaska Native Association. In 1966, a handful of people gathered together to talk about Land Claims in Mary Schaeffer’ s kitchen in Kotzebue, and what came next is history. In 1972,
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after the passing of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act( ANCSA), the Northwest Alaska Native Association was changed into the for-profit Alaska Native Corporation we now call NANA Regional Corporation, Inc.( NANA). In 1974, NANA formed a holding company, NANA Development Corporation( NDC), a wholly owned subsidiary.
In early November of this year, The NANA Board of Directors saw the need for a more connected organization, and the board voted to align NANA Development Corporation ' s President position under NANA Regional Corporation ' s President and CEO position. The board’ s decision was made to create unity, alignment of mission and strategy, and increase accountability of performance. As a result we will communicate better, be more efficient, and improve our performance.
NANA ' s mission is to improve the quality of life for NANA shareholders by maximizing economic growth, protecting and enhancing our lands, and promoting healthy communities with decisions,
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actions, and behaviors inspired by our Iñupiat Ilitqusiat values consistent with our core principles. The recent board action to consolidate the leadership of the companies will re-align us with this responsibility and guide our decisions moving forward.
I encourage all shareholders to read the 2016 Annual Report that will delivered in early February. We are stronger as a company when shareholders are informed and engaged, and know where the Corporation stands financially. Additionally, to ensure that you are aware of developments in a more timely fashion, details on the first quarter of FY2017 will be distributed in the near future.
As we reflect on the past year, I look forward to connecting with shareholders at the annual meeting to discuss our path forward – the NANA path.
Thank you,
— Wayne Westlake
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