The Hunter June 2025 Edition | Page 12

NANA | Annual Meeting recap

Capturing the Annual Meeting with Shareholder Photographers

This year, NANA was proud to invite two talented shareholder photographers, Brian Adams and Janelle Schaeffer, to document the annual meeting. Their artistry and unique perspectives brought the event to life in a way that celebrates the strength, beauty, and connection within our NANA family.

Brian Adams: Capturing Inuit Life on a Global Stage

Brian Adams is a NANA shareholder with roots in Kivalina, his parents are Ron and Virginia Adams, and his grandparents are the late Caleb and Ruth Adams. He is also a world-renowned photographer who is now based in Anchorage, where he raises his two children, Elliott and Ellis, with his coparent, Ash Adams. Ash is a photojournalist who regularly works in our region. In the world of photography, Brian is known for his ability to capture powerful and authentic moments of Inuit life. His work encompasses themes of community, land, and cultural identity.
Brian has earned national and international acclaim with features in Inuit Art Quarterly, National Geographic, the New York Times Magazine, and Time Magazine. His photography is part of prestigious collections at the Anchorage Museum, the
Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, and the Library of Congress. Further solidifying his role as a leader in Indigenous visual storytelling, Brian is the co-founder of Indigenous Photograph, a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices in photography, and co-founder of The 400 Years Project, a collection of photo essays exploring Indigenous identity and rights. With two remarkable photography books under his belt, I Am Alaskan and I Am Inuit, Brian shares vivid portraits and stories of resilience, cultural change, and the enduring spirit of Alaska’ s people. His exhibitions have been displayed around the world from Norway to Los Angeles and demonstrate his talent for blending artistry with advocacy. At the annual meeting, Brian’ s lens worked magic, spotlighting the spirit and unity of NANA and our shareholders.
Brian Adams enjoyed all the fresh snow in Shungnak during NANA’ s annual meeting.

Janelle Schaeffer: Capturing Community Moments

Helping us capture the annual meeting this year was Janelle Schaeffer, a shareholder from Kotzebue who has gained widespread recognition for her photography. While Janelle originally picked up photography as a hobby, her skill and eye for candid, heartfelt moments have made her a welcome presence at community gatherings. From cross-country races to potlucks, Janelle’ s photos beautifully document the vibrancy and togetherness of life in our region.
Janelle balances her passion for photography with her full-time role at the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. She is an important part of the staff at June Nelson Elementary School where she is passionate about being an adopted auntie to all the kids she meets, offering them endless love, nurturing care, and a comforting presence that creates a sense of family and belonging. At the annual meeting, she brought her unique ability to connect with those she photographs. Having Janelle join us in Shungnak underscored the depth of talent within our shareholder community.
Janelle Schaeffer joined NANA as a photographer for our annual meeting in Shungnak.
12 The Hunter | 2025 June