Annual Meeting recap |
NANA
2025 NANA Awards
Elder of the Year Dr. Lorena Kapniaq Bailey Williams
NANA is honored to recognize Dr. Lorena Kapniaq Bailey Williams as our 2025 Elder of the Year.
Lorena, a lifelong resident of Kotzebue, has devoted over 40 years to preserving and sharing the Iñupiaq language and culture. As a professor with a doctorate in teaching the Iñupiaq language, she has educated generations, ensuring our traditions thrive for years to come.
Her impact reaches far beyond education. Lorena is a community leader, a voice of compassion in her church, and an advocate for those in need. Her contributions include countless publications and translations that honor and perpetuate our culture. From teaching our traditions to fishing and hunting for herself, she embodies the Iñupiaq way of life.
We are pleased to celebrate Dr. Lorena Bailey Williams and her lasting impact on our community and culture.
NANA is honored to recognize Dr. Lorena Kapniaq Bailey Williams as our 2025 Elder of the Year.
Shareholder of the Year Rick Maksrak Jones
We are proud to recognize Rick Maksrak Jones as this year’ s NANA Shareholder of the Year. Born in Kotzebue and raised in Anchorage, Rick embodies Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values instilled by his late parents, Thurston and Mary Jones, and the teachings of his grandparents, Jack and Amy Jones.
Rick’ s career began in Kotzebue as a police dispatcher, working his way up to becoming a police officer. It was also where he reconnected with his roots, met his wife Norma( Sheldon) of Noorvik, and began building a family and serving their community.
Rick and Norma moved to Anchorage where he found his calling in funeral services, guiding families through some of life’ s hardest moments. From honoring veterans to offering care steeped in our values, Rick has been a compassionate mentor and trusted resource, supporting families across the NANA region and beyond.
Rick’ s dedication to faith, kindness, and perpetuating our traditions has touched countless lives. NANA celebrates his incredible contributions as we honor him as this year’ s Shareholder of the Year.
Rick Maksrak Jones was honored as NANA’ s 2025 Shareholder of the Year
Military Service Award Kinuwan F. Sharpe
NANA is proud to honor Kinuwan F. Sharpe as this year’ s NANA Military Service Award winner.
Kinuwan was raised by his grandparents, Ben and Norma Gregg, who instilled in him the Iñupiat Ilitqusiat values of hard work, sharing, and cooperation. Inspired by his grandfather, a WWII veteran, Kinuwan embraced a life of service that began with childhood adventures at Sadie Creek and grew into a distinguished 23-year career in the U. S. Marine Corps.
Kinuwan’ s service is inspiring. From combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan to deployments in South America and Colombia, he earned two Combat Action Ribbons, three Medals of Valor, and held esteemed roles as a reconnaissance marine and trainer for U. S. and international troops.
Even after decades of sacrifice and achievement, Kinuwan continues to inspire future generations, encouraging them to honor their heritage and serve their nation with pride. His unwavering dedication stands as a beacon of service, mentorship, and resilience for our community and beyond.
Thank you, Kinuwan, for your service to our country.
Kinuwan F. Sharpe is the recipient of NANA’ s 2025 Military Service Award.
The Hunter | 2025 June
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