NANA | Annual Meeting recap
Celebrating communities: NANA’ s gravel program strengthens regional economic development
NANA’ s gravel program has built a strong foundation for progress, driving developments that support our communities and advance our region’ s strategic goals. In 2023, the NANA Board of Directors revised the sand, gravel, and rock policy— a key step that aligned operations with long-term priorities while prioritizing our cultural values of subsistence and sustainability.
By maintaining a local gravel program, NANA has optimized project timelines and empowered communities to address their unique needs more efficiently. These efforts have been further bolstered by significant investments from NANA’ s Village Economic Investment( VEI) program, with millions of dollars allocated to support gravel development and operations. These critical investments ensure the sustainability of local resources while accelerating project delivery and creating long-term benefits for our shareholders and communities.
NANA remains dedicated to implementing solutions that honor cultural values, address local needs, and foster regional growth through impactful initiatives like the gravel program.
" Our gravel program is built on the values of sustainability and community empowerment by providing local resources and supporting self-reliant operations, we’ re not just supporting locally led infrastructure development, we’ re building stronger, more resilient communities."
- Ezra Nuviya
Our gravel program is managed by NANA shareholder Ezra Adams from Noatak.
Here is a closer look at some of the ways communities are benefiting from this initiative.
Kiana lays a foundation for the future
The Native Village of Kiana is a strong example of how a self-reliant gravel source can create positive change by keeping active and up-todate agreements and permits in place since 2019. Without the need for outside contractors to operate the gravel pit, Kiana has taken charge of its gravel operations, ensuring locally produced gravel for subdivision development, rehabilitation of their runway, and building the NANA village office building pad, among other local projects. Kiana ensures that environmental concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Through this process, the community has built a framework for long-term success. Four people are employed full-time by Kiana’ s gravel operations.
Progress across the region Other communities are also seeing great strides with the support of NANA ' s gravel program.
Ambler is collaborating with a contractor to produce gravel as part of a major project. Gravel extraction is slated for completion in 2025. This partnership is paving the way for improved infrastructure and opportunities in the community and across our region.
Buckland and Deering are diligently working to establish operations similar to Kiana ' s to support flood prevention and evacuation improvements. These efforts aim to equip the communities with improved self-sufficiency, reducing their reliance on external resources.
A vision for the future The success of NANA ' s gravel program is a testament to the power of collaboration and forward-thinking policy. By championing innovation and sustainability under the guidance of our board of directors, we are cementing a path toward economic resiliency for our shareholders and communities alike. We look forward to seeing progress with more communities in our region taking advantage of the benefits of NANA’ s gravel program.
Ezra Nuviya Adams manages NANA’ s gravel program. He is a NANA shareholder who lives in Noatak.
NANA is hiring resource protection officers in our lands department!
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? NANA is seeking resource protection officers for multiple locations, including Ambler, Shungnak, Kobuk, Noatak, Kivalina, Kiana, Noorvik, and Selawik.
As a resource protection officer, you’ ll play a vital role in ensuring the safety and security of NANA lands. This is your chance to contribute to a meaningful program that prioritizes protection, support, and our subsistence way of life.
We’ re hiring across multiple communities!
Select the location that’ s right for you.
• Noorvik, Kiana, or Selawik
• Noatak or Kivalina
• Ambler, Shungnak, or Kobuk
How to Apply
Scan the QR codes or visit www. nana. dejobs. org / jobs to learn more and submit your application today.
Remember to get your REAL ID!
As of May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant identification is required for air travel.
Having your REAL ID will help to ensure smooth travel. Remember to bring the necessary documents with you to your DMV appointment, such as proof of identity, residency, and your social security number.
Take care of this important step for your future travel needs! For more information, stop by a DMV office or visit www. bit. ly / RealIDchecklist
22 The Hunter | 2025 June