The Hunter March 2025 Edition | Page 10

NANA

Qavvik Air is reaching new heights for generations to come

Delivering critical aid to Kiana

This winter , the water system in Kiana that residents rely on in their homes froze leaving the community without running water . To help address this crisis , Mayor Brad Reich quickly secured thawing equipment to restore the system , but there was one major hurdle – finding an available aircraft in Anchorage to transport it . That ’ s when Qavvik Air stepped up .

Within seven hours of confirming the flight , Qavvik Air demonstrated its operational agility and commitment to community support . The team reconfigured a medevac
aircraft , assembled a skilled crew , and transported over 2,000 pounds of essential equipment from Anchorage to Kiana . This rapid response ensured the equipment reached the community without delay , helping to restore a critical resource for the residents of Kiana .
Qavvik Air ’ s efforts didn ’ t stop there . Throughout the emergency , the company maintained contact with response teams and stood ready to transport additional supplies to Kiana or even Red Dog Mine if needed .
This mission underscores Qavvik Air ’ s dual focus on operational excellence and being a reliable partner to the communities it serves . By turning challenges into opportunities to support neighbors in need , the company reaffirms its dedication to delivering not only services but also care and reliability .
Qavvik Air ’ s swift response to Kiana ’ s crisis is a powerful example of teamwork , adaptability , and the company ’ s unwavering commitment to helping our communities thrive . Quyaana , Qavvik Air !
Qavvik Air employees unload bottled water in Kiana with the help of community members .
Qavvik Air Second-In-Command ( SIC ) Pilot Adam Mikian Ferguson is a NANA shareholder from Kotzebue .

Adam Mikian Ferguson : Carrying on a legacy in the skies

Adam Mikian Ferguson is a second-incommand ( SIC ) pilot with Qavvik Air and a proud NANA shareholder from Kotzebue . Adam is making a lasting impact in our region through his work in medevac aviation .
Adam flies missions in Qavvik ’ s fleet of brand-new Pilatus PC-12s . These are single-engine , turboprop-powered aircraft outfitted with cutting-edge medevac and
flight technology . Adam joined Qavvik Air in March 2024 and brings a deep sense of purpose to his role . For him , the most rewarding part of his job is “ positively impacting my home and community .”
Adam ’ s love of flying is rooted in his family ’ s rich history in aviation . He is a fourth-generation commercial pilot , and all the pilots in his family before him flew out of Kotzebue as well . His passion for the skies began in his hometown , where he started his flight training in 2013 , driven by a desire to carry on his family ’ s legacy while serving the people of his region .
When Adam isn ’ t flying , you ’ ll often find
him outdoors with his family , enjoying the beauty of the land through hunting , fishing , and camping at places like Sisaulik and Nelson ’ s Camp . These activities are deeply tied to his Iñupiat roots and help him stay connected to the culture and community that inspire his work .
Looking ahead , Adam has set his sights on the captain ’ s seat . He has aspirations to grow into leadership roles within Qavvik Air , such as training or management , over the next five years . His enthusiasm and dedication make him a vital member of the Qavvik team and a shining example of how NANA shareholders continue to make a difference in our corporation .
Blair Anugi Reeves got to take a tour of Qavvik Air facilities in Kotzebue .

Inspiring the next generation of aviators

Two young NANA shareholders , Charlotte Katak Lukin and Blair Anugi Reeves , recently got a firsthand look at the thrilling world of aviation thanks to Qavvik Air . They explored the planes , met skilled pilots , and , most importantly , began to imagine a future for themselves in this exciting industry . The experience wasn ’ t just about aircraft – it was about community , representation , and the values that guide both NANA and Qavvik Air . Maija Katak Lukin shared her reflections on what the experience meant for the children and the community alike :
“ While watching the kids get excited about the airplanes , I was reminded of the values that NANA and Qavvik Air uphold . Our values of humility , respect , and hard work are always at the forefront . The opportunity that Blair and Char had to ask questions to both [ my husband ] Dean and another pilot gave them insight into the skills and education needed to pursue a career in aviation . It also reinforced how the company embodies our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat , as they see shareholders and other Alaska Natives piloting these aircraft . Representation truly matters . Adam , Danny , Arthur , Mason , and even Dean – as a father to and spouse of shareholders – look like them , grew up like them , and were once kids just like them , standing in awe of airplanes at age seven or eight , dreaming of what could be possible .”
This experience goes beyond a simple visit . It ’ s a powerful reminder of how critical representation is in shaping young minds . Seeing Alaska Native pilots like Adam Mikian Ferguson and others in leadership roles inspired these young shareholders to see the possibility of their own potential .
Qavvik Air takes great pride in upholding Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values – humility , respect , and hard work – and embedding those principles into daily operations . This ensures that not only are the skies safer with Qavvik pilots at the helm , but the company is also a beacon of opportunity and pride for the entire community .
By opening the hangar doors and welcoming the next generation of aviators , Qavvik Air is
building a future that celebrates excellence , culture , and connection . For Blair , Charlotte , and other young shareholders , the dream of taking flight is soaring higher than ever – and NANA is proud to be part of that story .
Charlotte Katak Lukin sits in the cockpit of a Qavvik aircraft at the airport in Kotzebue .
6 THE HUNTER | 2025 MARCH