NANA

ELDER OF THE YEAR NELLIE KUUGAATCHIAĠRUAQ BALLOT

The Elder of the Year is a respected individual who models and practices Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat in their daily life , is active in teaching language and culture , and demonstrates leadership among our people . The 2023 Elder of the Year is Nellie Kuugaatchiaġruaq Ballot .

Nellie is from Noorvik . Her parents are the late Clarence and Dorcas Jackson . She spent time at camp with her grandparents , Isaac and Jennie Jackson . Elders taught her the importance of hard work and helping others .

Back then , people traveled by wooden boats or dog teams . Nellie recalls when the first three-horsepower outboard motor appeared and how zippy it seemed . She wonders what our ancestors would think if they saw people speeding around with one , or even two , 175-horsepower motors .

Nellie and Hendy Ballot Sr ., have six children , 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren . She always knew she wanted to help children and spent 25 years as the Indian Child Welfare Act Coordinator for the Noorvik Native Community . That vital works takes emotional strength . Piqpaksriłiq Iļiļgaanik ( love for children ) is what has kept her going . As the tribal representative in court matters , Nellie intervened to prevent children from being taken out of Noorvik for foster care placement . She works hard to place children with relatives or community members until families can be reunified . “ It ’ s best for our community and for our children . We cannot let them be separated from our way of life ,” she says . “ Everybody makes mistakes . We need to give parents a chance to rebuild themselves when they stumble .”

Nellie encourages students . School staff rely on her cultural knowledge and deep ties to the community . She served on the regional school board , the Alaska Native Indian Child Welfare Act board and the Inuit Circumpolar Council board . She chairs the Noorvik Elders council and is a member of the regional Elders council .

Taikuu , Nellie , for all that you do and for the positive impact you have on our people .

YOUTH OF THE YEAR SETH JIMMIE RIVERS ADAMS

In 2023 , we are posthumously honoring Seth Pakik Pamiuqtaq Kuniiyak Ahkuuq Tuvaaksraq Jimmie Rivers Adams from Kivalina as NANA ’ s Youth of the Year . Seth passed away from a heart condition in 2022 at the age of 14 , but his bright and charismatic spirit lives on .

Seth was the only son of Charles and Henrietta Adams , and he had three sisters : Serena , Shelby and Eva . Seth also had a close relationship with his Gram and Papa , Lucille and Caleb Wesley , and his amau ( great-grandmother ), Barbara Wesley .

Seth was proud to be Iñupiaq and our culture was very important to him . When he was a baby , his father began taking him out to gather wood , set a beluga net , ice fish , hunt caribou , harvest ducks and learn how to seine for fish . From the time he could walk , he loved being outdoors , hunting and fishing . By the age of four , Seth gained a reputation for being a master duck caller and he even won an animal calling competition before he was 10 .

Seth was always eager to share his catch with Elders , and anyone else who might be in need . He demonstrated his commitment to our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values of kamaksriłiq nutim iñiqtanik ( respect for nature ), aŋunialgułiq ( hunter success ), kamaksriłiq utuqqanaanik ( respect for Elders ) and aatchuqtuutiłiq avatmun ( sharing ).

The community of Kivalina loved Seth . He enjoyed socializing with his friends and bringing people together with his humor and positive attitude . When he wasn ’ t immersed in subsistence activities , Seth enjoyed spending time at church . His faith in God was a large part of his identity . He enjoyed reading scriptures , playing the guitar and singing gospel songs . He also loved to play basketball and cheer on the Kivalina Qavviks any chance he had .

Seth never wasted a day and is remembered by many for always having a good attitude and something uplifting to say . The example he has set for our youth will not be forgotten .

MILITARY SERVICE AWARD JACK HYATT

Each year , NANA recognizes a shareholder who demonstrates a strong commitment and willingness to serve in the U . S . armed forces — in active-duty military , reserve forces , National Guard , or as a veteran who has been honorably discharged . This year , we presented Jack Anaullaqtaq Hyatt with the Military Service Award .

Jack is the son of Nauyaq Wanda Baltazar and Ernest Hyatt of Kotzebue . His grandparents are the late Fannie Ulugauraq Nelson and Rick Baltazar , and Carolyn Sue Ramondo and Stephen Hyatt .

From a young age , Jack knew that he wanted to join the military and his motivation was to help keep our people safe . After graduating from high school in 2018 , Jack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps . Jack has recently re-enlisted for four more years and is currently serving overseas as a sergeant in the U . S . Marine Corps .

Jack continues to live by the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat the way he was taught by his family all his life . He credits these values for teaching him the importance of savvaqtułiq ( hard work ), savaqatigiiyułiq ( cooperation ) and iñuuniaqatiunik ikayuutiłiq ( responsibility to tribe ). Jack is also guided by the Marines ’ values of honor , courage and commitment .

Jack was inspired to join the military like his father , Ernie Hyatt , his grandfather , Stephen Hyatt , his Uncle Gus Nelson who was in the National Guard and his cousins who also served in the military . He encourages young people to consider serving our country by joining the military and to go out and see the world . Taikuu , Anaullaqtaq , for your service to our country and for your commitment to our people .

12 The Hunter | 2023 August