NANA
Lorraine Tukayuaq Ballot with her mom , Amelia .
Bobby Richards has been a subsistence and commercial fisherman since he was a young boy .
Warren Kutvak Compton expressed gratitude for this recognition at the gathering of shareholders in Selawik .
SHAREHOLDER OF THE YEAR TUKAYUAQ MARTHA LORRAINE BALLOT
NANA is proud to honor Tukayuaq Martha Lorraine Ballot as our 2023 Shareholder of the Year . This award is given to a shareholder who shows leadership , contributes to their community and the NANA region , and helps perpetuate Iñupiaq culture and heritage .
Lorraine is the daughter of Tommy and Amelia Ballot and has been with her partner , Derek Oviok , for more than 20 years . She and Derek have three children : Jaden , Ryder and Jaci Oviok .
Our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat teaches us of iñuuniaqatiunik ikayuutiłiq , responsibility to tribe . This is a value that Lorraine learned from her mother and continues to demonstrate for everyone .
When there is a crisis in Selawik , Lorraine is one of the first to respond . She grew up helping at the clinic , where her mother , Amelia , was a health aide . Lorraine watched her mother and the other health aides closely , and eventually began working at the Selawik clinic herself . She consistently volunteers a lot of her time . She leads the community ’ s search efforts when people are lost , and she helps coordinate safety activities , sharing her skills . She always keeps her VHF on and calls for help never go ignored .
Lorraine does not hesitate to assist anyone in need , especially youth . She demonstrates our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat value of piqpaksriłiq iļiļgaanik , love for children , by talking to young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse . She also works very hard to spread knowledge of suicide awareness and prevention . When people need someone to talk to , Lorraine can always be counted on to listen . She offers everyone encouragement , love and guidance .
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR BOBBY RICHARDS , RICHARDS CAB COMPANY
Every year , NANA recognizes a small business owner or manager who has demonstrated success in business , a commitment to their community and has provided economic opportunities for our people . In 2023 , we are honoring Bobby Richards and Richard ’ s Cab Company as our Small Business of the Year .
In December 2010 , Bobby started Richards Cab Company , which currently employs seven NANA shareholders or descendants . According to Bobby , Richards Cab Company would not be as successful as it is today without the support of his family . His sons are responsible for the care and maintenance of his vehicles , and his wife , Ida , is always by Bobby ’ s side to support the business . When Bobby needs to step away from the company , his children step in to manage operations until he returns . Bobby says that locally owned small businesses can be most successful when a family works together .
In addition to operating Richards Cab Company , Bobby is also a member of the Local 302 Operator ’ s Union and the Kotzebue Commercial Fishermen ’ s Association . He also started a second business , Richards Property Rentals , which builds and renovates rental homes to help alleviate Kotzebue ’ s housing shortage .
Taikuu , Bobby , for your commitment to our people and to our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat and for demonstrating our values of iñuuniaqatiunik ikayuutiłiq ( responsibility to tribe ), savvaqtułiq ( hard work ) and savaqatigiiyułiq ( cooperation ).
RICHARD A . BAENAN AWARD WARREN KUTVAK COMPTON
In 2023 , we are honoring Warren Kutvak Compton from Selawik as our Richard A . Baenan award recipient . This award honors a non-shareholder who demonstrates an untiring commitment to our people and works hard to make a difference in the region and for NANA shareholders .
Warren and his wife , Gayle , have lived in Selawik for 28 years where he has served as the pastor at the Selawik Bible Baptist church . Since arriving in Selawik , Warren has dedicated countless hours to the community through the church and through his work as a health aide at the Selawik clinic . Together with his wife , they have hosted many events including Christmas programs with plays performed by children from the community .
Warren is a committed first responder for situations both big and small . When someone in Selawik needs medical attention , Warren can be counted on at any time of day or night . He also realizes the importance of being supportive through emotionally difficult times that community members face . Warren is always available to listen when someone needs a friend , and he also offers prayer and encouragement for those who are going through a hard time .
Throughout his time in Selawik , Warren has consistently had a positive impact on the community . He has welcomed our people and our Iñupiaq culture into his life with open arms . When accepting this award in Selawik , Warren said , “ Thank you all for allowing me to make this my home .”
Taikuu , Warren , for your many years of commitment to our people and our region .
Taikuu , Lorraine , for all you have done and continue to do to help our people and perpetuate our Iñupiaq culture and values .
The Hunter | 2023 August
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