NANA
New faces at NANA
In May 2024 , NANA welcomed two new employees to the shareholder relations department .
“ I ’ m excited about working with our Elders and our youth working towards strengthening the momentum to Iñupiaraaq daily within our communities of the NANA Region . I ’ m hopeful for our NANA region ’ s people , including myself , to become more fluent in our Iñupiaq language within the next year . I believe we ’ re going to lay a strong foundation with our Elders , youth and other age groups to be able to Iñupiaraaq in the next decade .”
– Pauline Nay , Language and Culture Manager
Pauline Nay – Language and Culture Manager
Pauline Nay is joining us as the language and culture manager . Pauline will be based out of the Anchorage office and will be traveling to Kotzebue often for events and meetings . Pauline will be working closely with partners to support Iñupiaq programs at NANA and for our shareholders . Pauline will also provide staff support for the Regional Elders Council and the Iñupiaq Language Commission .
Pauline is the granddaughter of Qatuġruałuk Joe Field from Shungnak and Ataŋaiyiq Pauline ( Patterson ) Field from Kiana . Her parents are Saġvali Kim E . Nay Sr . from Florida and Piquallalaaq Vernetta Nay Moberly from Noorvik .
Originally from Noorvik , Pauline grew up in Kotzebue during the school year , and in the summers boating with her family on the Kobuk River . Pauline holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Iñupiaq Language ( North Slope dialect ) from the University of Alaska Fairbanks . Pauline feels privileged and honored as a NANA shareholder to take on the position of Iñupiaq language and culture manager .
Ellie Attebery – Shareholder Education and Training Coordinator
Ellie Attebery is the shareholder education and training coordinator and will be working with Lani Newlin out of the Anchorage office . Ellie will be responsible for coordinating development and training opportunities for shareholders , and she brings relevant experience to this position .
Mary “ Ellie ” Attebery ’ s Iñupiaq name is Makialuq . She is the atiiñ of her grandmother Mary Attebery of Kansas City and aana Maggie Makialuk Willoya of Noorvik . She was born and raised in Fairbanks and North Pole , with her younger sister Ally Attebery , by her father George Attebery . Ellie has a son named Ethan ( Naatagnaq ) who she shares a birthday with . Ethan ’ s hobbies include motocross and gaming . Ellie previously worked at Pegasus Aviation Services LLC , an Akima company , for almost nine years as a human resources coordinator and designated employer representative .
“ I look forward to assisting shareholders with gaining the training and education for a successful future .”
– Ellie Attebery , Shareholder Education and Training Coordinator
NANA advances broadband project with $ 65.2 million grant to enhance internet access in Northwest Alaska
We ' re thrilled to share a significant update about our ongoing efforts to improve internet connectivity across Northwest Alaska . With the support of a $ 65.2 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration ( NTIA ), NANA Regional Corporation and Atautchikun are making substantial strides in bringing better , more reliable internet to our communities .
Work on this transformative project is set to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2027 . By improving our internet infrastructure , we are not just bridging the digital divide but are also fostering opportunities for education , health and economic growth across the NANA region .
This project involves laying over 680 miles of fiber-optic cables — both undersea and across land . These cables are specially designed to handle the tough weather and rough terrain of our region , ensuring that everyone from school children to health care providers will benefit from high-speed , stable internet connections .
The enhanced network will have the capacity to deliver high-speed broadband internet to households in every village . This upgrade is essential for accessing educational and workforce development resources , health services , economic development and small business opportunities , and for overall general connectivity in today ' s digital world .
For more updates visit nanabroadband . com
12 The Hunter | 2024 May