NANA
SHAREHOLDER OF THE YEAR
COLBY AŊUSUK HOWARTH-DUNN
The NANA Shareholder of the Year award is given to a shareholder who shows leadership within their community and contributes to the NANA region as a whole – while helping to protect and preserve Iñupiat culture and heritage .
This year ’ s Shareholder of the Year is Colby Howarth of Kotzebue , Alaska .
Colby was born and raised in Kotzebue and is the oldest of six children . Through her elementary , middle and high school years , Colby was described as being a great helper to her teachers and classmates . She participated in cross-country running , volleyball , wrestling , basketball and cheerleading . Colby was Miss Teen Arctic Circle in 2013 .
Now , she has three children of her own .
Colby loves learning and this dedication allowed her to learn how to make native crafts – including beading , skin sewing and creating beautiful atikluks .
Colby entered the nursing program in 2017 at the Maniilaq Health Center – and spent nearly 200 hours providing care in the departments of inpatient , outpatient , women ’ s health and in the emergency room . There , she assisted doctors , nurses and medical staff .
Today , Colby is a patient , caring and understanding nurse who lets her patients know she is from our region to give them a sense of assurance they will be well cared for .
Colby Aŋusuk Howarth-Dunn pictured with her husband and children .
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
ALANNAH TUVAUTLAK JONES
She exemplifies the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values of the NANA region and is a role model within her community and our region .
MILITARY SERVICE AWARD
JACK AHKIVAULLOOK KOENIG
Jack Ahkivaullook Koenig
Alannah Tuvautlak Jones
The Small Business Award honors a NANA shareholder business owner or manager who has demonstrated success in business as well as a commitment to their community , which has improved economic opportunities for our people . The winner of this award in 2024 is Alannah Jones .
Alannah is the owner and designer of Alannah ' s Parkas . She is originally from Noatak , Alaska and currently lives in Anchorage .
Alannah sews handmade parkas , atikluks and jackets . Her contemporary Iñupiaq designs have been featured at internationally acclaimed fashion shows . Through social media , she showcases her craft and carries on our Iñupiat tradition of outerwear .
This honor is bestowed in recognition of the positive impact Alannah makes in our communities .
She demonstrates commitment to our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values through her work and the traditional skills she has learned . NANA thanks Alannah for the effort she has put into learning and for using her platform to teach others about our way of life .
The Military Service award is given to shareholders who currently serve in the U . S . Armed Forces or are veterans who have been honorably discharged .
The 2024 Military Service award goes to Jack Ahkivaullook Koenig
Jack was born and raised in Kivalina . He enlisted in the Army National Guard , undergoing rigorous training with untiring dedication . Jack remains an active member of the community , standing ready to serve whenever called upon .
Jack offers his expertise and assistance when needed . His years of service have earned him respect and admiration as a community leader .
When outside agencies require support , Jack is quick to offer help . He leverages his skills to address challenges — such as erosion , a recurring issue in Kivalina . His dedication to the betterment of his hometown is evident in his tireless efforts to protect and serve those around him .
Through his dedication to hard work and responsibility to Tribe , Jack exemplifies the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat . His unwavering service and readiness to respond in times of need inspire those around him , leaving a lasting impact on his community and beyond .
The Hunter | 2024 May
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