At the Annual Meeting , Larry Westlake , President of the Regional Elders ’ Council ( REC ) presented information about the REC ’ s activities this year .

The role of this council is to provide advice to leaders , communities and anyone else in the region when it is needed . The council works to keep the Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values alive within one another and in our families and communities . We also assist in the protection of our lands , culture and language to encourage a healthy way of life .

REC is made up of 13 members : One from each village and two at-large seats .

In addition to Larry , REC members include Tommy Ballot , vice president from Selawik ; Nellie Ballot , secretary from Noorvik ; the late Shield Downey , originally from Ambler and representing an at-large seat on the council : Elsie Dexter , originally from Selawik ; representing an atlarge seat : Helena Jones from Ambler ; Fletcher Gregg from Buckland ; Emerson Moto from Deering ; Nelda Swan from Kivalina ; Alex Sheldon Sr .

from Kobuk ; Lena Hanna from Kotzebue ; Rachel Sherman from Noatak ; and Michael Tickett from Shungnak .

In 2023 , REC held two regular meetings and two joint meetings with the Iñupiaq Language Commission ( ILC ). They have continued to support teaching our Iñupiaq culture and language , and we have also continued discussions to expand regionwide efforts for our Elders to teach our language by utilizing local fluent speakers .

In August of 2023 , ILC was invited by Iḷisaqativut for an Iñupiaq language intensive that took place in Kotzebue over one week . This language intensive included engaging with individuals who are at a beginner or intermediate level of learning to speak Iñupiatun .

REC continues to partner with the Northwest Arctic Borough School District ( NWABSD ) to strengthen Iñupiaq language in regional schools .

ILC has issued a letter on behalf of the Iñupiaq Language Commission to express support for NWABSD ’ s Iñupiatun Iļisaqta , an initiative

to help preserve and revitalize the Iñupiaq language in our region . This letter endorses the program ' s application for the Alaska Native Education Grant which will provide Elders and language experts with resources to revitalize our language in classrooms .

In partnership with the Aqqaluk Trust , we hosted the 2024 Elders & Youth conference in Kotzebue this spring . This event brings students and Elders together to enjoy sharing our cultural traditions and language while engaging with fluent Iñupiaq speakers .

In December 2023 , in partnership with the ILC executive team and NANA ’ s shareholder relations department , we participated in Mumiksisa ( let ’ s translate ). This event brought together Iñupiaq interpreters and language speakers to create a learning environment . The goal is to begin building a new generation of Iñupiaq language interpreters .

REC and ILC recognize the value of having an interpreter available at meetings for better understanding for those who

do not speak or understand Iñupiaq and those who struggle with English as well . There is a need for interpreters in meetings within NANA and across our region . The REC is working to revitalize interpreter services for that purpose .

Six Elders who are fluent in speaking , reading and writing Iñupiaq attended two days of sharing skills and experiences that are important to a strong interpreter program . The second meeting of the Mumiksisa program was held in April with more participants .

REC and ILC are committed to keeping our Iñupiaq language alive and passing this knowledge to the next generation . On behalf of REC , we thank you for your support . We appreciate the opportunities to share information with different entities in the region and to assist with programs vital to the continuity of our Iñupiaq way of life .

8 The Hunter | 2024 May