Come To The 2010 Annual Meeting

The Hunter
Published by NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. Volume 21 Number 8 November/December 2009
NRC President’s Message
After A Challenging Year,
We Are Thankful For Our Many Blessings
Marie
Greene
It is that time of year again; the Christmas season
is upon us! This is a joyous season; a time when
many celebrate the birth of Christ. It is also a time
to reflect on the year that has passed, and this
year has been an eventful one for NANA.
INSIDE:
2
Gifting NANA Stock
4
NDC Remains Third In Alaska’s
Locally-Owned Top 49 Business List
5
Akima Acquires Pegasus – A Former Alaska Small Business Of The Year
6
Iñupiaq Pride Is Strong In Selawik
8
An Iñupiaq Life Lived With Sharing
And Subsistence
As we have reported in our recent round of
informal shareholder meetings, 2009 has been an
economically challenging time for our country – and
also for NANA. We have experienced lower zinc
prices, resulting in lower royalties from the Red Dog
Mine. The stock market was very unstable – our
marketable securities investments did not grow
as much as they have in recent years.
Our businesses were also challenged. Oil and other
commodity prices fell, decreasing some of the
business opportunities NANA companies deliver to
the oil and mining industries. The Lower 48 housing
market crashed, which substantially decreased
the demand for engineering and architectural
services some of our companies deliver. We
have many companies that deliver services to the
federal government, yet we experienced continued
challenges in our ability to work under the special
Small Business Administration rules intended
to benefit economically disadvantaged people.
However, despite these challenges, we have much
to be thankful for. We have hard working, dedicated
employees who faced the economic challenges
with the goal of succeeding – and they have. With
their success, comes NANA’s success. In 2009,
NANA’s portfolio of businesses increased their
financial contribution to NANA’s net income.
We’ve also been working with our partners at
Teck Alaska and several federal agencies to get
the permits that will allow us to open the Aqqaluk
Deposit at Red Dog Mine. This deposit will add
20 years to the mine’s life. This means two
more generations will be employed, trained,
and educated because of Red Dog, and the
money that flows through our region as a result
of the mine will continue to benefit our children
and grandchildren. For 20 more years, NANA
will continue to receive royalties from mining at
Red Dog – royalties that are distributed to our
shareholders in the form of dividends, economic
development programs, as well as educational
and training opportunities.
As we close the book on 2009 and approach
2010, I am optimistic. Our corporation is based
on a strong foundation – the Iñupiat I itqusiat.
Our values are a gift from our ancestors and our
Elders. They have guided our people to success
through good times and hard times and they will
continue to influence NANA’s business operations
and decisions that lead us into a successful future.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas season and
I wish you all the best in the New Year. Aarigaa,
taikuu and God Bless!
2010 NANA Annual Meeting In Buckland “Home Of The Sissau is”
The next annual meeting of NANA shareholders
will take place this year in Buckland at the
Buckland School on March 15, 2010.
All shareholders who are able are encouraged to
attend this important event to learn about NANA’s
activities and operations in 2009 and vote for open
board seats. The annual meeting is also a great
time to see family and friends. We hope you can
join us in Buckland this March!
Buckland children welcome you
to the 2010 NANA Annual Meeting
to be held at their school.
1
Come To The 2010
Annual Meeting
NANA Regional Corporation News
Gifting NANA Stock
As a shareholder of NANA Regional
Corporation, you have the right to pass your
stock on to your family by gifting your shares.
Gifting stock is different from doing a Stock
Will. You can gift shares while you are alive.
A Stock Will helps get your stocks to your
descendants after you pass on.
Step 2: Confirming the gifted stock with
the person receiving it. Once the relationship
between you and the person you are gifting
your stock to has been verified by NANA, then
NANA’s Shareholder Records Department will
contact that person. That person will need to
fill out two forms to complete the process:
Gifted NANA stock can only be transferred to
a Native or a Descendent of a Native who is
the child, grandchild, great grandchild, niece,
nephew, brother, or sister, who is related by
blood or adoption.
•
•
Shareholders must complete several steps to
successfully gift stock. Here’s a quick guide to
helping you successfully complete the stock
gifting process.
Step 1: Get the right forms. Once you
decide you want to gift your stock, go
online to www.nana.com or contact NANA’s
Shareholder Records Department to receive
the appropriate forms. You will receive three
main forms:
•
•
•
Information on Stock Gifting
Request to Gift Stock
The Family Tree
The 2009 Dividends
Are Taxable
Acceptance of Gift Stock
Signed Affidavit of Identity
If the person who you are gifting stock to is a
minor (under 18), then a “custodian” must be
appointed. A “custodian” is an adult who can
help them manage the stock until they are 18.
NANA may also require certain other forms and
documentation to complete the gifting process.
Once the entire process is complete, NANA will
record the transfer in the Stock Records System
and new certificates will be signed and printed.
The NANA Regional Corporation (NANA)
Board of Directors approved a dividend of
$12.00 per share this year. Once again,
because of NANA’s continued higher
earnings, all of your 2009 dividend will be
taxable. In January 2010, you will receive a
tax form 1099-DIV for this dividend. Like in
2008, the form for 2009 will show the entire
amount as taxable dividends that you must
report as income on your personal income
tax return.
It is important to understand that once your
stock is gifted, you will no longer receive
dividends from those shares. You also will not
be able to vote them and you cannot take the
shares back. The person you gifted stock to
will have all the benefits and responsibilities
associated with the stock.
Elders will receive a separate 1099 if they
receive a distribution from the Elders
Settlement Trust. That distribution will also
be taxable. If you have any questions please
contact the NANA Accounting Department
at (907) 265-4100.
If there is a lien on your shares such as child
support, the lien will follow the stock to the
new owner.
NANA Makes Changes To Lands & Natural Resources Department
NANA’s Lands & Natural Resources department
has changed to better serve NANA shareholders
and to take advantage of opportunities today
and in the future by becoming two separate
departments: Lands & Regional Affairs and
Resources.
Long-time NANA employee, Walter Sampson,
now serves as vice president of NANA’s new
department of Lands & Regional Affairs, and
geoscientist, Lance Miller, now serves as vice
president of the new Resources department.
“Our land plays a central role in the life of our
people,” said NANA Regional Corporation President
and CEO Marie Greene. “By creating two separate
departments, we will be able to respond to
opportunities and participate more effectively in
issues that affect us. Both Walter and Lance
have the expertise and experience to help guide
our corporation into the future.”
Lance’s past positions include his work as a
project manager for NovaGold; executive director
of the Juneau Economic Development Council;
Eurasia project manager for Placer Dome;
and chief geologist for Echo Bay Mines on the
AJ project.
Walter, who has been with NANA for more than
35 years, is tasked with representing NANA’s
interest and shareholders in regional, statewide
and national forums. His knowledge and many
years of experience with NANA land selections
and the protection of the traditional subsistence
rights will continue to help our people.
Both Walter and Lance began serving in their new
positions on October 5, 2009.
Lance oversees resource development
as the vice president of NANA
Resources. He has more than 30
years of experience working in natural
resources, primarily in Asia and North
America. He comes to NANA from
NANA subsidiary, WHPacific, Inc.,
where he served as a geoscientist.
Walter Sam
p
son
2
Lance Miller
It’s the time of year to travel by dog sled.
Shareholder Responsibilities
Willie Hensley Honored By Commonwealth North
On November 12, 2009, former NANA
president and founder of the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), Willie l ia ruk
Hensley was honored by Commonwealth
North with the 2009 Walter J. Hickel Award.
The purpose of Commonwealth North is to
educate its members and others on public
policy issues affecting Alaska and its future.
The Walter J. Hickel Award for Distinguished
Public Policy Leadership was established
in 1999 to recognize the contributions and
achievements of individuals who have played
an important role in advancing the public
policy interests of Alaska. Former recipients
include: Walter Hickel (1999), Ted Stevens
(2000), Jay Hammond (2001), Don Young
(2004), and John Katz (2009).
This photo
of Willie w
as taken in
NANA De
velopmen
t Corporati the early days of
on.
The award ceremony for Willie took place at
Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic & Convention
Center. Many of his friends and business
associates honored him during the festivities
including Julie Kitka, John Shively, Byron
Mallott, Chancy Croft, and Commissioner Emil
Notti. Willie was thanked for his work on the
ANCSA, the establishment of Red Dog Mine,
and his work with the Alaska Federation of
Natives.
I itqusiat. She said the greatest gift Willie had
given to his people was the gift of tomorrow.
“Because of all of your work, the generations
that follow yours will own their land; they will
have access to learning their language, they will
understand their culture, make their art, sing
their songs, and dance,” said Marie. “They will
inherit our corporations – our family businesses.
They will understand that which makes them
who they are – and they will pass on the gift of
tomorrow to their children and grandchildren.”
NANA President and CEO Marie Greene was
the final presenter of the evening and thanked
Willie for his work at NANA as well as his
contribution to the Spirit Movement in the
1980s and the establishment of the Iñupiat
Willie said he was very honored to receive
the award.
Tasha Nasrauyaaq Ryder Joins NANA
New Employee Spotlight: Tasha Nasrauyaaq Ryder
Tasha Nasrauyaaq Ryder has joined the NANA
Shareholder Development department as
a shareholder development coordinator. In
that position, she will work directly with our
shareholders on their career development.
She came to NANA from CIRI, where she
worked in the Shareholder Relations department
as a shareholder liaison & records coordinator
and stock transfer technician. Tasha was born and raised in Kotzebue and
currently resides in Anchorage with her three
year-old son, Quincy Irirauraq Perry. Her parents
are Rita and Daryl Ryder of Kotzebue and
her grandparents are the late James and Effie
Ramoth of Selawik. Tasha graduated
from Kotzebue
High School and is
currently a part-time
honor student in
the RANA program
at Alaska Pacific
University studying
Education.
In her free time, she enjoys beading, skin
sewing, photography, scrapbooking, cooking,
and baking and loves to read.
“I look forward to helping our Iñupiat people to
become economically self-sufficient and pursue
their educational dreams,” said Tasha.
You can reach Tasha
Nasrauyaaq Ryder by calling
(800) 478-2000 or by email
tasha.ryder@nana.com. You
can also reach anyone on the
shareholder development
team by emailing
shareholderdevelopment@
nana.com.
Every Iñupiaq is responsible to all other
Iñupiat for the survival of our cultural spirit
and the values and traditions through
which it survives. Through our extended
family, we retain, teach, and live our
Iñupiat way. With guidance and support
from Elders, we must teach our children
these Iñupiat values:
Knowledge of Language
Knowledge of Family Tree
Sharing
Humility
Respect for Others
Love for Children
Cooperation
Hard Work
Respect for Elders
Respect for Nature
Avoid Conflict
Family Roles
Humor
Spirituality
Domestic Skills
Hunter Success
Responsibility to Tribe
Our understanding of our universe and our
place in it is a belief in God and a respect
for all His creation.
NANA Vision
NANA will be a respected, profitable,
multibillion-dollar corporation.
NANA Mission
We improve the quality of life for our
people by maximizing economic growth,
protecting and enhancing our lands, and
promoting healthy communities with
decisions, actions, and behaviors inspired
by our Iñupiat I itqusiat and consistent with
our Core Principles.
NANA Core Principles
yder
rauyaaq R
Tasha Nas
Honesty and integrity will govern our
activities. Commitments made will be
fulfilled. Everyone will be treated with
dignity and respect.
3
NANA Development Corporation News
NDC President’s Message
Embracing A Culture Of Safety
Helvi Sandvik
When I think
back on my
childhood, I am
surprised to be
alive. We didn’t
wear bike
helmets or life
preservers—yet
we lived on
the river, and
were constantly
trying to outmaneuver one
another on
our bikes and
motorcycles.
I do remember my mother not having
much sympathy when I stupidly cut my leg
playing leap frog over an electrical receptor
in Kiana.
But today, I certainly am much more aware
of the risks we face every day—maybe it is
because I am now a parent—or maybe a
few of those bumps on my head knocked
some sense into me.
Across the NANA family of companies our goal
is to maintain a world-class safety culture—we
strive for zero injuries and accidents. We need to
realize that all injuries can be prevented and we
must reinforce throughout our organization the
importance of thinking in terms of safety in all
that we do – whether we are working up on the
North Slope, overseas, or from one of our many
office locations.
But promoting safety and health goes beyond
just the workplace. It extends into our homes
and communities, and is something we should
be thinking of when doing everyday things –
whether that is driving, shoveling the snow, or
preparing a meal.
Let’s not take for granted the need to be aware
of hazards around us. Think for a moment about
the tasks you do at home or in your everyday life.
Are there safety measures that can be adopted in
your home, on the job, or when traveling? Share
your safe practices with your family and friends
so they can be safe too.
Here are a few safety suggestions that have been
on my mind recently:
• Cell phones are everywhere these days–
Limit cell phone use while driving;
• Get flu shots for all of your family members;
• Identify safety hazards around the house,
such as electrical cords or anything that can
cause slips, trips, and falls;
• Dress properly for the winter weather—pay
special attention to your children who don’t
always recognize when they are not properly
dressed;
• We have ice and snow on the roads now—
give yourself more maneuvering room while
driving; and
• As we enter the holiday season, be mindful
of holiday season hazards – such as the
use of candles near anything flammable,
checking holiday lights for frayed wires or
broken bulbs, and preventing Christmas tree
falls and potential fires.
This holiday season and into the New Year,
bring safety into your home and share it
with others.
Happy Holidays!
NDC Remains Third In Alaska’s Locally-Owned Top 49 Business List
NANA Development Corporation retains its
standing as the third largest Alaska-based and
Alaskan-owned business in the 49th state.
The annoucement of the 2009 Top 49ers,
which is based on gross annual revenues
compiled by Alaska Business Monthly
magazine, was made in early October.
According to Alaska Business Monthly:
• Alaska Native organizations rank first for
number of employees with 13,000 in Alaska
and 55,000 employees worldwide;
• Total combined revenue for the Top
49 Alaska Native businesses totaled
4
approximately $9.9 billion, up from $7.8 billion
the previous year;
• Alaska Native organizations bring in 71 percent
of the revenue represented by all industries in
the Top 49ers; and
• The 21 Alaska Native businesses represented
provide 83 percent of the jobs provided by the
49 companies.
“Our Alaska Native regional and village
corporations make a significant impact in Alaska.
Collectively, the success we have attained
through diversified business strategies brings in
an incredible stream of revenue from outside the
state as well as provides an impressive number
of employment opportunities virtually around the
globe for our shareholders,” said Helvi Sandvik,
NANA Development Corporation president.
NDC subsidiary presidents direct daily operations
of the more than 40 businesses in the NANA family.
Pictured are (left to right standing) Allan Dolynny,
NANA WorleyParsons; Matt Fagnani, WorkSafe; NANA
Development Corporation President Helvi Sandvik; Dave
Márquez, NDC Chief Operating Officer; Mary Quin, NMS;
Race McCleery, Qivliq; Stewart Osgood, DOWL HKM;
John Rense, WHPacific; (left to right, seated) Fred Smith,
NANA Oilfield Services; Mac McKee, NANA Construction;
Ed Morris, Akima; and Jonathan Widdis, Akmaaq.
NANA Development Corporation News
Akima Acquires Pegasus – A Former Alaska
Small Business Of The Year
Akima Management Services, LLC, a NANA
Development Corporation subsidiary, has
acquired Pegasus Aircraft Maintenance, the
2007 Alaska Small Business of the Year that
specializes in a wide range of aviation services
for a variety of clients such as Delta Air Lines,
Frontier Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, EVA
Air Cargo, Air China, Japan Airlines, Asiana
Airlines, and Shanghai Air Cargo.
Nine years ago, former FedEx cargo mechanics
Carlos Nelson and Roy Ardern recognized a
business opportunity in Anchorage and cashed
in their retirement accounts and life savings
to start Pegasus as a two-man work force
servicing planes. Pegasus rapidly expanded
from a startup to $11 million in revenues and
now handles more than 80 percent of the 250
weekly air cargo stops in Anchorage.
The acquisition of Pegasus positions the
company to be a leading force in aviation
services for commercial and government
customers worldwide, and will be a welcome
addition to Akima’s current platform of
operating companies providing a range
of support services from construction
and logistics to facilities management and
infrastructure. The acquisition is also a great
opportunity for shareholder hire and career
development.
Pegasus is the largest provider of line
maintenance, de-icing, flight operations, ground
handling, and cargo logistics at Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport. According to
Nelson, Pegasus employees contribute greatly to
the company’s success with good work ethics,
dedication to quality service, and a family culture.
d Lincoln (second left) and
NDC board members Doo
ons
t) toured Pegasus operati
righ
ond
(sec
Lester Hadley
nter) and
(ce
son
Nel
los
Car
nt
with Pegasus Preside
right).
left) and Neil Cooksey (far
Akima’s Dan Melchior (far
Learning To Build Bridges
I have been interning for the past two years at
NANA Development Corporation in operations
as I work toward obtaining my master’s
degree. I recently had the opportunity to
travel to New Orleans, Louisiana, to attend
the National Minority Supplier Development
Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference.
The conference allows Minority Business
Entrepreneur (MBE) companies to network
with large, Fortune 100 corporations in an
effort to build bridges with corporate America
and secure working relationships. These
valuable business relationships in turn secure
profits for NANA,
its companies, and
shareholders. With
many MBE certified
companies in NANA’s
portfolio of
businesses, NANA
sent representatives
from NANA
Development
Corporation, NANA
Pacific, NMS, and
Qivliq to participate
in the four-day
Eva Sheld
on-Mandre
event to meet with
gan (left)
diversity managers,
and network with representatives from the
large corporations and other MBE companies.
The days were long. There were early
breakfast meetings; a selection of workshops,
plenary, and breakout sessions to attend;
luncheons and afternoon sessions; and
evening dinners and networking events.
We also worked our NANA booth at the
Business Opportunity Fair, the largest
national procurement event of its kind that
By Eva Sheldon-Mandregan
is attended by hundreds of key purchasing
executives. Observing NANA’s seasoned
business professionals meet with CEOs and
vice presidents from large corporations was
valuable, educational, and very productive. It
gave me a chance to look through the window
of business opportunity and appreciate the
work these professionals do to ensure that
the NANA family of companies builds the
valuable business relationships needed to
generate income, which in turn benefits our
shareholders with education assistance and
work experience. While the conference is over,
our work continues as we spend the next few
months following up and reconnecting with the
business contacts to see how our
NANA companies can bring
value to their customers.
Len Greenhalgh, a professor
of management at the Tuck
School of Business at
Dartmouth College, presented
a workshop on used tires
and the automotive and
airline industries to illustrate
how company values vary.
He illustrated his point by
mentioning that the quality of
tires are probably valued more by
the airline companies than they
are to an automotive company. On my return
flight from Chicago to Anchorage, we landed
just fine. However, the captain announced that
one of the aircraft tires was low as we continued
to taxi to the terminal. A few moments later,
I heard a large boom and the tire blew out.
This made me recall professor Greenhalgh’s
example, and needless to say, my first trip as a
business representative for NANA Development
Corporation ended with a bang!
It’s True: Surprising
Facts About NANA
Business
With more than 40 companies operating
in all 50 states, a total of eight different
countries in four of the world’s continents,
NANA businesses support interesting and
important projects around the world.
DID YOU
KNOW? NANA
company, Akima,
has assisted in the
training of 85,000
soldiers at nine
different Army
Civilians dressed in character
bases throughout
at the mock village of Medina
the U.S. prior to
Jabal at the Fort Irwin National
their deployment
Training Center to assist in
overseas. Akima
role-playing training exercises
provides trained
and rehearsed
role players to participate in scenario-based
exercises and incidents during theater-specific
readiness training for the Army.
DID YOU KNOW? NANA company,
Truestone, is assisting with the installation of
a new undersea fiber optic cable between
Kwajalein and
Guam, scheduled
for completion next
spring.
DID YOU
KNOW? WHPacific
provided consulting
and planning
when Nike – yes
The 176-acre Nike World
the mega sports
campus is recognized
conglomerate
as a leading example
with the famous
of master planning and
swoosh logo –
sustainable design. Photo
expanded their Nike
by Richard H. Strode.
World Campus
headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. This was
the largest single-phased construction office
campus ever built in Oregon! WHPacific
provided land use planning and permitting,
wetland delineation, site civil, and landscape
architectural services.
DID YOU KNOW? The United States
Department of Agriculture’s Western Regional
Research Center – where NANA subsidiary
Akima Facilities Management, LLC provides
facility management – is designated a National
Historic Chemical Landmark in recognition of
pioneering research on frozen foods, which
laid the foundation for the modern frozen food
industry and continues to provide the basis for
the handling and preservation of frozen foods.
DID YOU KNOW? Pegasus Aircraft
Maintenance services as many as 11,750
flights over
the course
of a year at
Anchorage’s
International
Airport, the
fifth largest
cargo airport
in the world.
Pegasus aircraft technicians, Chi Ma,
Ron Poulin, and Chul Kyu Choi
5
Culture, Community, and History
Mining Runs In The Lee Family
On October 8, 2009, NANA shareholder Jason
Lee was promoted to heavy equipment supervisor
at the Red Dog Mine.
Jason is the son of Martha Lee and the late
Edward Lee of Shungnak. His family lived in
Shungnak until he was 10 years old before
relocating to Kotzebue. His grandparents
are Homer and Vera Cleveland and Neil and
Margaret Sheldon. Jason speaks with pride when
remembering his “Taatas” (grandfathers) and his
father being miners. Jason remembers seeing
photos of his Dad at the port site ‘tipping dump
trucks to unload concentrate in the days before
side-dump trucks were brought to Red Dog.
“It was a sight to see a huge truck like that tipped
over,” he said.
Prior to his promotion, Jason was a heavy
equipment mechanic at the mine. He recently
began filling in as relief heavy equipment supervisor
and was quickly promoted to the position full time.
Jason graduated from Kotzebue Middle/High
School in 1997. In the fall of 1998, at the age
of 19, Jason heard about training opportunities
at the Alaska Technical Center (ATC) in Kotzebue
Now, Jason is enjoying his new role at the mine.
“I wanted to meet the expectations and standards
of the general foremen and the superintendent to
better the workplace,” he said. “I want to do my
part to contribute to that effort.”
Jason Le
e
for apprenticeships at Red Dog. He made the
decision to take advantage of this opportunity.
He applied for the apprenticeship and was told
there was “good news and bad news.” The good
news was that he was accepted to the program.
The bad news was only 12 applicants would be
funded, he was the 13th applicant. He could
attend but would have to seek and obtain his own
funding. Jason credits his mom for helping him
receive funding support from NANA and Maniilaq.
During the program, his instructors at ATC
encouraged him to continue his training at
Red Dog while gaining valuable experience.
He realized that being a mechanic was a good
career and that Red Dog provided great training
and advancement opportunities.
Iñupiaq Pride Is Strong In Selawik
The Iñupiaq culture and pride is strong in the
Native Village of Selawik. Continuing its traditional
Fall Celebration, members of the community and
students from the school shared good stories,
enjoyable moments, and opportunities to teach the
youth and new teachers about the Iñupiaq culture.
For two weeks this fall,
students from first through
12th grade traveled out to the
Selawik Elder’s Camp where
they were greeted by local
Elders and community members
who were there to teach them
traditional skills such as setting
fish nets, gathering, preparing
6
“Listen to your teachers and your Elders,” he said.
“It’s also important to speak up and not be afraid.
As children, we learned from our Elders by sitting,
watching and listening, so yes, there is some
reluctance to speak up. Yet there are times
when you need to speak up and make your
voice heard.”
He encourages others to complete their training
and education, to be prepared for jobs at
Red Dog.
“Don’t be discouraged by challenges of funding
requirements for training,” Jason said. “Our
resources are unlimited. If you want to do it, set
your mind to it and you can.”
By Neale “Tatmik” Caffin
and cleaning fish, hunting caribou, and sharing
traditional stories.
“We need to share this information with our younger
generation so our culture can remain strong,” said
one Elder who volunteered at the camp.
“[Fall Celebration] is something
that helps us to learn, even
outside of the classroom,”
said one middle school
student.
He also enjoys working alongside the members
of his team and would like to see other NANA
shareholders take advantage of opportunities.
The students traveled to the
celebration in two groups. During
the first week, first through fifth
graders traveled to camp by
boat. Volunteers put up a sturdy
wooden frame, tarp, and canvas
tent for everyone where they
gathered for sharing food,
friendship, and stories.
New teachers also attended the Fall Celebration.
Members of the US Fish and Wildlife Service,
students, community members, and Elders
spoke with the teachers about “Native Ways
of Knowing” and shared information regarding
the enriching and enduring traditional Iñupiaq
lifestyle. They also showed them how to properly
clean fish and caribou.
The Fall Celebration was a great success.
It is this type of shared partnership between
community and school that creates both trust,
confidence, and ultimately a stronger community.
The following week, students
in grades six through 12
traveled to Elder’s Camp and
harvested fish and caribou.
,a
ns an axe ik
th sharpe
w
o
la
m
e
a
S
R
e
n
Bria
ile at th
arned wh
skill he le
amp.
Elder’s C
Ellenore
Jackson
teaches
kids how
to scale
fish.
Ronald Mitchell chops wood
for the Elder’s Camp.
Culture, Community, and History
In Memory
NANA Board of Directors and staff extend their condolences to the family and friends of the following
shareholders who have recently passed away.
Lilly Beckett
Ronald L. Bush
Truman Cleveland, Sr.
Clement Frankson, Sr.
Patrick Griffis
Rachel Hutchinson
Alta Jack
Roderick Kenworthy
Theodore Kingeak, Jr.
Judy Lee
Alice Reuben
Frederica Schaeffer
Sol Scott, Jr.
Ben Swan
Daisy Walton
Kellie R. Williams
Bernice Wilson
Dora Wilson
From Home School To Red Dog: Myles Wilson’s Story
After four years and more than 9,000 hours
of training and classroom time, Myles Wilson
received his U.S. Department of Labor
Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship
as a Millwright Journeyman at Red Dog.
Born in Kotzebue, Myles was raised by his
adoptive great grandparents Claude and Dora
Wilson at their remote campsites.
“We only had wood heat, no fuel,” he said.
“During the night, we could see our breath
in the freezing cold house.”
Myles’ classroom was the ocean, the open
tundra and the surrounding hills; his parents
and family were his teachers. He was home
schooled and he hunted every day.
Growing up, Myles would look across the
bay at the lights of Kotzebue in the distance
and wonder what could be going on in the
“big town.”
At 17, Myles graduated high school and found
work in construction in Kotzebue. At 24, he
entered The Alaska Technical Center (ATC),
then began his career at Red Dog with Teck as
a summer laborer. In the fall of 2005, he began
training in the mill maintenance apprentice
program.
Myles is thankful for the good role models he’s
had in his life.
“My brother Claude, Jr. was a good role model
for me. He worked every day, had his own home,
owned snow machines and things. I wanted those
things too, so I knew I had to work,” he said “My
brother Henry lived at camp with us and taught
me how to hunt. My sister Martha Whiting is
always a positive role model. She was the first
college graduate in our family.”
Kayelee (9), Jazlyn (4), and Xavia (2). After three
and a half years at Red Dog, Myles moved his
family from Kotzebue to Wasilla, where they
bought a home. Even though he misses the
NANA Region, hunting and family, he said his
decision was based on the cost of living.
“I have three girls who drink a gallon of milk a
day at $11.00 a gallon. I told them we were
going to have to buy a cow,” he said. “They
didn’t want to take care of a cow.”
Myles encourages others to take advantage of
the opportunities Red Dog has to offer, to stay
in school and get the training.
Myles attributes his motivation to his significant
other, Billie Kaye Lee, who has a fulltime
job and is mother of their three daughters,
The Apprentice: Harry Commack’s Story
Harry Commack finished his heavy equipment
mechanic apprenticeship with the U.S.
Department of Labor and received his Certificate
of Completion, after 576 hours of class and 9,376
hours of training during four years.
Harry’s apprenticeship was sponsored by Teck
Alaska. As part of NANA’s agreement with Teck to
develop Red Dog Mine, Teck must provide training
opportunities for NANA shareholders. These
programs directly benefit shareholders like Harry.
Harry first came to Red Dog in the spring of 2005,
working for NANA/Lynden as a heavy equipment
operator. When he saw the shop where the heavy
equipment mechanics worked on the gear he
used, he decided he wanted to be able to fix as
well as operate the big machines.
To be able to become a heavy equipment
mechanic, Harry joined the apprentice program
and began by working with the lube trucks, oiling
vehicles in the fleet. He then moved to electrical
and instrumentation shop and the powerhouse.
“Once I started working on the instrumentation, it
helped me connect the dots,” he said. “I was able
to see the different parts of the machines and how
they all work together.”
Today, Harry works with a crew of eight in his new
job. He values the time he spent as an apprentice.
“The highlight of my apprenticeship was the
knowledge I gained working with my mentors and
trainers,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for these
guys and I’m honored that they invested in my
future and believed in me.”
Looking to the future, Harry has a strong desire
to share his knowledge and skills with the next
generation of NANA shareholders.
“I want them to know that there’s a lot of
opportunity at Red Dog,” he said. “It’s easy to
be successful here. All you have to do is set your
mind to it.”
Congratulations
Justin And Myles
Congratulations graduates of the
millwright apprenticeship program!
On September 30, 2009, Justin Morris
of Kiana and Myles Wilson of Kotzebue
received their U.S. Department of Labor
“certificate of completion” as millwright
journeyman. Congratulations Justin and
Myles! We are all proud of you!
Harry Commack (pictured left) was
born and raised in Shungnak. His
parents are Lorena Commack and the
late Felton Commack. He is a Heavy
Equipment Operator at Red Dog Mine.
7
Anchorage, AK
Permit No. 444
PAID
PRSRT STD
U. S. Postage
Culture, Community, and History
P.O. Box 49
Kotzebue, Alaska 99752
Remembering Annie Qu uyuk Baldwin Mills
An Iñupiaq Life Lived With Sharing And
Subsistence
Event Calendar
JANUARY
14 NANA Board Meeting,
Kotzebue
15 NANA Shareholder Awards
Nominations Deadline
MARCH
15 NANA Annual Meeting of
Though life was often difficult, it was also
peaceful in the NANA Region decades ago.
Subsistence living kept villagers working hard
almost all the time, but when they gathered
together on the holidays they celebrated,
according to an Elder who lived to be 100
years old and spent much of her younger life
in Kiana.
Annie Qu uyuk Baldwin Mills, who became
a respected Iñupiaq Elder, was born July 1,
1906, at camp near Kiana to an Irish father
and an Iñupiaq mother.
Annie talked about her long life and her longing for the good old days in an interview in
1999. She recalled that life back then was
based on sharing with others.
“It wasn’t at all like today, people never got
into trouble,” she said. “There was hardly any
drinking or people fighting and getting into
trouble. Not like today. Just like – hardly any
deaths. Once in awhile, there would be old
people dying from age. It was so peaceful.
It’s hard to describe.”
Back then families lived by subsistence,
living traditionally and using dog teams for
transportation.
“We didn’t even have a church,” said Annie.
“Get-togethers were on holidays. That’s all.
Shareholders, Buckland
Contact NANA
NANA Regional Corporation, Kotzebue
P.O. Box 49, Kotzebue, AK 99752
P (907) 442-3301
P (800) 478-3301 (Toll Free)
F (907) 442-2863
NANA Regional Corporation, Anchorage
3150 C St., Suite 150, Anchorage, AK 99503
P (907) 265-4100
P (800) 478-2000
F (907) 265-4296
Annie Qu uyuk Baldwin Mills
(seventh from the right) and her
brother Jimmy Baldwin (second
from the right) with the students
of the old Noorvik school in 1926
NANA Development Corporation
1001 E. Benson Blvd., Anchorage, AK 99508
P (907) 265-4100
P (800) 478-2000
F (907) 265-4123
info@nana.com
8
Annie Qu uyuk Baldwin Mills
I didn’t even learn to dance. It was much later
– after I left – that they built a church. There
was no place where young people stay out at
night. No places like that. We lived just in a
small village.”
Annie married her husband Levi Mills in 1926.
Since there was no church in Deering at the
time, the couple was married in Candle by
a judge. They raised eight children together
during their 73 years of marriage.
Annie died peacefully Feb. 7, 2007, at age
100 in her home in Kotzebue. She was laid to
rest next to her husband, Levi, in the family
camp at Ivik.
Before she passed on, Annie offered this
advice to young people.
“Do well. Pass on the Iñupiaq skills that need
to be passed on like hunting. Have a job
and to be well aware of respect. Do good to
others. Live a good life.”
According to the obituary published in the
Anchorage Daily News, Annie was told by Joe
Sun, another Elder, that she was a descendant of the Iñupiaq prophet Maniilaq. She was
proud to be of his lineage, and she also was
proud of her Irish heritage.