BSNC held its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Saturday, Oct. 7 in Anchorage, Alaska at the Dena’ina Center. The sole resolution to reduce the quorum requirement from 50% +1 of eligible shares present or represented by proxy to 1/3 of eligible shares was approved by shareholders with 74 percent voting in favor of the resolution. Shareholders also voted on the election of five board directors who will serve three-year terms. Incumbents Roy Ashenfelter, Debbie Atuk, Bobby Evans and Fred Sagoonick were reelected and Tony A. Weyiouana, Sr. was newly elected to the Board.
Shareholders who were not able to attend in person were invited to view the meeting webcast online at www.bsncvote.com. Proxy prize drawings were held for shareholders who cast a proxy. Checks will be mailed to winners within 10 business days. In addition, the Young Providers, Youth Culture Bearer, Elder of the Year Awards and the Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship were presented to recipients.
Young Providers Award and Youth Culture Bearer Award
BSNC shareholder Martin “Qusiq” Kimoktoak of Nome received the Young Providers Award in honor of the late Francis Alvanna. BSNC shareholder Justin “Adsuna” Maxwell of Anchorage received the Youth Culture Bearer Award in honor of the late Paul Tiulana. These awards honor young people with roots from the BSNC region who contribute on a daily basis to the health and well-being of their families, communities and culture. Read more at https://beringstraits.com/bsnc-announces-2023-young-providers-and-youth-culture-bearer-awardees/.
Elder of the Year Awardees
BSNC honored Elders selected by their respective village corporation in appreciation for their accomplishments in maintaining traditional lifestyles and the determination to share valuable knowledge with our youth in preserving the culture and heritage of the Bering Strait region. This year, BSNC recognized the following Elders:
Thomas Franklin Lee – Council Native Corporation
Maria “Isma” Dexter – Golovin Native Corporation
Bertha Jackson – Golovin Native Corporation
Peggy Hoogendorn – Golovin Native Corporation
Frances “Apok” Muktoyuk – King Island Native Corporation
Sylvester Ayek – King Island Native Corporation
Thomas Ablowaluk – Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation
Willa Tauzuak Seetomona – Shishmaref Native Corporation
Arlene Margaret Doris Soxie – Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Ralph “Chubby” Olanna Jr. – Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Mary Rose Ann Titus – White Mountain Native Corporation
Eugene Asicksik – Shaktoolik Native Corporation
Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship
Marilynn Nashalook of Nome received the 2023 Beringia Settlement Trust (BST) Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is a $10,000 merit-based competitive scholarship awarded annually to one high-performing student enrolled in an accredited college or university. The scholarship honors the late Tim Towarak, who worked tirelessly to advocate for Alaska Native people. Read more at https://beringstraits.com/bsnc-announces-2023-tim-towarak-memorial-scholarship-awardee/.
Quyaana to all the shareholders who attended the meeting in person and online.