BSNC Announces 2024 Annual Meeting Election Results
BSNC held its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Nome, Alaska at the Nome Recreation Center. Shareholders voted on the election of five board directors who will serve three-year terms. Incumbents Ella Anagick, Eugene Asicksik, Edna. R. “Becka” Baker, and Jason Evans were reelected, and Gloria Ann Karmun was newly elected to the Board.
Shareholders who were not able to attend in person were invited to view the meeting webcast online at 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 Scholarship were presented to recipients.
Young Provider Award and Youth Culture Bearer Award
Amanda Davison of Elim received the Young Provider Award in honor of the late Ida “Taiitwiq” Nakarak. BSNC descendant Jessie Outwater of Anchorage received the Youth Culture Bearer Award in honor of the late Aġunaat Atqaq Esther Bourdon. These awards annually recognize young people who contribute daily to the health and well-being of their families, communities and culture. Read more at beringstraits.com/2024-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:
Stanley “Buddy” Walker – Council Native Corporation
Oscar Takak – Elim Native Corporation
Deborah “Debbie” Anungazuk – Golovin Native Corporation
Johanna Kane – King Island Native Corporation
Danny “Chamble” Adams – Koyuk Native Corporation
Sarah Kakaruk – Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation
Harvey Sookiayak, Sr. – Shaktoolik Native Corporation
Clarence Tocktoo – Shishmaref Native Corporation
Georgianna Merrill – Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Richard Atuk – Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Clement Ungottinganwon – Sivuqaq, Inc.
Clara Tootkaylok – Solomon Native Corporation
Virginia Tom – Stebbins Native Corporation
Eva Menadelook – Teller Native Corporation
Leonard Brown – Unalakleet Native Corporation
Velma Brown – White Mountain Native Corporation
Read the Elder bios at beringstraits.com/2024-elders-of-the-year
Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship
BSNC shareholder Kylie Evans received the 2024 Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship. This $10,000 merit-based competitive scholarship is 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 beringstraits.com/2024-tim-towarak-scholarship-awardee
Quyaana, quyana cakneq, igamsiqanaghhalek, thank you to all the shareholders who attended the meeting in person and online.