BSNC is pleased to announce Jolene Nanouk as the 2020 awardee of the 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
Nanouk has worked for the Bering Straits School District for 26 years; 23 years of which have been as a bilingual/bicultural teacher. She is culture-bearer who teaches the Inupiaq language and culture to youth. Nanouk helps to build a historical and cultural foundation for youth to understand and follow Inupiat values in their daily lives. Nanouk is a subsistence gatherer, harvester and fisher. She has served as a Director of Unalakleet Native Corporation for 19 years. Nanouk earned a Bachelor of Arts in Alaska Native Studies with a minor in Inupiaq and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Rural Development. She expects to graduate in May 2022.
Candidates for the Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship are professional career-track shareholder or descendant students with a passion for advocating for, or serving, Alaska Native people. Students do not apply separately for the scholarship. Preference for the scholarship award will be given to students who are Alaska residents. For more information, go to www.beringstraits.com/scholarship.