BSNC congratulates shareholders Betty Anagick, and Madilyn Short, who each received Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) President’s Awards. These AFN awardees were nominated by BSNC and recognized virtually at the 2021 AFN Convention this week.
Shareholder Betty (Nanouk) Anagick of Unalakleet received the Elder of the Year award. The AFN Elder of the Year award recognizes an Alaska Native Elder who exemplifies the highest of values and qualities important to Native people. This individual is recognized as a leader, an educator, and preserver of Native culture whose contributions have benefited Native peoples throughout their life. Betty’s commitment to education through her work as a teacher’s aide and her indigenous-based knowledge of ecology and climate change is remarkable. Now into her 90s, Betty still practices a subsistence lifestyle and is a well-respected and loved matriarchal figure and role model to the community of Unalakleet. Today Betty is the eldest woman living in Unalakleet, Alaska.
Descendant Madilyn Rose Short received the Lu Young Youth Leadership Award. The Lu Young Youth Leadership is named for the late Lu Young, who encouraged young people to expand their horizons and challenge themselves to become future leaders. The recipient must be a young woman of high school age or a college student who demonstrates leadership qualities. Madilyn graduated from Dartmouth College in June of 2020 with a degree in Neuroscience. In the fall of 2021, Madilyn will start graduate school at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She plans on using her medical training to return to Alaska and engage in work that benefits Alaska Native people.