The 2024 BSNC Summer Intern Cohort included Shane Angnaboogok, Nathaniel Appolloni, Jorden Barnhill, Joseph Butzke, Aiyana Campbell, Kyle Collins, Jessica Davis, Brady Dickens, Avrey Hansell, Reece Ivanoff, Adria Lawrence, Isaiah Nayokpuk, Luke Polito, Taylor Tiulana, and Paige Miller. It’s the largest cohort BSNC has had so far. Throughout their time at BSNC, the interns had the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning and professional development. This experience deepened their appreciation for cultural traditions and community knowledge, while also shedding light on the business operations and strategies that drive our subsidiaries.
One of the many trainings the interns received included salmon filleting from shareholder Buffy Meyer, the owner of Fish on Camp Grill. In addition to mastering this essential skill, they also learned how to make fish head soup. Shareholder Mike Sherman crafted the ulus that the interns used during their training, which further connected the interns with practices rooted in their heritage.
Additionally, the intern cohort donned proper Personal Protective Equipment and participated in an educational tour of three of BSNC’s subsidiaries: Alaska Industrial Hardware, Arcticom, and Central Environmental Inc. During the tour, the interns received detailed information about the operations of each company, including the wide range of services and products offered and the roles these companies play in their respective industries. This experience was designed to provide the interns with a comprehensive understanding of the business operations and strategies that drive these successful subsidiaries, enhancing their knowledge and preparing them for future roles.
The interns attended CPR, First Aid, and AED training at Environmental Management Inc. (EMI), a BSNC subsidiary specializing in environmental consulting, engineering, and training services. The in-person training offered a full day of hands-on learning, and each participant received certification through the American Heart Association, earning an American Heart Saver Card.
They also participated in various cultural activities, including an Inupiaq language class with shareholder Josie Bourdon, a decolonization discussion led by shareholder Ukallaysaaq Okleasik, King Island singing and dancing, a tour of the Anchorage Museum with shareholder Paul Ongtooguk, an overview of the book Menadelook with shareholder Eileen Norbert, and a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center with shareholder Paul Asicksik.
BSNC expresses pride and excitement for this group of interns and their future journeys, acknowledging their hard work and dedication as a reflection of the company’s future. A huge thank you to staff, instructors and culture bearers for sharing your time and knowledge with the interns.