Eleven individuals were recognized during the 2018 Alaska Federation of Natives convention in Anchorage, for their contributions to the Alaska Native community and rural Alaska.
Carl Marrs, Alutiiq, president and CEO of Old Harbor Native Corp., after retirement from 31 years with CIRI, was presented with the Citizen of the Year award, recognizing contributions of a Native person who demonstrated strong commitment, dedication and service to the Native community and rural Alaska.
Woodcarver and musician Jim Lynn Dillard of Kodiak, was given the Denali Award, recognizing contributions of a non-Native who has demonstrated a strong commitment, dedication and service to Alaska Natives and rural Alaska.
Others honored were:
- Margaret Agnguarta Roberts, of Kodiak, with the Hannah Paul Solomon Woman of Courage award to an Alaska Native woman who demonstrates the strengths of Native culture and values and exhibits tremendous courage.
- Replogle Swan Sr., of Kivalina, president of the Kivalina Volunteer Search and Rescue program, with the Katie John Hunter-Fisher Award, for exemplifying and preserving the spirit of successful subsistence hunting, trapping and sharing and the Native way of life.
- Cindy Agnaqhiq Massie, of Unalakleet, and her husband Tom, of East Los Angeles, founders of The Outdoor Channel, a cable and satellite network with over 50 million subscribers, the Small Business award, for success in business with a commitment to their community.
- Dr. Donna Galbreath, Anchorage, family medicine specialist and senior medical director of quality assurance for Southcentral Foundation, the Health Award, for accomplishments that have improved health care for Alaska Natives.
- Frances Jackson, Ahtna Athabascan, principal of Glennallen School, the Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education award for accomplishments that have improved educational opportunities for Alaska Natives.
- Lt. Lonny Piscoya, raised in Nome and honored in 2018 as Fairbanks District Attorney’s Officer of the Year, the Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement award, for an Alaska Native law enforcement officer who has shown outstanding dedication to safety of the public in Alaska.
- Ben Anderson-Agimuk, Chevak, legislative aide to Rep. Tiffany Zulkosky, D-Bethel, the Roger Lang Youth Leadership award, for demonstrating leadership qualities and expanding his horizons to challenge himself to become a future leader.
- Master Sgt. Tanna Lee Carter, of Minto, executive coordinator for the Tanana Chiefs Conference and a member of the Alaska Air National Guard, the Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service award, for her commitment to serve in the U.S. armed forces.
Advertisement
