Kotzebue, Alaska – July 18 2024 – Celebrating unity, the Native Village Of Kotzebue recognized the following Tribal members at the 2024 Annual Meeting for their outstanding achievements and commitment to community.
- 2024 Elder of the Year Award, Tavautluk Lena Jones
- 2024 Youth of the Year, Quġluk Tahayla Baker
- 2024 Tribal Members of the Year, Aŋilġaqtuaq Claude Wilson Jr. & Tagiagiña Sadie Wilson
2024 Elder of the Year Award — Tavautluk Lena Jones
Lena Jones is a well-known elder. She has a large family and is loved by all! She spent most of her life living at camp and even has a winter staked trail named after her family – the Jones Trail!
Lena’s involvement is all about family, living, and sharing the Iñupiaq way of life. Her family and relatives are spread throughout Alaska and more. She shares her wisdom and guidance with all. She also does it with Humility and a beautiful smile!
Lena is a well-known champion of our Iñupiaq culture, she knows everything regarding Arctic life and survival. She makes or has made all the clothing including maklaks, parkas, hats, yarn socks, and more. She is a master of food preservation from marine mammals, land animals, fish, ducks, and plant use for food, traditional medicine, and clothing. Lena can build and mend nets. She shares knowledge at Chukchi college and Inupiaq days.
Lena has learned from her ancestors and continues to share our Iñupiaq way of life, which will be felt for generations to come. Lena is a living legend. Our community and region are grateful for her love and presence. She does it with a smile, a happy heart, and discipline.
Quyanaqpak Lena!
2024 Youth of the Year — Quġluk Tahayla Baker
Tahayla is a Kotzebue High School Graduate and most recently received two degrees from Stanford University in Native American Studies and Psychology. She is bright, outgoing, and even a commercial fishing captain!
Tahayla continues to set examples of higher education, leadership, Iñupiaq culture and commitment. Her voice resonates with Iñupiaq pride in her life, in her work, and with her studies.
Tahayla is a Caleb Scholar Recipient and is committed to conservation and traditional ecological knowledge. Her education and work will positively impact our community, region, and state for decades to come. She continues to set an example of a strong Iñupiaq woman. Go Tahayla!
Tahayla comes from a strong family. What she has learned from them, she will share with and inspire others. She already has! The future is bright with her commitment and love for our people.
“To me, conservation means using our tradition, ecological knowledge to observe and protect our land, waters, animals and ecosystems. Conservation should not be used to limit traditions: tradition should be used to enhance conservation…” – Tahayla Baker Caleb Scholars Program
Tahayla is one in a million and we cannot wait to witness her accomplishments.
Quyanaqpak Tahalya!
2024 Tribal Members of the Year — Aŋilġaqtuaq Claude Wilson Jr. & Tagiagiña Sadie Wilson
Claude and Sadie have been active supporters of Kotzebue and our region for decades. They have volunteered for organizing snow machine races, notably the Archie Ferguson/Willie Goodwin snow go race. They can also be found supporting a variety of community events.
Claude and Sadie have been organizing snow machine races for decades, along with other volunteers. They were and still are instrumental in introducing the Iron Dog to Northwest Alaska. Go team!
The success of the AF/WG snow machine race, night riders, Gunner 120, and Iron Dog. As well as kids snow machine races are all part of Claude and Sadie’s commitment and active involvement.
Claude worked at Kotzebue Electric for 26 years, that’s commitment! Every time there is a power outage, There is confidence in the community that Claude and his KEA team will get the power back on!!
Claude and Sadie spent their lives supporting family and our community. Claude is an avid fisherman and shares his techniques with others. Sadie has a hard work ethic and worked at OTZ telephone for years. She always has a positive attitude with life!
Claude and Sadie recently relocated to Eagle River and continue to support Kotzebue racing events. Their love, commitment, and hard work is worthy of recognition.
Quyanaq Claude and Sadie!
