The Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) has named its 2024 Elders of the Year. The annual honor recognizes shareholders from across the region that exemplify the values of cultural preservation, community service, and traditional knowledge.
Associate Communications Director for BSNC, Ana Grayson, shared the mission of the annual award.
“The 2024 Elders of the Year are selected by the village corporations within the Bering Strait region. This annual recognition, taking place since the mid 90’s, is a cherished opportunity to honor Elders for their invaluable contributions, wisdom and dedication to preserving and sharing our culture and heritage. We deeply appreciate the village corporations' role in nominating these esteemed individuals, allowing BSNC to celebrate their lasting impact on our communities,” Grayson said by email.
Among those honored this year is Stanley “Buddy” Walker of White Mountain, representing the Council Native Corporation. A Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Navy, Walker returned to Nome to build a life focused on his family and career. A subsistence lifestyle is central to his life, and he continues to share his knowledge of hunting, fishing, and gathering with his children and grandchildren.
Deborah “Debbie” Anungazuk, recognized by the Golovin Native Corporation, was also selected for her dedication to teaching and preserving cultural practices. An educator for over three decades at the Martin L. Olson School, Anungazuk has spent her life teaching students the importance of cultural identity and resilience.
Johanna (Kokuluk) Kane (Agnoyuk) of the King Island Native Corporation was recognized for her vision care took her to every village in the Bering Strait region, where she provided services in both Inupiaq and English. Kane is a cancer and stroke survivor and encourages others to “have hope and always do your best.”
The stories of these Elders are woven together by their shared commitment to cultural preservation. Danny Adams of Koyuk, for instance, has spent a lifetime practicing and teaching subsistence skills, from boatbuilding to fishing and hunting. As a veteran and community leader, Adams played a foundational role in establishing Koyuk’s governance structures, ensuring that traditional values remain at the heart of the community’s future.
In Shishmaref, Clarence “Tugutaq” Tocktoo has passed down his knowledge of hunting and survival skills, even overcoming early physical challenges to contribute meaningfully to his family and community. Tocktoo is also known by his nickname, “Tootsie”.
Full list of BSNC’s 2024 Elders of the Year
Stanley “Buddy” Walker - Council Native Corporation
Oscar Takak - Elim Native Corporation
Deborah “Debbie” Anungazuk - Golovin Native Corporation
Johanna Kane - King Island Native Corporation
Danny “Chamble” Adams - Koyuk Native Corporation
Sarah Kakaruk - Mary’s Igloo Native Corporation
Harvey Sookiayak, Sr. - Shaktoolik Native Corporation
Clarence Tocktoo - Shishmaref Native Corporation
Georgianna Merrill - Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Richard Atuk - Sitnasuak Native Corporation
Clement Ungottinganwon - Sivuqaq, Inc.
Clara Tootkaylok - Solomon Native Corporation
Virginia Tom - Stebbins Native Corporation
Eva Menadelook - Teller Native Corporation
Leonard Brown - Unalakleet Native Corporation
Velma Brown - White Mountain Native Corporation
