BSNC Announces Election Results and Recognizes Honorees at 2026 Annual Meeting

BSNC held its 2026 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on Oct. 3 in Nome. Shareholders elected five directors to serve three-year terms. Incumbents Robert "Bobby" Evans and Roy Ashenfelter were reelected, and Roy Agloinga, Neal Foster, and Donald Stiles were newly elected to the Board.

Shareholders who could not attend in person were invited to watch the meeting webcast at bsncvote.com. Proxy prize drawings were held for shareholders who submitted a proxy. Checks will be mailed to winners within 10 business days.

BSNC also recognized recipients of the Young Provider Award, Youth Culture Bearer Award, inaugural Young Leader Award, Elder of the Year Awards and Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship.

Youth Awards

BSNC was pleased to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Youth Awards:

• Shareholder Haylen Thomas Lonnie O'Connor of Nome received the Young Provider Award in honor of Tom Gray.
• Shareholder Rena Tamaak Kiyutelluk of Shishmaref received the Youth Culture Bearer Award in honor of Rena Kuzuguk and Morris Kiyutelluk.
• Shareholder Brooke Anungazuk received the newly established Young Leader Award in honor of Elizabeth "Betty" Anagick.

These awards recognize young people who contribute daily to the health and well-being of their families, communities and culture. Read their bios.

Elder of the Year Awardees

BSNC honored Elders selected by their respective village corporations for their dedication to maintaining traditional ways of life and sharing valuable knowledge with youth. Their contributions help preserve the culture and heritage of the Bering Strait region. This year, BSNC recognized the following Elders:

• Brevig Mission Native Corporation - Glen Adam
• Inalik Native Corporation - Orville Ahkinga, Sr.
• Golovin Native Corporation - Jack P. Fagerstrom
• Shaktoolik Native Corporation - Ethel Fuller
• Sitnasuak Native Corporation - John Ervin Garrison
• King Island Native Corporation - Rosemary Heinz
• Koyuk Native Corporation - Merlin Howard Henry
• Golovin Native Corporation - Ruth Hunt
• Sitnasuak Native Corporation - Sally Johnson
• Stebbins Native Corporation - Theodore Katcheak
• Shishmaref Native Corporation - Steven Kiyutelluk
• Elim Native Corporation - David Nakarak
• Teller Native Corporation - James Noyakuk
• Council Native Corporation - Flora Ann Simon

Read the Elder bios at 2026 BSNC Elders of the Year.

Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship

Aapiaq Cheryl Ongtowasruk received the Beringia Settlement Trust Tim Towarak Memorial Scholarship. The $10,000 competitive, merit-based scholarship is awarded annually to one high-achieving student enrolled at an accredited college or university. It honors the late Tim Towarak and his tireless advocacy for Alaska Native people. Read more about this year's recipient.

Quyaana, quyana cakneq, igamsiqanaghhalek, thank you to all the shareholders who joined us in person and online.