Every year, AFN honors those who have made outstanding contributions to their families and the Native community. Please read on for a list of this year’s AFN President’s Awards honorees.
Colleen Anagick
Health
The Health award goes to Colleen Anagick. Of Inupiat, Yupik, Irish, Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian descent, Colleen Anagick is the daughter of Eva Degnan Merrifield from Unalakleet and Eldon Ridley from Ketchikan. She is a beloved mother, grandmother, auntie, and friend. Colleen has a strong desire to help others, contributing on a daily basis to the health and well-being of families, communities and culture. She has been an invaluable team member in Alaska Native-designed health and wellness programs for nearly 30 years, helping to weave physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness throughout the services. After a long career in behavioral health, primarily as a crisis clinician, she is currently using her innate gifts and talents as a tribal doctor in traditional healing. She perpetuates Alaska Native culture and healthy lifestyles by serving as a positive example and providing for the community through subsistence activities, elder care, and mentoring of young people in traditional activities. She has also been involved in varied community wellbeing activities such as suicide prevention programs, a women’s talking circle, berry picking, and youth sports. When she isn’t partnering with others in traditional healing, spending time with her large extended family, or volunteering out in the community, Colleen can be found sharing her handwoven creations and the therapeutic benefits of basket weaving as a class instructor and co-owner of Soul Sisters Basketree.
Narvaugauraq Hilda Haas
Hannah Paul Solomon “Woman of Courage”
The Woman of Courage award goes to Narvaugauraq Hilda Haas. Narvaugauraq Hilda Haas, born and raised in Shungnak, Alaska, is a beacon of cultural preservation and community leadership. A fluent Iñupiaq speaker, Hilda dedicated 43 years of her career to NANA, where she played a pivotal role in the revitalization of the Iñupiaq language and cultural practices. Her career was marked by her unwavering commitment to coordinating cultural workshops and conferences, creating platforms for knowledge sharing and cultural exchange. Hilda’s expertise in logistical and administrative support was instrumental in her work with the Iñupiaq Language Commission and the Regional Elders Council in the NANA region. She fostered environments that promoted teamwork and progress, ensuring that the voices of Elders and youth were heard and valued. Her mentorship extended to hundreds of shareholders and employees, offering guidance and support through both professional and personal challenges. Known for her heartfelt advice: “Never forget where you come from, and always lift others as you climb,” Hilda’s impact on her community is profound. In her personal life, Hilda cherishes time spent at fish camp near Shungnak with her siblings, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Together, they gather subsistence resources and immerse themselves in the traditional ways of living off the land. Hilda’s deep connection to her heritage and dedication to passing on these skills exemplify her lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and community well-being.
Patrick Norman
Katie John Hunter-Fisher
This award goes to Patrick Norman. Patrick Norman is from Port Graham, Alaska and for years has served as the Chief of the Port Graham Village Council. He served as president of the Port Graham Corporation, which was formed under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to represent the Sugpiaq people of the Kenai Peninsula and to gain ownership and management of their traditional lands. Patrick has devoted himself to service to the Alaska Native community in the Chugach region where he is involved with a variety of organizations, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chugach Regional Resources Commission; Chairman of the North Pacific Rim Housing Authority; and an active and supporting member of the Alaska Tribal Unity organization. As Chief of Port Graham, Patrick has been instrumental in establishing clean and renewable energy for his community. He is married to Francis (Meganack) Norman. They have three children and a number of grandchildren who they are teaching to live according to their subsistence and cultural traditions.
Josiah Patkotak
Roger Lang Youth Leadership
The Roger Lang Youth Leadership award goes to Josiah Patkotak, a distinguished young leader whose contributions have significantly impacted Alaska’s North Slope region. Born in 1994, Josiah has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to his community of Utqiaġvik, Alaska, throughout his life. Josiah began his leadership journey in 2011 as a youth delegate for the Arctic Slope Region with the Alaska Federation of Natives, where he first advocated for his community. Josiah next served as a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from January 19, 2021, to October 10, 2023, representing District 40. His leadership was recognized early on when he was elected as the temporary Speaker of the House in February 2021. His tenure in the legislature included key roles such as Chairman of the House Resources Committee and Chairman of Arctic Policy, Economic Development, and Tourism. In October 2023, Josiah transitioned from his legislative role when he was elected Mayor of the North Slope Borough, where he continues his commitment to preserving and promoting local self-determination. Josiah’s dedication extends beyond politics; his previous leadership roles include serving as a councilman for the Inñupiat Community of the Arctic Slope and as a board member of the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation. Alongside his leadership roles, Josiah actively participates in Iñupiaq whaling traditions and subsistence hunting, which reflects his deep connection to and respect for his cultural heritage.
Daphne Nicholai
Small Business
The Small Business award goes to Daphne Nicholai. Daphne worked for the school and for the Coastal Villages Region Fund when she lived in Oscarville. Her husband has had some of his own businesses, and it sparked her interest to start her own business. Blackbull started as a mail ordering store for iqmik—a type of smokeless tobacco—to send to customers throughout bush Alaska. The idea for a physical store evolved and became a reality to allow people to visit and purchase what they need. Daphne’s feeling of community is expressed on the wall of village and city names written on whiteboards in the store. As people come in from rural Alaska, they are encouraged to write the name of their community, which sometimes sparks conversations of village life. She also takes photos of her customers shares them on social media every Monday for friends and family to see.
William Smith
Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service
This award recognizes William Smith for his service. William “Bill” F. Smith – a son, father, and grandfather – is very proud of his seven children, ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was born in Cordova, Alaska on September of 1952, to Honorary Chief Marie Smith-Jones, the last full-blooded speaker of the Eyak language and a fisherman. In 1969, when Bill was 17, he went into the Army as a heavy-duty mechanic and a recovery specialist. Shortly after going into the service, he went on his first tour to Augsburg, Germany with the 1/36 Field Artillery. After returning, his next tour was in Long Bình Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. Returning to the states he was transferred to Fort Huachuca Arizona where he was then again shipped overseas to Germany with the 5/68 Armor Tank Outfit. When Bill retired from the service in August of 1977 he moved to Valdez, Alaska to work on boats. In 1981, he started working for Alyeska Pipeline Service Company in the Marine Department. After 36 years, he retired in 2017 from Alyeska and is still enjoying his retirement by hunting, fishing, and spending time with his loving family. Bill continues to be active in advocacy work for veterans and Alaska Native and American Indian individuals and communities. He is vice president and a member of the Valdez Native Tribe, and a member the Native Village of Eyak. He also sits on the board of the Alaska Native Health Board and is the Chairperson of the National Indian Health Board, and he also serves as an Alaska Area Representative, helping as many Alaskan Native and American Indians as possible. Bill is also an Advisory Member on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Tribal and Indian Affairs and an Alaska Tribal Veterans Representative, working for his brothers and sisters with their veteran issues.
Barret Eningowuk
Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement
Barret Eningowuk receives the Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement award. Barret Eningowuk is 37-years-old, and he lives and works in Shishmaref, Alaska. He was born in Anchorage, Alaska to his parents Johnson and Luci Eningowuk. He has four children, two of whom are from a previous relationship with his wife Amy Eningowuk of nine years. Growing up, he learned to hunt, fish, gather, and provide in many ways. He loves to carve ivory, bone, wood, and metal. Barret started his law enforcement career as a village police officer with the city of Shishmaref. He feels he owes a lot of his upbringing to his many grandparents who taught him to love, have compassion, be humble, and overall, their lives gave him so many tools that he uses to live his life today.
Marlene Haugen
Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education
This award goes to Marlene Haugen. Throughout the last 10 years, Marlene Haugen has given her heart and soul to her students. She is not afraid to dress up, sing, and act silly. She will get on the floor and work directly with any student who needs additional help. Marlene is hardworking and consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of her in her role as a paraprofessional. While her workday ends at 3:30, she often stays after work and helps with the next day/week/month prep. Marlene has been a valued member of Unalakleet Schools for 50 years, and an indispensable person within her classroom.
2024 PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
Health
An Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence and sensitivity in the health field, whose accomplishments have improved health care for Alaska Natives. Nominees may be in the health profession involved in the areas of health advocacy, program administration, and professional care.
Hannah Paul Solomon “Woman of Courage”
Named for the late Hannah Paul Solomon, recognizing an Alaska Native woman who demonstrates through their life and work the strengths of our culture and values and tremendous courage.
Katie John Hunter-Fisher
An Alaska Native who exemplifies and preserves the spirit of successful subsistence hunting, trapping and sharing, and our way of life. Nominees acknowledge and ensure that the next generations of providers will carry on the traditions and customs in harmony and peace to sustain their extended families.
Roger Lang Youth Leadership
Named for the late Roger Lang, former AFN President, who encouraged young people to expand their horizons and challenge themselves to become future leaders. Nominees must be young men of high school or college students, who demonstrate leadership qualities.
Small Business
An Alaska Native business owner who has demonstrated success in business as with a commitment to their community, which has improved economic opportunities for Alaska Natives.
Gin’tith (Richard Frank) Military Service
An Alaska Native who demonstrates a strong commitment and willingness to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces in the defense of the United States of America. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in the U.S. Armed Forces in active duty, reserves, National Guard or as a veteran who was honorably discharged from active duty or reserves.
Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement
Named for the late Glenn Godfrey, Colonel and Director of the Alaska State Troopers and Alaska Commissioner of Public Safety. This award recognizes an Alaska Native law enforcement officer, federal, state or local, who has shown outstanding dedication to the safety of the public in any location(s) within Alaska, often requiring heroic courage in the face of danger.
Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education
Named for the late State Legislator, elementary and bilingual teacher, Eileen Panigeo, this award recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence and sensitivity in the education field, and whose accomplishments have improved educational opportunities for Alaska Natives. Individuals nominated for this award may be involved in traditional education, preschool, elementary, secondary, or postsecondary education, the nominee can be cultural educator, parents, committee members, school board members, administrators, teacher aides, or other education related professionals, who have been a positive role model for the Alaska Native community.