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 and scroll to the bottom of this email for brief overviews of each award
Theresa Mae Prince
Eileen Panigeo MacLean Education Award
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.
Dempsey Woods, Jr.
Gin’tith Richard Frank Military Service Award
The Dempsey Gin’tith Richard Frank Military Service award goes to Dempsey Woods, Jr. (pictured on the left). He grew up dog mushing in a military household with deep connections to the Alaska Army National Guard. His family still practices a subsistence lifestyle and for many years has provided salmon from their subsistence nets to the people of Kotzebue and the surrounding villages of the Northwest Arctic. Shortly after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Guard and now raises his own family in Anchorage.
Darrin Scott Topkok
Glenn Godfrey Law Enforcement Award
This award goes to Darrin Scott Topkok, an Alaska State Trooper whose life and work are deeply rooted in Western Alaska. Raised in the Nome region, Darrin’s commitment to public service began at home in 2020, serving as a Village Public Safety Officer (VPSO) in the communities that supported and shaped him. After taking a break from law enforcement during a move into Nome, he was presented with an opportunity to return to public service in a broader capacity as a “Roving” VPSO. His time serving in this position across the region deepened his passion, dedication, and commitment to public safety—ultimately driving him to apply for the Alaska State Troopers to serve on an even broader scale. In May of 2026, Darrin completed the Alaska State Trooper Academy, officially earning his badge and title as an Alaska State Trooper.
Barbara Franks
Hannah Paul Solomon Woman of Courage Award
The Woman of Courage award goes to Barbara Franks, a Tlingit woman originally from Hoonah, Alaska, whose nearly three decades of suicide-prevention advocacy grew from profound personal loss. In 1997, Barbara’s 23-year-old son, Ron, died by suicide. Two days later, her husband of 25 years died from cancer. At a time when suicide remained deeply stigmatized and resources for surviving families were difficult to find, Barbara made a courageous choice: she turned her grief into service. Barbara returned to school, earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services, and pursued extensive training in suicide intervention, bereavement support, and Critical Incident Stress Management. Through her professional and volunteer service, she has educated and supported individuals and communities throughout Alaska. Barbara served for years on Alaska’s Statewide Suicide Prevention Council representing survivors of suicide loss and ultimately became its chair, helping advance statewide collaboration, awareness, and prevention efforts.
Anthony “Tony” Christianson
Katie John Hunter Fisher Award
This award goes to Anthony “Tony” Christianson, a lifelong Alaskan, hunter, fisherman, provider, community leader, and advocate who has dedicated decades of service to protecting subsistence, strengthening traditional food security, advancing responsible stewardship, and ensuring rural voices are represented in decisions affecting Alaska’s lands and waters. A longtime leader in Hydaburg, Tony has served as Mayor of the City of Hydaburg since 2006 and as Natural Resource Director for the Hydaburg Cooperative Association. His service extends to the federal level through the Federal Subsistence Board. Appointed in 2012 to represent rural subsistence users, he subsequently assumed the role of Chair, bringing to federal fish and wildlife policy the lived experience of a rural Alaskan, provider, hunter, and fisherman.
Dr. Elise M. Pletnikoff
Health Award
The Health award goes to Dr. Elise M. Pletnikoff, a Sun’aq and Unangan physician, community leader, and mentor who was born and raised on Kodiak Island. She earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine through the WWAMI program, with emphasis on Indigenous health and rural and underserved medicine. She completed family medicine residency training at Swedish Cherry Hill and the Seattle Indian Health Board before returning home to Kodiak in 2013. Today, Dr. Pletnikoff is a board-certified family medicine physician and Chief Medical Officer of the Kodiak Area Native Association. She provides comprehensive care across the lifespan—from newborn, pediatric, prenatal, and adult care to elder and end-of-life care. Her practice is grounded in longterm relationships, cultural respect, and an understanding of the realities facing rural and Alaska Native patients. She also serves patients through Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center.
Wallace Ungwiluk
Roger Lang Youth Leadership Award
This award recognizes Wallace Ungwiluk for his amazing youth leadership. Wallace Ungwiluk was born in Nome and raised in Gambell, Alaska, on St. Lawrence Island, where he developed a strong foundation in his Alaska Native culture, subsistence living, and community values. After graduating from Apangalook High School in 2017, he pursued higher education in the Lower 48, earning bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Psychology, followed by a master’s degree in Management and Leadership from Multnomah University, while competing as a collegiate basketball player. Throughout his academic and athletic career, Wallace established himself as a dependable teammate and leader. He later served as an assistant coach for Lewis-Clark State College, and continues to coach athletics in Gambell, mentoring student athletes through player development, academic support, and leadership both on and off the court.
Heanie and Lee Staheli II
Small Business Award
The small business award goes to Heanie and Lee Staheli II. Lee’s Sea Air is an Alaska Native, family-owned business in Kiana, Alaska, owned and operated by bush pilots Heanie and Lee Staheli II. Flying runs deep in this family, and every one of their children is a pilot. Together, they keep our region moving through every season.Their work reaches far beyond air charters and freight. In a place where resupply can be delayed for days, they keep the shelves of their convenience store stocked year-round, so families always find what they need. From fresh milk to generator parts, the Stahelis often have what you need when you need it most. Additionally, their bed and breakfast offers steady, welcoming lodging for visitors and workers far from home.
2026 PRESIDENT’S AWARDS
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.
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.
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.
Health – This award is given to an Alaska Native in the health field who has improved the health outcomes of Native peoples through their competence and commitment. Nominees may be doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, case managers, schedulers provider, traditional healers, or health care administrators.
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, 18-30 years of age who demonstrate leadership qualities. The young women’s category will be available in 2027.
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.