Once again, a big QUYANA to everyone who attended our Nome River Property Acquisition Celebration! We sincerely thank those who drove to our on-site celebration and ribbon cutting, as well as those who joined us at the Mini-Convention Center.

It was a pleasure to share information, answer questions, and connect with Shareholders, their families, and community members. We heard from Sitnasuak Board Chair Becka Baker, Sitnasuak CEO Charles Fagerstrom, who also shared a statement from The Conservation Fund Alaska State Director John Wros, and our outstanding Land Manager Charles Ellanna.

Organizing two events in a single day wouldn’t have been possible without our dedicated Board, staff, subsidiaries, and volunteers. Special thanks to Robert Farrell for assembling the grills, and to Miah Angusuc and Mark Kruse for cooking reindeer dogs and hot dogs!

The ulu we used to cut the commemorative ribbon was crafted by 1^st Vice Chair, LieuDell “Ayaaq” Goldsberry! Quyana for sharing your talent with us. 

The giveaways, donated by Scott Crowe from Nome Outfitters, included perfect prizes for summer fun, such as a Coleman cooler, three fishing rods, a four-man tent, and a children’s bike.

Thanks to Shareholder Jesse Blanford of Quality Services for organizing the portable restroom delivery. 

We also appreciate Bering Straits for joining us with their talented interns, Kawerak for assisting with unloading and their support throughout this process, and Norton Sound for their attendance and advocacy. These partnerships are the backbone of our community.

We were proud to have Homer Hoogendorn, a former Board member who played a key role in this land acquisition, present. Additionally, we thank past Director Helen Bell, who, though unable to attend, was a champion and supporter of this effort.

As our CEO mentioned, this land acquisition was a collaborative effort of several entities over three years. The dedication and passion behind this work stem from the understanding that we are preserving this land forever. We cannot thank The Conservation Fund and Interior Alaska Land Trust enough for their trust, partnership and collaboration.

More information about the land acquisition can be found on our website. Did you miss the event? A live stream of the on-site celebration is available on our Facebook page. We also have commemorative posters at our Nome Office, and a downloadable version is accessible on our website here.

Quyanaqpak again!