Camai,
Congratulations to the class of 2024! On behalf of Bristol Bay Foundation (BBF), we send our best wishes and congratulations to Bristol Bay graduates and express our gratitude to the many caring adults, teachers, families, and communities that contributed to the success of these students.
In the words of our former chair, the late Marie Paul, “Thank you for furthering your education. We needed you yesterday, today and tomorrow. Do not forget who you are and where you came from. We need you. Do your best every day.”
We are also excited to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Higher Education Scholarship awards and most recent Career Focused Vocational Scholarship recipients. We wish them a productive and fun summer and share their excitement to continue their academic journeys.
Summer is the season of building support for our programs. We are continuing with our Neqa in Bristol Bay event, which will be held at Kulik Lodge on June 15-22. It will be an exciting week to benefit BBF’s cultural heritage and scholarship programs. You can also support our activities by supporting the event virtually, and, of course, be on the lookout for information regarding the annual fall raffle.
Do you have ideas for BBF? You can always reach us at bbf@bristolbayfoundation.org or (907) 265-7810.
Aleesha Towns-Bain
Bristol Bay Foundation Executive Director
Bristol Bay Teaching and Learning Collaborative
BBF is partnering with communities to host three culture camps in region this summer! Camps will be held in Perryville (May 27-29), Manokotak (July 22-26), and Pedro Bay (August 5-9). You are eligible to attend if you are a community resident. All ages welcome (youth to Elders). If you are unsure whether you qualify OR if you would like more information to participate or get involved, please fill out our interest form by clicking here.
Our partners at the University of Alaska Anchorage and at the Alaska Humanities Forum are recruiting Bristol Bay educators and administrators to participate in the Creating Cultural Competence (C3) program (for teachers five years or less in their career located in Bristol Bay) and a hybrid, two-year Master of Education program. For more information, please contact Emily Brockman at emily@bristolbayfoundation.org or (907) 265-7810.
Congratulations to our partners at the Bristol Bay Regional Career and Technical Education program for receiving a 2024 Magna Award from the National Association of School Boards for innovation! Read more by clicking here.
Opportunities for Students
In our commitment to better serve our community, we are opening another opportunity for higher education funding! BBF has introduced a second Higher Education Scholarship deadline to coincide with the third Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) deadline of the year. The application period will open on Monday, September 2, 2024, and close on Friday, December 6, 2024.
Higher Education Scholarship Program
The Higher Education scholarship program, designed to support BBNC shareholders and descendants pursuing two-year, four-year, and graduate degrees, will now have TWO application deadlines each year! The next deadline is Friday, December 6, 2024.
CFVE Program
The CFVE program, aimed at providing in-depth training for specific career-focused and long-term employment goals (professional piloting, maritime, cosmetology licensing, and industry trades) will continue to have three deadlines each year. The next deadline is Friday, July 26, 2024.
Both programs are open to serve direct lineal descendants. There are no blood quantum or residency requirements. For more information and to apply online, visit myBBNC.net. Paper applications are available upon request. If you have any questions, contact the BBF office at bbf@bristolbayfoundation.org or (907) 265-7810.
Additional Support for Scholarship Recipients
Ikayurgna Emergency Aid Funding
All current scholarship recipients are eligible for our Ikayurgna Emergency Aid funding once per academic year to assist with qualifying financial burdens that may affect their ability to stay enrolled in classes.
Free Mental Health Support/Counseling Services
Scholarship recipients can also register for free mental health support/counseling/ life coaching services via The Virtual Care Group, funded by a grant from the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Summit
It was inspiring to witness the dedication of individuals from across Bristol Bay at the 2024 Bristol Bay Indigenous Language Summit. Our collective commitment to advancing Indigenous languages and nurturing cultural understanding was evident throughout the event.
The summit provided a platform for a diverse voices in language work. Esteemed Elders Evelyn Yanez and Mark Hiratsuka shared their wisdom, enriching the discussions and leaders such as Ethan Petticrew from Alaska Native Head Start and Dr. April Laktonen Counceller, CEO of the Alutiiq Museum, among others, offered invaluable insights and innovative approaches to language revitalization, paving the way for meaningful progress.
This event was made possible by many, and we extend heartfelt gratitude to the Indigenous Language Strategic Plan and Summit Steering Committee Members for their guidance. Special thanks to Raven’s Group for their exceptional facilitation and planning expertise. We also deeply appreciate the generous support of our donors: Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Oceanside Corporation, Paug-Vik Incorporated Limited, and the United Tribes of Bristol Bay.
Reflecting on the summit’s impact, let us carry forward the spirit of unity and collaboration. Together, we will champion the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, ensuring a vibrant and inclusive future for generations to come.
Congratulations 2023-2024 Graduates
BBF extends its congratulations and best wishes to these 2023-2024 graduates of all levels! Has one of your loved ones recently graduated? Send us an email at bbf@bristolbayfoundation.org and we’ll be sure to recognize them on our social media pages.
Master and Doctor Graduates:
Goode, Lucy
Master of Business Administration
Kuntz, Sophia
Master of Social Work
Lopez, Charlene
Master of Community and Rural Development
Offt, Cheryl
Master of Social Work
Miller, Eveny
Master of Occupational Therapy
Miller, Kylie
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Bachelor Graduates:
Dean, Billie
Psychology
George, Brittany
Sociology and Human Services
Kairaiuak, Tava
Environmental Science and Resource Management
Kramer, Larissa
Languages
Mitchell, Sarah
Alaska Native Governance
Roehl, Isabella
Counseling Psychology
Shanigan, Savannah
Social Work with Minor in Psychology
Whitcomb, Abbey
Biology, Associate of Native American Indigenous Studies, Pre-Health Certificate
Not pictured:
Dinon, Pia
Nursing
Folger, Amy
Business Administration
Johnson, Rikki
Business Administration
Associate and Certificate Graduates:
Brackett, Siranda
Associate of Web Development and Administration
Campos, Quentin
Associate of Diesel Technology
Chiklak, Lorrene
Graduate Certificate in Teaching
CFVE Program
Congratulations to the recent Career-Focused Vocational Education (CFVE) program graduates and quarter one scholarship recipients!
Graduates:
Hayes- Dunn, Serena
Licenses in Manicuring, Cosmetology, and Instruction
Mills, Savannah
Barber and Hair Dressing License
Not pictured:
Evatt, Caleb
Aviation Technology
Wilson, Ashley
Hair Dressing License Specialized in Esthetics
Quarter 1 Scholarship Recipients:
Ryan, Justin
Commercial Pilot License
Shanigan, Bryant
Commercial Pilot License
Young, McKenna
Cosmetology License
Orloff, Nikolai
Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology
Kosbruk, Devin
Refrigeration Certification and Diesel/Heavy Equipment Technology
2024-2025 Scholarship Award Recipients
Congratulations to students receiving a BBF scholarship for the upcoming academic year!
Adams, Elise
Nursing
Agnelli, Damica
Master of Criminal Justice
Agnus, Lydia
Rural Development
Akelkok, Carla
Rural Development
Akelkok, Trevonna
Nursing
Alakayak, Valda
Nursing
Alakayak, Michael
Professional Piloting
Alsworth, Emma
Teacher’s Education
Anderson, Chad
Education
Anderson, Alysha
Business Management
Andrews, Leilani
Accounting
Andrews, Glenn
Accounting
Anelon, Brittany
Associate of Nursing
Anelon, Rachael
Associate in Earth Sciences
Askoak, Sabre
Associate of Nursing
Aspelund, Laura
Medicine
Baker, Hanna
Exercise Science
Bankston, Janae
Heath Care Administration
Bartman, Simeon
Film and Performing Arts
Baumgarte, Garret
Aerospace Engineering
Beard, Jean
Associate of Political Science
Beasley, Camaryn
Horticulture and Urban Agriculture
Bell, Mariana
Art
Belleque, Alethia
Creative and Professional Writing
Belleque, Jacob
Business Administration
Bickerton, Krista
Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences
Bitton, Joyce
Veterinary Technology
Boss, Jonathan
Dietetics
Boyd, Alexander
Nursing and Healthcare
Bragg, Lucy
Master of Business Administration in Health Sciences Administration
Bullock-Wathen, Joanne
Education
Burkhardt, David
Business Administration
Burton, Libby
Applied Management
Busch, Camryn
Dental Hygiene
Caldwell, Zanya
Natural Sciences with Pre-Health
Cannon, Heather
Alutiiq Language
Capo, Teresa
Business Leadership
Carr, Charlene
Pre-Nursing
Chesley, Taralynn
Undeclared
Chunak, Matrona
Undeclared
Chythlook, Craig
Interdisciplinary Studies – Fisheries Management
Chythlook, Colton
Alaska Native Governance
Chythlook, Ethan
Violin Performance and German Studies
Clarkson, Meadow
Computer Sciences
Clouse, Kiley
Undeclared
Coupchiak, Casey
Marketing
Cox, Kaya
Medical Imaging
Cruz, Sage
Engineering
Dean, Billie
Undeclared
Denkinger, Baylor
Biology
DeSoto, Tanner
Computer Network and Cybersecurity
DeSoto, Madison
Dental Hygiene
Dinon, Katherine
Medicine
Doherty, Abby
English and Liberal Arts
Doherty, Willa
Security and Emergency Management
Downey, Tristan
Business Administration
Downey, Steven
Finance
Dray, Sydney
Sports Management
Dray, Mariah
Horticulture and Natural Resources
Dray, Cadence
Business Administration
DuBose, Holly
Business
Edens, Shannon
Business Administration
Ekamrak, Ina
Associate of Early Childhood Education
Etuckmelra, Julia
Pre-Major Medical Assisting
Evanoff-Stickman, Tristan
Undeclared
Flavin, Jada
Psychology
Foss, Hayden
Engineering
Fradley, Isabelle
Human Physiology
Freeman, Xytellarayanna
Undeclared
Fritze, Bryan
Master of Teaching
Garner, Kaylin
Exercise Science
Gates, Ethan
Sociology and Cinema and Media Studies
Geltzer, Maya
Pre-Major Nursing
Gilliam, Milo
Associate of Nursing
Gloko, Carlos
Business Administration
Gloko, Kelisha
Undeclared
Gonzalez, Emily
Business Administration
Haggard, Shaylee
Alaska Native Languages
Handy, Emmy
Business Administration
Hansen, Sharon
Kinesiology
Hensch, Amber
Computer Science
Hensch, Larissa
Space Systems Engineering
Hernandez, Layla
Medical Assisting
Hevenor, Faith
Certificate III in Patisserie
Hill, Gabriella
Juris Doctor
Hill, Kaylee
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Hill, Eric
Computer Engineering
Hill, Kaleb
Finance
Hiratsuka, Nizhoni
Undeclared
Hiratsuka, Samuel
Master of Rural Development
Hodgson, Jodi
Master of Business Analytics
Hoseth, Demetry
K-12 Physical Education
Isaacson, Cole
Instrumentation and Industrial Automation Technology
Ivy, Dylan
Mechanical Engineering
Johnson, Megan
Master of Business Administration
Johnson, Paris
Early Childhood Education
Johnson, Hayden
Political Science
Johnson, Iris
Nursing
Jones, Joella
Nursing
Kairaiuak, Tava
Environmental Science
Kendall-Pointer, Shoshone
Master of Public Administration in Environmental Policy
Kiljoha, Mariah
Undeclared
LaRocque, Morgan
Communication Arts and Literature Education
LaRocque, Reese
Biology
Larson-Blair, Samantha
Nursing
Lawhead, Donald
Business Administration in Finance and Economics
Lawhead, Diondra
Mechanical Engineering
Leonetti, Audrey
Environmental Studies and Native American Indigenous Studies
Lockuk, Elena
Master of Business Administration
Lopez, Kaylee
Public Health
Lopez, Tiffany
Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Lopez, Charlene
Doctor of Rural Development
Lowe, Kayla
Psychology
Luckhurst, Keona
Undeclared
Luppino, Tawnya
Associate of Human Services
Madriaga, Marsha
Master of Human Resources Strategic Management
Mafileo, Taylor
Business Technology and Analytics
Massa, AndreAnn
Graphic Design
Masterman, Lorrine
Master of Education
Mayer, Emily
Associate of Arts in Alaska Native Studies
Metrokin, Tate
Business
Millard, Kenneth
Occupational Safety and Health
Moxie, Moxie
Business Management
Nanalook, Keesha
Social Work
Nelson, Crystal
Applied Mathematics
Nelson, Kiara
Computer Science
Nicolet, Christopher
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Noden, Jesse
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Norris, Virginia
Associate of Health Science
Nudlash-Barger, Kristian
Electrical Engineering
O’Domin, Oxcenia
Business Administration
Oertwich, Annalise
Master of Education
O’Hara, Caleb
Finance
Oliveri, Kimberly
Business Administration
Olsen, Justin
Associate of General Business
Olsen, Tyson
Undeclared
Olson, Makenzie
Dental Health Aide Therapist
Olson, Olivia
Education
Osborne, Chase
Engineering Physics
Panigeo Jr., Christopher
Aviation
Paul, Vicki
Associate of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Pavala, Melvin
Occupational Endorsement Certificate in Advanced Welding
Pearson, Julian
Community and Regional Planning
Pedersen, Erin
Undeclared
Pelagio, Amaya
Medicine
Pelagio-Williams, Gavin
Biochemistry
Peters, Brennon
Diesel Technology
Peterson, Sydnie
Undeclared
Pleasant, Tommy
Airframe and Power Plant
Poulsen, Morgan
Interdisciplinary
Rahman, Nadia
Statistical Science
Reamey, Random
Computer Science
Reamey-Hughes, Justin
Nursing
Reimers, Destiny
Master of Rural Development
Requa-Fielding, Antonio
Nursing
Rhodes, Megan
Human Development and Family Studies
Richards, Shelbee
Undeclared
Roehl, Sierra
Business Administration
Rosario, Desarae
Elementary Education
Ross, Sara
Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Sampson, Miquela
Business Administration
Savo, Charlene
Pre-Major Nursing
Scantlebury, Lauren
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Schroeder, Torin
Environmental Science
Seidl, Kaelynn
Biochemistry
Shade, Vivian
Master of Business Management
Shangin, Halie
Psychology
Shanigan, Savannah
Master of Social Work
Sherry, Joseph
Mechanical Engineering
Sifsof, Kylee
Associate of Diesel On-Highway
Skonbery, Abbigale
Legal Studies and Associate of Paralegal Studies
Smith, Jessica
Informatics and Healthcare Administration
Smith, Samuel
Software Engineering
Smith, Lauren
Kinetic Imaging
Sorensen, Sorin
Nursing
Spargur, Sadie
Undeclared
Spethmann, Lydia
Nursing
Stanford, Isha
Human Development
Stroman, Amanda
Business Administration
Suydam, Caleb
Allied Health Science
Taylor, Charles
Undeclared
Taylor, Emily
Bioengineering
Thompson, Nivek
Mechanical Engineering
Thompson, Madison
Biochemistry
Thorson, Raini
Health Sciences
Tibbetts, Dylan
Accounting
Tilden, Zoe
Nursing
Towns, Jessica
Alutiiq Language Occupational Endorsement Certificate
Trefon, Kelly
Human Services
VanWingerden, Karisse
Geomatics
Wallace, Kira
Nursing
Waller, Nathan
Undeclared
Wassillie, Skylar
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Watson, Polly
Business Administration
Watson, Lila
Business Administration
Watson, Robert
Accounting
Wetter, David
Human Resource Management
Whiteberg, Rachael
Psychology
Williams, David
Elementary Education
Williams, Rachel
Fine Arts
Wilson, Floyd
Undeclared
Wilson, Jewel
Biology/Anthropology
Winger, Andrea
Elementary Education
Winger, Michele
Business
Wonhola, Cavelila
Yup’ik
Wood, Sally
Business Administration
Woods, Preston
Environmental Biology
Woods, Elayne
Undeclared
Woolston, Noah
Sports Management
Wysocki, Brody
Dietetics
Quyanaa, Chin’an, Quyana, and Thank You Donors and Contributors!
We express our gratitude to the numerous corporate businesses, foundation partners, and donors who have supported our mission over the past year. The generosity of these contributions enables BBF students to achieve their educational objectives and supports our cultural heritage efforts in Bristol Bay and beyond.
Alaska Airlines
Aleknagik Natives Limited
AT&T
Bank of America
Bay Hills Capital
Bessenyey & Van Tuyn, LLC
Big Ray’s
Bristol Adventures
Bristol Bay Construction Holdings
Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation
Bristol Bay Native Corporation
Calista Corporation
Choggiung Limited
Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
Construction Machinery Industrial
Dorsey & Whitney
Doyon, Limited
Eva’s Wild Salmon
Five States
GCI
Girdwood Brewing Company, LLC
GovContractPros
Grant Aviation
Kenai Aviation
Liberty Mutual Surety
Littler
Marsh & McLennan Agency
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Oceanside Corporation
Parker, Smith & Feek Insurance
Paug-Vik Incorporated Limited
PilieroMazza PLLC
Providence Alaska Medical Center
Rasmuson Foundation
Salamatof Cannery Lodge
Six-7 Strategies
Sockeye Business Solutions, LLC
Stoel Rives LLP
Strategies 360
The Dirty Apron
Transcend Strategic Consulting
United Tribes of Bristol Bay
Weidner Apartment Homes
Wells Fargo
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
To donate to BBF, click here and click the “DONATE NOW!” button. You can make a single gift or sign up for a recurring donation.
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