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AVCP Honors Y-K Delta Individuals With 2021 Regional Awards

Jimmy P. Stevens Sr. of Nunapitchuk received the 2021 AVCP Elder of the Year award.
Courtesy of AVCP

The Association of Village Council Presidents issued regional awards during its annual convention last week. The awards highlight the achievements of individuals in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

The Culture Bearer award went to Byron Nicholai of Toksook Bay. Though in his early 20s, Nicholai has traveled around the world sharing his Yup’ik culture through storytelling, singing, drumming, and dancing.

The Healing Hands award went to Charlene LeAndra Nukusuk-Long, who works as a health aide with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation in Hooper Bay.

The Elder of the Year award went to Jimmy P. Stevens Sr. of Nunapitchuk, who says, “If we follow our Elder advice, we will live easier.”

The Parents of the Year award went to William “Bossa” Alstrom II and Hazel Alstrom of St. Mary’s. They are the parents of three sons who they’ve taught to hunt, camp, trap, and share their harvests with their community. The Alstroms also coach elementary and middle school basketball in St. Mary’s.

The Public Service Award went to two people. Napaskiak Tribal Administrator Sharon Williams received it for her work improving public safety in her community. Goodnews Bay Mayor Sally Martin was recognized by AVCP for her community and tribal leadership. In addition to being mayor of Goodnews Bay, Martin also serves on the local advisory school board, as a community representative for the Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, and helps lead the Goodnews Bay Dance Group.

Finally, the Youth Leadership Award went to Kaylee King of Mekoryuk. KYUK nominated King for this award. King began interning with KYUK in 2018. Since then, King has produced videos and news stories highlighting the environmental impact of plastic bags on Bethel and how high teacher turnover in schools affects students in the region. King also helped produce a podcast episode, shortlisted by National Public Radio for its student podcast challenge. King is a freshman at University of Alaska Anchorage where she is majoring in journalism.

Anna Rose MacArthur served as KYUK's News Director from 2015-2022.
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