Six Individuals Honored for Making an Impact in Their Communities.
Six Calista (cha-LIS-tah) Corporation Shareholders are recipients of 2025 Shareholder Awards. These individuals were nominated by fellow Shareholders during Calista’s annual awards program for their exceptional efforts to uphold the cultural values of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Region and its communities.
“Our traditional way of life is to learn from those who came before us,” says Willie Kasayulie, Calista Board Chair. “Our award recipients are adapting those lessons from the past and keeping them alive for the next generation.”
• Axel C. Johnson Distinguished Shareholder: Carolyn Iverson (Bethel)
Carolyn Iverson was born in Anchorage and raised in Akiak and Bethel. She has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 20 years, working for the Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) and Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD), and serving youth throughout the Calista Region. She now works at schools in Bethel and Mekoryuk. She obtained her master’s degree in social work from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA). She is seen as a champion for all the children she works with in her personal and professional life. Iverson says, “Each of us have value, and I love helping kids find their personal value.”
• Calista Culture Bearer: Marie Arnaq Meade (Nunapitchuk)
Marie Arnaq Meade has dedicated her life to the preservation and education of the Yup’ik language and culture, making a profound impact on the community, state and national levels. She has received extensive training from Yup’ik Elders in traditional oral storytelling, ceremonial practices, and dance, allowing her to become a respected cultural bearer. Her skills as a linguist and translator have been instrumental in transcribing and preserving Yup’ik oral histories. Through her unique combination of academic training and deep cultural expertise, Meade has played a vital role in ensuring the survival of the Yup’ik language and traditions for future generations.
• Calista Elder of the Year: Winifred K. Hunt (Kotlik)
Winifred K. Hunt was born and raised northeast of Kotlik in Caniliaq. She partakes in Yup’ik cultural dances and always encourages others to attend and participate in healthy uplifting events. She is strong in her faith. The community says she’s always willing to listen to people who are going through hard times. Hunt gives encouragement and advice and is always willing to pray with and for others. She is a positive advocate for the community of Kotlik.
• Calista Youth/Educator of the Year: Denise Ray (Hooper Bay)
Denise Ray’s deep roots in her Yup’ik heritage have shaped her remarkable journey as an educator. She has taught in Anchorage for the past 19 years, including the last 13 years at the Alaska Native Cultural Charter School (ANCCS). Denise’s role at ANCCS has been especially meaningful. As an Indigenous teacher working with Indigenous students, she has found her calling in creating a culturally relevant learning environment where students feel seen, valued and connected.
• Calista Youth/Educator of the Year: Samantha Afcan (Alakanuk)
Samantha Afcan is the principal at Nunam Iqua School. She was born in Bethel and raised in Alakanuk. Afcan believes in her students. She does her best to help them accomplish their educational and post-secondary goals. She went to UAA for her master’s in education. She makes a difference in the lives of her own children, her staff and in the lives of her students. As a principal, she’s built a positive, warm and welcoming school environment.
• Raymond C. Christiansen Business of the Year: Kelly May, Alaska Native Greens (Hooper Bay)
Kelly May is a Calista descendant living in Interior Alaska with ties to Hooper Bay. He collaborated with the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District to develop a hydroponic farm curriculum for villages, with his farm design now being implemented in schools across Alaska. He is also leading a team of eight to establish the first Native-owned food hub serving 40-plus villages in Interior Alaska. Kelly was awarded the Na’ah Illahee Indigenous foods grant in 2021 and is now learning how to cultivate Yup’ik greens found around Hooper Bay in his hydroponic system.
Award recipients receive an award plaque and financial reward. Recipients will also be honored on June 6 during the 51st Annual Meeting of Shareholders for their contributions in upholding our cultural values.
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