Elder of the Year
Elders are a vital part of Sitnasuak's heritage and their valuable experiences and knowledge impart life lessons that will enrich Shareholders for years to come. As the Corporation moves ahead, Sitnasuak's elders provide an enduring example of dignity and wisdom that will serve as a touchstone for future generations.
2010 Elder of the Year -- Lucie Trigg
Lucie Trigg's remarkable life has taken her all around the country, but her humble nature and soft-spoken voice reflect a proud heritage that is deeply rooted in Native values. She was raised in the traditional ways, and her parents and grandparents taught her many valuable lessons that she has carried with her in her travels.
Lucie's family moved to Nome from Little Diomede in 1938 - their belongings packed in a skinboat - to seek medical treatment for her father; then decided to stay so the children could attend school. Even at a young age Lucie knew she wanted to help people, so she left Nome to attend nursing school in Pennsylvania. She worked in healthcare around the country before coming home to Nome where she worked as a nurse, and later a mental health clinician, until she retired in 2000.
Lucie jokes that she and her husband Darryl made one whole Eskimo (Darryl is 1/4 Eskimo and Lucie is 3/4 Eskimo). The couple had three children together, and they made sure their family learned about Native values. Lucie says it was difficult to consistently set a positive example for her kids, but it was worthwhile to teach them responsibility for their own actions.
As she has grown older, Lucie has held fast to her Inupiaq values. She says that Elders hold a special place in the community, and Lucie is proud to see young people showing them the respect they deserve. A proud, independent woman, Lucie Trigg is truly an example for future generations.
2009 Elder of the Year -- Esther Aggunaut Koweluk Bourdon
Esther Aggunaut Koweluk Bourdon is a dynamic 79-year-old from the village of Wales. She is the daughter of the late Michael and Josephine Koweluk. Esther and her family moved to Nome in 1957 in search of a better future with all of their belongings packed in a skin boat.
Inupiaq is Esther's first language and she has taught her traditional language to high school students as well as to the Nome Native Youth Organization. Esther often translates the Bible for services at her church, and takes great joy in translating and teaching the hymns to others.
Esther enjoys spending time with family, both at her fish camp and at home in Nome. She and her husband, David raised five children together and she is a proud grandmother of nine. An excellent seamstress, Esther hand-sews sealskin slippers, beautiful kuspuks and parkas, and creates colorful beadwork designs for wall hangings and slipper and mukluk tops.
