About

Mission

To enhance the quality of life for the people of the NANA Region of Alaska by funding education, cultural revitalization, and healthy communities initiatives consistent with NANA’s core principles of honesty, integrity, dignity, and respect.

Iñupiat man and boy, seated on a boat, holding a harpoon

Who We Serve

The NANA Region, ancestral home of over 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, is located in the remote northwest of Alaska. For more than 10,000 years, the Iñupiat have demonstrated remarkable resilience and survival skills in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Their endurance and adaptability are deeply rooted in three core principles: integrity, respect, and the fulfillment of all commitments. These principles not only shape their traditional way of life, but also guide Akima Gives.

Iñupiat woman with three children
Iñupiat man wearing parka
Five Iñupiat children in colorful outfits
Iñupiat elders clapping
Iñupiat woman with three children
Iñupiat man wearing parka
Five Iñupiat children in colorful outfits
Iñupiat elders clapping

Giving Strategy

Through the collective effort of its employees, Akima has already raised over $500,000 for the people of the NANA Region. Our strategic focus serves three core goals:

Iñupiat children in a classroom

Education

Education is a cornerstone of a thriving community. Akima Gives is devoted to improving educational opportunities for those in the NANA Region and NANA shareholders from early childhood through lifelong learning. We support initiatives that provide:

  • Access to quality education and resources
  • Scholarships and educational grants
  • Programs that promote STEM education and traditional knowledge

Cultural Revitalization

Preserving and revitalizing the rich cultural heritage of the Iñupiaq is central to our mission. We invest in:

  • Support for traditional Iñupiaq subsistence activities
  • Vital communication lines that help preserve Iñupiaq stories and culture
  • Programs that teach and celebrate Iñupiaq language, traditions, and arts
Iñupiat man holding whale bone carving
Iñupiat boy washing his hands

Healthy Communities

Ensuring the health and wellness of the NANA region‘s communities is a sustained and coordinated effort. We focus on:

  • Supporting healthcare services for elders and other at-risk groups
  • Funding mental health programs, including critical suicide prevention efforts
  • Promoting youth athletic programs and healthy habits for NANA Region students