Utqiaġvik, Alaska — Chairman Charles Brower and the Alaska Nannut Co-Management Council are pleased to announce that Maija Katak Lukin (Iñupiaq) has been selected to serve as the Council’s next Executive Director.
Lukin, who was born in Kotzebue and raised between Kotzebue and her family’s camp in Sisualik, brings decades of leadership experience working with Tribes, ANCSA corporations, federal agencies, and Alaska communities. Her background in policy, Indigenous stewardship, and Tribal–federal relations align deeply with the mission of ANCC and the Council’s longstanding commitment to protecting nannut through Indigenous Knowledge and shared governance.
Chairman Brower said the Council’s decision was grounded not only in Lukin’s professional accomplishments, but in the values she carries forward from her upbringing.
“Katak has lived the work that ANCC does,” Brower said. “She understands the importance of our relationship with nannut, and she brings the humility and respect our Elders expect from anyone representing our people. Her experience in Tribal consultation, co-management, and federal policy will strengthen the Council’s ability to protect our communities, our subsistence needs, and the animals we have stewarded since time immemorial.”
Lukin most recently served as the Alaska Native Tribal Relations Program Manager for the National Park Service, where she worked directly with Tribes, ANCSA Corporations, and Tribal entities across Alaska. In that role she helped expand co-stewardship agreements, supported the first ISDEAA/DOI agreement of its kind, and ensured Indigenous Knowledge was embedded in national policy and guidance.
Prior to that, Lukin became the first Alaska Native superintendent of the Western Arctic National Parklands, where she oversaw more than nine million acres across Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, and Noatak National Preserve. Her leadership centered on protecting subsistence rights, supporting Tribal input in federal processes, and preparing for rapidly changing Arctic conditions.
Her earlier roles include Mayor of Kotzebue, Tribal Environmental Manager at Maniilaq Association, and Regional Communications Director for NANA Regional Corporation. Lukin is also an artist, author, and educator who teaches traditional Iñupiaq arts, subsistence skills, and land stewardship to youth, adults, and Elders.
“We look forward to her leadership,” Brower said. “The Council represents 15 Tribal governments across Alaska, and the work we do depends on trust, communication, and a deep understanding of the relationship between our people and nannut. Katak brings all of that with her.”
Lukin will begin her role as Executive Director today. She expressed gratitude to the Council for the opportunity to serve.
“It is an honor to step into this role,” she said “for thousands of years Nannut have been a part of life for the communities ANCC represents, and I look forward to supporting the Council’s work using a combination of Indigenous Knowledge and western science to ensure that Alaska Native people are at the forefront of decision making related to polar bears. I hope to strengthen our partnerships and uphold our shared responsibilities for future generations.”
Lukin and her husband have five children and one grandchild and currently reside between their home in Wasilla, and her families homestead in Chickaloon, AK.
ANCC and Chairman Brower have extended heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Executive Director, Whitney Kellie-Szender (Pituk) in appreciation for her dedicated service to the organization and best wishes as she pursues new opportunities.
For more information contact:
Maija Lukin
ANCC Executive Director
at (907) 443-0909
or info@nannut.org
