2024 Keynote & LA Alumni Winner

Ayyu Qassataq

Ayyu (Iñupiaq/Yup’ik) grew up between Anchorage and Uŋalaqłiq (Unalakleet) and was adopted into the Raven Kaach.adi clan of Ḵéex̱ʼ Kwáan (Kake) by the Jackson family and given the Lingít name S’ikshaldeen. She is the proud granddaughter of Stanton and Irene Katchatag, daughter of Doug and Vernita Herdman, and mother to Kutuukhuq, Talialuk, Qanigluk and Inuaałuuraq. She attributes her passion and work for Alaska Native and Indigenous communities to her family.

Ayyu served in nonprofit leadership and management for nearly 24 years, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer for First Alaskans Institute where she worked from 2010-2024. While at FAI, she helped grow a team and body of work that advanced racial equity and culturally-centered advocacy to protect our ways of life in all sectors throughout Alaska. 

With expertise in building community-based solutions that elevate healing, awareness, and advocacy around the social and cultural issues that impact our communities, she has recently started Qulliq Munaqtuġuut, a consultancy focused on supporting the self-determination and wellbeing of Alaska Native and Indigenous peoples and all who serve them.

Ayyu earned an MA in Rural Development from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and a BA in Organizational Management with Nonprofit Emphasis from Alaska Pacific University. She currently serves as a board member for Alaska Public Media, Philanthropy Northwest, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage, and Caleb Pungowiyi Scholars Steering Committee (under Kawerak). Ayyu’s extended professional history can be found here.

*Our original LA Alumni awardee is no longer able to accept the award.