LEADERSHIP

Our leaders are the honored whaling captains from each of the eleven whaling villages represented by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. Strongly rooted in tradition, AEWC leadership utilizes the guidance of our respected elders in developing innovative solutions to challenges that threaten our subsistence hunting rights and the health of bowhead's habitat.

AEWC BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission is governed by a Board of Commissioners comprised of an elected commissioner from each of the eleven subsistence bowhead whaling villages.

John Hopson, Jr.

Chairman, Wainwright

Crawford Patkotak

Vice Chairman, Utqiagvik

George Kaleak, Sr.

Treasurer, Kaktovik

Herbert Kinneeveauk III

Secretary, Pt. Hope

Edmond Apassingok

Gambell

Carl Pelowook

Savoonga

Enoch Adams, Jr.

Kivalina

Ira Itta

Point Lay

Michael Ahkinga, Sr.

Wales

Herbert Ipalook, Sr.

Nuiqsut

Peter Ozenna

Little Diomede

STAFF

The AEWC staff, along with a team of professional consultants, work under the direction of the Board of Commissioners to conduct the day-to-day business of the organization, including operations to meet its obligations under the NOAA-AEWC Cooperative Agreement and the U.S. Government's obligations to the International Whaling Commission.