Headquartered in Kotzebue, KIC was formed in 1973 as a village corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 to enrich the lives of our Iñupiaq shareholders and descendants.
KIC is an Alaska Native corporation focused on creating new opportunities and services for our almost 2,000 shareholders, while preserving and promoting our traditional Inupiat values.
April 24, 2026
Attention KIC Shareholders, Descendants, & Community Members: Please see following update from NANA regarding NANA Broadband Construction.
Dear Community Leaders,
Thank you for your continued support as we build broadband infrastructure across the NANA region. We are providing this weekly update to keep you informed about construction activities, safety considerations, and project progress.
We have been made aware that unrelated projects are taking place in region, crossing different lands/allotments using some of the same contractors as NANA Broadband. These projects are not associated with NANA Broadband construction activities.
We’re excited to share an interactive route map (select here to go to map)that is now available on the NANA Regional Broadband Network page of nananet.com.
Total Fiber Miles Placed as of 4/24/2026: 311Miles
TRAIL WORK COMPLETED LAST WEEK
Fiber Optic Line Deployment:
Noatak River towards Noorvik MP 119-129 and MP 295-313
Trail Work Only:
Hotham Inlet towards Noorvik MP 308-328
WHERE WE’RE WORKING THIS WEEK
Crews will be working from near Hotham Inlet to Noorvik MP 313-332
Construction Activity
One convoy with up to five pieces of equipment will continue trail development, clearing, mulching between MP 330 and MP 332.
A second convoy, with up to 10 pieces of equipment, will place fiber optic cable between MP 313 and MP 332. Trail equipment, which includes Steiger tractors, pisten bully’s, trailers, snowmobiles and sleigh camps, will be clearly visible with 360-degree lighting.
Estimated Dates:
Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Clearing and mulching activities, and fiber placement operations.
SAFETY REMINDER
For the safety of all residents and crews, please stay clear of construction zones, trails, and work areas. Avoid traveling on or near fiber optic cable routes with snowmachines or other vehicles. Construction areas may remain hazardous after crews have moved through due to:
- Buried fiber optic cable that may become exposed by wind or weather
- Uneven terrain or settled snow
- Equipment staging areas
We respectfully ask for your help in sharing this safety information with community members.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
Please contact: Jason Louvier at jason.louvier@nana.com (907)-265-4115. Additional information is available at https://www.nananet.com/program-details/nana-regional-broadband-network/
Please share this update with residents through VHF announcements, community postings, or other local channels. Thank you for your partnership.
Thank You,
Jason Louvier
For Immediate Release
KIKIKTAGRUK IÑUPIAT CORPORATION APPOINTS THOMAS BAKER AS PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Kotzebue, Alaska – March 30, 2026 – Kikiktagruk Iñupiat Corporation (KIC) today announced the appointment of Thomas Ikaaq Baker as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 26, 2026. Baker brings deep experience in Alaska Native corporate operations, public service, and community leadership, along with a lifelong connection to the Kotzebue region and KIC shareholders.
Baker, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dartmouth College, most recently served as Vice President of Kotzebue Operations for KIC, where he has worked since 2019. During his tenure, he also held roles as Lands Manager and Operations Manager for KIC Construction LLC, overseeing land stewardship, construction operations, and local business activities critical to shareholder services and community development.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Baker has served on the Kotzebue City Council and the Native Village of Kotzebue Tribal Council, contributing to local and regional decision‑making on issues impacting rural Alaska communities. He has been actively involved in subsistence and resource advisory organizations, including serving as Chair of the Northwest Arctic Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, and continues to support community initiatives focused on youth development and wellness. Additionally, Baker also serves as an officer in the Alaska State Defense Force training for and responding to natural disasters and other emergencies across Alaska.
Kathleen Napaaqtuq Sherman, Chair of the KIC Board of Directors stated “Since joining KIC, Thomas has developed a strong understanding of our lands, our people, and our responsibilities as an Alaska Native Corporation. His leadership experience, integrity, and commitment to shareholder value make him well suited to guide KIC into its next chapter. We have encouraged our youth to go out and get an education, come back and put it to use in our region. Thomas is a prime example of what can be accomplished through generational support as practiced through our Iñupiat Ilitqusiat values, and we should all be proud.”
“It is an honor to serve our shareholders in this new role,” Baker said. “KIC exists to protect our lands, strengthen our communities, and create opportunities for present and future generations. I look forward to working with our board, employees, and shareholders to build on that mission while ensuring long‑term, sustainable growth.”
Born and raised in Kotzebue, Baker is Iñupiaq and is the son of Andy and Tammy Baker, grandson of Gladys Richards and August Nelson Sr. and grandson of Bob and Marge Baker, and great grandson of Tim and Esther Richards of Kotzebue, and great grandson of Louis and Clara Rotman of Kotzebue.
As President and CEO, Baker will oversee KIC’s business operations, land management, and shareholder services, with a focus on responsible stewardship, economic diversification, and creating lasting value for KIC shareholders.
About Kikiktagruk Iñupiat Corporation
Kikiktagruk Iñupiat Corporation is an Alaska Native village corporation organized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Headquartered in Kotzebue, Alaska, KIC was formed to serve the Iñupiat people of Kotzebue by managing lands and businesses, supporting shareholder wellbeing, and preserving Iñupiat values for future generations.
####
