Robert Aqqaluk Newlin, Sr. Memorial Trust is named after one of NANA’s most influential leaders, Robert Aqqaluk Newlin, Sr. from Noorvik, Alaska. He was elected as NANA’s first President when NANA first opened for business in July of 1972, and eventually became NANA’s first Chairman of the Board of Directors when John Schaeffer’s Executive Director position changed to President. Chairman Newlin led NANA’s first annual meeting of shareholders in the spring of 1974 where it is said that he used the butt of his pistol as a gavel. The theme of the first annual report was based on what the leadership at the time felt were NANA’s two most important assets, “our people and their land.”

Robert recognized that in order to survive in the changing world, young people must not only have a strong cultural identity but must also be educated and well prepared for jobs and careers. He once stated, “When an Iñupiaq person becomes educated and understands his identity, he can play a vital role and become a leader.” He always understood that the most important needs of our Inupiat people were our Inupiat spiritual needs. In the early 1980’s he helped lead efforts in the development of the Inupiat Ilitqusiat values. He understood that by acquiring a good education and being grounded in our Inupiaq values were paramount in assisting our Inupiat people to walk in two worlds with one spirit.

Robert passed away in July 1989 during a business trip to Russia. Robert Aqqaluk Newlin, Sr. Memorial Trust, also known as Aqqaluk Trust, was formed in 1989 to honor Robert’s legacy as an exemplary Inupiaq leader of the NANA region. Aqqaluk Trust’s mission epitomizes his legacy, “Empowering the Inupiat through Language, Culture, & Education.”