After a three-year hiatus, we are excited to announce the return of the Ahtna Special Forces Program! The Ahtna Special Forces is an intensive intern study program that provides work experience to Ahtna shareholders to assist them in achieving successful employment.
We give interns the opportunity to fully participate in the company by performing real work that helps the company and their own development. This summer, our three Ahtna Special Forces interns participated in training events; staff, board and leadership meetings; cultural experiences; and visits to the region.
Meet the 2023 Ahtna Special Forces
Kiana Carlson, Legal Department, AI
- Parents: Vernon and Susan Carlson
- Grandparents: Bud and Edna Carlson
- Clan: Taltsiine (Water)
- Education: Currently enrolled in Mitchell Hamline School of Law’s Native American Law and Sovereignty certificate program. Earned an Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in History from UAA.
Why did you choose your major?
I grew up learning from and listening to stories from my family, which inspired me to get my degree in history. Those stories, growing up on the land, and watching my dad be involved in protecting our subsistence rights led me to go into law to further protect what my family has continually practiced and preserved.
What are your goals or plans for after graduation?
I want to possibly pursue a clerkship after graduation, but my biggest goal is to pass the bar first and take it from there.
Who has been an inspiration to you in your life and why?
My parents. They paved the way for me and my brother. They’re the coolest people I know, and I can only hope to be as cool as them one day.
What advice do you have for Ahtna youth?
You don’t have to do anything alone, and you shouldn’t have to. So find those people who support you! If you have a great support team behind you, then you can do anything you put your mind to.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love being outside hiking, walking, hunting, snow machining, and skiing/ski-joring. If I’m not outside though, you can either find me watching my favorite tv shows and movies or in the kitchen baking cookies and making ice cream.
Lillian Scully, Ahtna Diversified Holdings
- Parents: Rhonda Oliver and Sean Scully
- Grandparents: Raye Nelson and Jim Scully (paternal) and Maggie and Thomas Oliver (maternal)
- Clan: Taltsiine (Water)
- Education: Will begin her senior year this fall at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington. Majoring in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Science and a minor in Exercise and Sport Psychology.
Why did you choose your major?
I have always had a passion for helping others, and a love of athletics made kinesiology a good fit for me. Within kinesiology, I am around athletics all the time and am helping people along the way with different exercises and how they move.
What made you want to join the Ahtna Special Forces and what excites you about the program?
I wanted an opportunity to understand more of how my corporation worked and operated to see where the opportunities they have given me came from. With going to school in Washington, I do not have a lot of time to connect with my Ahtna heritage, and being a part of the Special Forces has given me the chance to do just that. What excites me is the ability to be in the depth of something that I’ve previously never been around. The ability to learn what it means to actually help my corporation, and not just be a shareholder, is really exciting.
Who has been an inspiration to you in your life and why?
My mother Rhonda Oliver is a major inspiration in my life because she has shown me what dedication and work ethic is. The long days and early mornings are a drive and dedication that I admire, and I want to have even a fraction of what she has. She has pushed me to be the absolute best I could for my own education. I am grateful for it now being a senior in college and it has made me want to work harder than ever to reach my goals.
What are your goals or plans for after graduation?
After I graduate in May of 2024, I plan on going straight into graduate school for a Master’s in Athletic Training. After graduate school I would like to work in athletics.
What advice do you have for Ahtna youth?
Make your education a priority and spend as much time as you can in the region. Take everything as a learning opportunity; you can learn from every experience. Experience is everything from shadowing to doing projects; it is all in how you can apply it and use it in different places.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to read in my free time – reading brings me so much joy. Although if I am not reading, I am probably watching hockey or some sports.
Would you recommend the Ahtna internship program to other shareholders?
I would absolutely recommend the internship program because even if your field is not offered within Ahtna, it is still a good learning opportunity. It also gives the chance to network with different professionals in different fields to determine what area could suit you best.
Brianna Reyes, Ahtna Construction & Primary Products Company (AC&PPC)
- Parents: Mariam Ketcham and Travis Reyes
- Grandma: Beverly Harris
- Clan: Eagle
- Education: Attending UAA and majoring in Finance.
Why did you choose your major?
I like money and I like math.
What made you want to join the Ahtna Special Forces and what excites you about the program?
I was excited to gain experience in my field and work with people who love their jobs.
What role has Ahtna played in your education?
Ahtna has played a huge role. Without Ahtna’s scholarship, I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford school.
Who has been an inspiration to you in your life and why?
The biggest inspiration in my life is definitely my grandma. She is very hard-working and the most loving and caring person I have ever met.
What advice do you have for Ahtna youth?
Take advantage of all the opportunities you can because you will miss them when they are no longer available.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I go for walks, watch sitcoms, cook and sleep.
Can you tell us about a highlight of your internship?
One of my favorite things so far during this internship was definitely the culture camps with the people from Yakutat. I learned so much and it was really nice to see everyone sharing their dances and songs.