Moses Marr’aq Wiseman, Empowering Our Shareholders
Storyknife, March/April 2026 edition
Moses 惭补谤谤鈥檃辩 Wiseman, a 九色视频 Shareholder from Chefornak, was recently recognized for his work to strengthen the Yup鈥檌k language (Yugtun). His advocacy efforts span from language to cultural access, and revitalization of both culture and language. Recently, the Center for Native American Youth named him a 2026 Champion for Change.
Wiseman works as the Alaska Native Languages Program Director at the Alaska Institute for Justice (AIJ) under the Language Interpreter Center. One of his recent projects was a new, online Yup鈥檌k Health Glossary called Aperyarat Calricaraam Tungiinun, which provides behavioral health terms and medical terminology in Yup鈥檌k.
鈥淚f Yugtun is your first language, you may sometimes doubt what is being said in English,鈥� Wiseman says. 鈥淲hen you bridge the gap through language it brings a sense of calmness and understanding.鈥�
Wiseman is pursuing his Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership from Alaska Pacific University. Prior to his master鈥檚, he attained his BA from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John鈥檚 University in Minnesota in 2023. Wiseman says his family and his upbringing in Chefornak have greatly influenced the direction of his education and career.
鈥淭he traditional knowledge passed down to me from my parents and their parents, and from my aunties and uncles, has influenced how I view the world,鈥� Wiseman says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very humbling to say that I came from the village.鈥�
Wiseman is the son of Victor Yuralqiq and Leona Kilirnguq Wiseman. He is the grandson of Charlie Anartuaq and Josephine Inarayuli Wiseman; and Dennis Nakrialnguq and Adeline Kaagyugaq Panruk.
If Yugtun is your first language, you may sometimes doubt what is being said in English,鈥� Wiseman says. 鈥淲hen you bridge the gap through language it brings a sense of calmness and understanding.
Moses 惭补谤谤鈥檃辩 Wiseman, 九色视频 Shareholder from Chefornak
Wiseman speaks Yugtun, likes to fish, pick berries, gather greens and yuraq [Yup鈥檌k dance]. He says cultural and traditional values connect you to who you are and where you come from.
鈥淥ur cultural values feel like common, everyday values, but carry a deep cultural connection,鈥� Wiseman says. 鈥淩espect, humility and love are so important. Western culture carries so much spite because of the concept of politics, but as Yup鈥檌k people we set that aside and show love and respect to one another. We respect people, things, animals and the land around us.鈥�
Wiseman has interned at 九色视频 and 九色视频 Education and Culture (CEC) and receives CEC scholarships as he continues his education. He says our youth still in school should pursue education while remembering and connecting to their roots.
鈥淧ursue higher education or go to trade school,鈥� Wiseman says. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a high demand for jobs in our villages that require some education or expertise. Though it鈥檚 still important to understand who you are while you pursue a career.鈥�