Clarence is a NANA shareholder who grew up in Noorvik and has proudly trained more than 170 fellow shareholders throughout his career. He is a true inspiration and is always encouraging others to work hard and seize the opportunities provided by NANA. “I’m grateful to Clarence for his hard work and dedication to NANA for almost 40 years,” said NANA President and CEO John Lincoln. “His presence and leadership will leave a lasting impact on our organization and our shareholders.”
Clarence has been married to his wife, Angela Qichak Snyder, for 36 years. They share their home with two dogs, and every Friday, Clarence grills fresh fish for their furry companions — a testament to his caring nature and love for his family. “Clarence is a good man with a strong work ethic, and I am proud of him for giving 38 years to his corporation,” said Angela. “It has been a privilege to be his wife and support him in his career.”
What is your Iñupiaq name and who were you named after?
Uvaŋa atiga Aagayuk. I am named after the late Clarence Jackson.
Can you tell us about where you grew up?
I was born and raised in the best village, Noorvik. I was raised by my grandparents, Cora and Jack Pungalik. They instilled our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat values in me throughout my childhood. The Elders and community members from my childhood in Noorvik are some of the toughest people I have ever met. Growing up around them is how I learned to work hard, cooperate with others and serve my people.
Can you tell us how you met your wife?
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Angela Qichak Snyder, for 36 years. We are high school sweethearts. We went to different schools, but we both participated in Native Youth Olympics (NYO). In 1984, our competing teams both traveled to Fairbanks for a big NYO competition, and that was where we first met.
How long have you been with NANA?
I was hired by NANA under Hilda Haas on September 29, 1986. I am proud to have been serving my corporation and our shareholders for 38 years now.
Tell us about working at NANA. What was it like in the early days?
When I started working for NANA, the building location in Anchorage was on Harding Drive. It was a small operation compared to what we are now, but we had a lot of good times with shareholders and employees in the office back then. As NANA grew, we needed bigger facilities. We moved to an office on Benson Boulevard in Anchorage in 1991. Things were shifting at NANA and our staff was growing, but the mission of helping improve the lives of our shareholders never changed. That always was and always will be the reason NANA exists. Finally, in 2012, our Anchorage operations moved to our permanent home at 909 W. 9th Avenue.
What are your job responsibilities?
I have worked in many roles throughout my time at NANA that have helped to prepare me for the role I have now. I currently oversee building security, the maintenance and management of our facilities and our janitorial department.
What is your job title?
I am the building manager at NANA’s Anchorage office.
Who has inspired you?
My wife has been my biggest support and inspiration throughout the years. My career has required me to work long hours away from home, and she has always encouraged and supported me to do my best and be able to continue serving my corporation and my people. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
What important lessons have you learned?
Learn from your mistakes. There will come a time when you do something incorrectly, and it’s important to take it as a learning experience. We are all human, and there will be times when we each make mistakes. Whether it’s you or someone around you that has caused an error, find a way to solve it, learn from it and move forward.
What do you like best about your job?
In my current role, I work with the administration team. The best part about my job is the group of people that surround me. We each work hard, support each other and get a lot done. It makes me proud that we are accomplishing great things atautchikun, together as one.
What advice do you have for other shareholders?
There are incredible opportunities available within our corporation, especially for our shareholders. If you have dreams about your career or education, NANA can help you achieve your goals. Never give up on yourself.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As a shareholder, working at NANA is my privilege, not my right. My career has taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but it has been an honor to serve my corporation and my people.
