Young rural Alaska Natives pursuing careers in aviation gather in front of a flight simulator at the Paneok launch in Anchorage. The new nonprofit is helping create pathways to aviation training, mentorship, scholarships and career opportunities for rural Alaska youth.
I attended the project launch of Paneok, an educational nonprofit in Anchorage. They connect rural Alaskan youth with aviation training, mentorship, scholarships and career opportunities.
According to their website, “Through Ellen Paneok’s pioneering spirit we support clear pathways for the next generation to learn, lead and take flight.”
My friend, Jamie Klaes, helped start this nonprofit. I met Jamie when I lived in Bettles back in the day. She is passionate about flying and creating opportunities for rural Alaskan youth. I have admired her tenacity, along with that of the whole team who made this possible.
The launch was held at Merrill Field, the same Anchorage airport where Ellen Paneok learned to fly. Hearing airplanes in the background made it a fitting place to celebrate her legacy and the next generation of Alaska aviators. Members of Ellen’s family were also there to be part of the celebration.
We heard from some amazing supporters who shared stories about the late Ellen Paneok, a pioneering Alaska Native pilot. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard about this legendary Alaska Native woman before this event. It was inspiring to hear about her life and the many ways she broke barriers, mentored others and made an impact on Alaska aviation.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski described Ellen as a “Renaissance woman,” whose passion for flying was only one part of a remarkable life defined by courage, mentorship and service. Other speakers reflected on how Paneok will carry that spirit forward by helping young Alaskans see themselves in aviation—and giving them the opportunity to believe, “I might belong here.”
Paneok co-founder Jamie Klaes introduces young Alaskans pursuing aviation and shares some of their accomplishments during the nonprofit’s launch at Merrill Field in Anchorage. Photo by Angela Gonzalez
There is much more to Ellen Paneok’s story than I can capture here, and she is well worth learning more about. What stood out to me at the launch was how clearly her spirit still resonates with the people who knew her—and how intentionally this new nonprofit is working to carry that legacy forward.
Watch the video:
It was especially meaningful to see several young Alaskans there who are already pursuing aviation careers. Jamie introduced them and proudly shared some of their accomplishments at the end of the video.
Congratulations to Jamie, Kate and the entire Paneok team on a successful launch. It was especially meaningful to see Ellen’s family there and to witness how proud they were of what is being built in her name.
Angela Gonzalez with her relative Patricia “Patty” Yaska of Chuathbaluk at the Paneok launch in Anchorage. Patty serves on Paneok’s Advisory Council as a Rural Community Advisor and is passionate about helping the next generation of rural Alaskans find their voice and pursue opportunities in aviation.
When I think about the artists who carry the heart of home into their work, I think of my relative Andrew “Dru-P” Marks. Dru-P is a Koyukon Athabascan rapper and singer from Tanana, Alaska. He’s also a talented videographer, a contract video producer, and a dad to two boys.
Andrew “Dru-P” Marks. Courtesy photo
Like a lot of village kids, his story isn’t one straight line. He grew up in several Alaskan villages, and even as he moved, one thing stayed constant: his childhood nickname, “Droopy.” Over time, he reshaped it into his artist name—Dru-P—and it fit.
He started making music the way so many of us start creating: by playing around, listening closely, and having fun with friends. He remembers looping instrumentals wherever he could find space and rapping over them. That curiosity of “parts of instrumentals where people weren’t talking” became a spark, and that spark became a craft.
He had a pause in music around 2011 when video work and life got busy, but he found his way back in 2020 during the pandemic. Not because he was chasing a trend, but because he missed the joy of it.
That joy matters. The Athabascan Woman Blog has always celebrated Native creatives who are building something real, through culture, storytelling, and everyday resilience. Dru-P’s work fits right in with that spirit and the kind of storytelling I love to share here.
Dru-P’s newest project, Chill Protector Vibes, is an album shaped by reflection, healing, and forward movement. He collaborated with producer Ariano on several tracks and connected with the “emotional tone” of the instrumentals. This year, while selling a home and clearing it out, he found old items that brought back memories and stirred up strong feelings.
Dru-P released a new album, Chill Protector Vibes. Courtesy photo.
What stood out to me is how honestly he described that moment: how something that once felt like failure can look different with time, growth, and survival. He used writing as a way to name what he’d been carrying, including past trauma. But he also made sure the album didn’t get stuck in darkness. He added more songs and incorporated features from friends to shift the tone and broaden the story.
Today, he sees the album as inspiring—not because life was easy, but because he kept going.
Dru-P’s song called “Adonis” best represents the project. He shared a story about attending Catholic school for a year and being teased—especially when other kids mocked “the Natives downtown” and used that to target him. He described the song as a mix of love and trauma, and that’s how he views the album as a whole.
But what stays with me is how he flips that pain into pride in the second verse.
“Around here, Ch’eghwtsen’ we’re proud of our skin.” – Dru-P
That one line carries a lot of love, trauma, identity, and a refusal to shrink.
Dru-P. Courtesy photo
Dru-P’s creative eye doesn’t stop with music. He got into videography by editing his own basketball highlight videos back when he and his friends had big dreams (and he jokes he ended up being “a lot better at running than basketball”).
As his skills grew, he started producing music videos for fun, took graphic design and video classes in college, and eventually built a career in media. He worked at KTVF Channel 11, producing commercials and supporting news, and today, he does contract video work while balancing family life. Anyone who edits at home with kids nearby knows it’s not always quiet, but he says he’s finding a rhythm, staying present for his boys while still creating.
His best advice is to protect the fun. When I asked what he’d tell aspiring musicians or videographers, Dru-P shared a quote from his friend TK Sweetsir that he lives by.
“It ain’t fun if you ain’t having fun.” – TK Sweetsir
That sounds simple, but it’s actually a powerful creative compass, especially when work gets heavy. Dru-P says he keeps video work fun by constantly challenging himself to learn new things, and he keeps music honest by rewriting when he knows he’s just going through the motions.
Dru-P is already looking ahead to next year. He plans to release a remix project from *Chill Protector Vibes* (with Ariano remixing about 10 instrumentals), perform more shows, and work toward a collab project with 2essentialz.
To preserve knowledge for the future, he also has additional Indigenous storytelling projects in the works, including documentaries on Elder craft projects. I commend him for this work. To me, that kind of storytelling helps keep culture moving forward.
Dru-P’s work is rooted in Tanana, but it reaches far beyond it. It’s music made from memory, pride, family, and the decision to keep creating.
Enaa baasee’, Andrew, for sharing your story and congratulations on the new album!
The Anchorage Museum presents ATTLA (2019). Director: Catharine Axley Run Time: 61 min. Rating: Not Rated Release Year: 2019 Featuring: George Attla, Joe Bifelt, Rose Attla Ambrose
The Anchorage Museum is screening Attla on Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30–8 p.m. in the Auditorium. The powerful documentary about legendary Huslia sprint musher George Attla was directed by Catharine Axley and featured on PBS’s Independent Lens (2019). The film interweaves interviews and archival footage as Attla comes out of retirement to train his grandnephew Joe Bifelt, carrying his legacy forward.
He was an icon for me growing up, and for so many across Alaska! It’s exciting to see new audiences still discovering legendary George Attla’s story.
“Sharing stories like this helps remind us that resilience, determination, and connection to place are powerful forces,” says Janet Asaro of the Anchorage Museum. Independent Lens aptly called Attla “a rare sports film that blends the excitement of sprint mushing with the humanity of a cultural icon.”
While you’re there, visit the museum’s Dog Show exhibition, a heartfelt look at how dogs help us live, work, and connect, from sled teams in the North to pets and working dogs across the U.S. It highlights the deep human–dog bond and how it shapes culture and everyday life.
Details & tickets ($8; $5 for members): Check the Anchorage Museum website for the Nov. 13 screening of Attla.
Spirit of the Wind (1979) Presented by AMIPA and Doyon Foundation Director: Ralph Liddle Run Time: 103 min. Rating: PG Release Year: 1979 Starring: Pius Savage, George Clutesi, Slim Pickens, Chief Dan George, Rose Attla Ambrose
Here’s a rare chance to see Spirit of the Wind (1979), the biopic about my great-uncle, legendary Huslia sprint musher George Attla, on the big screen in Anchorage. AMIPA and Doyon Foundation are co-presenting a fundraiser screening at Bear Tooth Theatre Pub on Sunday, November 16 at 4:00 PM. Folks often ask where they can watch this film, and this is one great way. I wouldn’t be surprised if it sells out.
AMIPA’s Kevin Tripp shared why this one matters right now: “Most importantly: it’s a great movie, shot in Alaska with Alaskans, that tells an amazing Alaska—and Alaska Native—story.” He also noted the film is showing from a new Digital Cinema Package (DCP), which is a fresh digital version that the director and cinematographer say hasn’t looked this good on a big screen since 1979.
A part of the proceeds benefit Alaska Moving Image Preservation Association (AMIPA)and the Doyon Foundation. AMIPA’s share supports an endowment at the Alaska Community Foundation in memory of Lael Morgan, so your ticket helps preserve Alaska’s moving-image history while you enjoy a classic.
If George Attla’s story has touched you, or if you’ve never seen the “Huslia Husler” brought to life, come out, bring friends and family, and help spread the word. Heritage Month is the perfect time to celebrate Alaska Native stories on Alaska’s big screen.
Spotlight on a Cultural Ambassador and Multimedia Journalist Shaping Indigenous Narratives
Shondiin Mayo models a Sunshine Ruff that she made with the guidance of Iñupiaq artist, Caitlynn Hanna. Photo by Naatanii Mayo.
Shondiin Mayo is a trailblazer, using her platform as a storyteller and journalist to amplify the voices and stories of Indigenous communities. As a Koyukon Athabascan and Diné woman, Shondiin’s work is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and cultural preservation in media. Whether through her documentary films, articles, or public speaking engagements, she is shaping the narrative of what it means to be Indigenous in today’s world. In this post, we’ll explore Shondiin’s inspiring journey, her passion for storytelling, and the impact she’s making in media and beyond.
Shondiin is from Stevens Village, Alaska, and Ts’ah Bii Kin, Arizona (on the Navajo Nation). She is Koyukon Athabascan and Diné, the daughter of Violet Hunt and Randy Mayo. Her maternal grandparents were the late Jean Tallman of Ts’ah Bii Kin and Harry Hunt of Shiprock, New Mexico. Her paternal grandparents are the late Marjorie Sam of Stevens Village and “Tucky” Mayo of Rampart.
Shondiin graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2021 with a degree in Creative Media and Film, specializing in documentary filmmaking. One of the things she struggled with in undergrad is choosing her major.
“For my senior capstone, I gravitated toward documentary filmmaking,” Shondiin said. Her project, Mercy, follows Greg and Ricky Taylor’s journey in dog mushing, documenting their team on the trails, in the dog yard, and at the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race in Fairbanks. Through interviews, she explored their father, Bill Taylor’s legacy and their efforts to revive their dog team. The film captures the dedication and resilience required for the sport.
🎥 Watch Mercy by Shondiin Mayo:
Shondiin also participated in the Miss Indigenous Northern Arizona University (NAU) pageant, a student organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and supporting Indigenous student organizations. As a student ambassador, she represented NAU and surrounding communities. One of her most memorable experiences was attending the Traditional Games and Native Youth Olympics in Juneau, where she and fellow Indigenous students learned about Southeast Alaska’s games and tribal nations. The pageant helped her develop self-confidence, public speaking skills, and talent presentation.
After earning her bachelor’s degree, she faced the significant challenge of discovering her true path. Shondiin explored various graduate programs but soon realized that her interests did not align with any of them, leading her to feel like a failure when things didn’t work out.
During this period, she found comfort in traditional crafts, such as snowshoe making and creating a sunshine ruff, guided by her mentor Caitlynn Hanna.
It was only when she entered the Miss Alaska USA pageant that she received mentorship from Alyssa London, who helped her articulate her mission statement and core values. She recalls that branding played a crucial role in her preparation, and she emerged with a strong sense of purpose centered on storytelling and Indigenous representation. Although she didn’t win the crown, the experience proved to be incredibly valuable.
“People believed in me. I felt proud to be an Alaska Native on the stage and to wear traditional jewelry made by Diloola Erickson. I also credit, Jenna Pitka and Roxy Erickson for doing my hair and makeup. All of them are strong native women.”
She is now pursuing a graduate degree at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. Her career has included roles as a reporter and anchor at a local news station, a communication specialist at Doyon Utilities, and now as a reporter for ICT, covering issues affecting Indigenous communities nationwide.
Shondiin encourages those considering a return to school to embrace change, as it can lead to new opportunities and personal growth.
“What motivated me to continue was the sense of confidence that education had given me and how it continues to offer new opportunities as well as stability for a secure future.” – Shondiin Mayo
In the summer of 2021, Shondiin Mayo participated in the Roland Lord Memorial Boat Race! Courtesy photo.
Beyond storytelling, Shondiin enjoys traditional activities like the Native Youth Olympics, dog mushing, and boat racing. Her journalism background and public speaking experience often lead her to emcee events, such as the Festival of Native Arts. Through filmmaking, education, and cultural engagement, she remains a dedicated advocate for Indigenous storytelling, land conservation, and community involvement.
As an IJA-ASU-ICT Fellow and freelance multimedia journalist, Shondiin’s work exemplifies the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping narratives and empowering future generations. You can follow her impactful storytelling and learn more about her work at ICT News here.
