Every year Doyon, Limited recognizes a few shareholders as “Shareholder of the Year” at our Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In 2025, Doyon recognized Cesa Agnes, Sam Demientieff, Reverend Dr. Anna Frank, and Quannah Chasinghorse Potts as outstanding shareholders who have demonstrated their devotion toward their people, displayed strong leadership, and shown significant commitment to the betterment of their communities.
Daaga’ Community Service Award
WHEREAS, Cesa Margaret Agnes is the daughter of Wilson and Eleanor (Oldman) Sam. Her paternal grandparents are late Big Sophie and late Sammy Sam and her maternal grandparents are late Martha and late Abraham Oldman. Cesa’s siblings are Gabriel, Beverly, late Genevieve, late Jefferson, Speedy, and late Christine. Cesa is married to Curtis Agnes; her children are Haley Thompson, Courtney Agnes, and Charlize Sam. She has three grandchildren: Laniya, Malik, and Wilson. She serves as a beloved grandma to many other children. Cesa’s Denaakk’e name is Bidaayeedlino. She shares this name with her late great-grandmother Cesa Bergman; and
WHEREAS, when Cesa was a young girl, her family lived in Arizona where her father attended Cook Christian Training School. The family then moved home to Huslia, where Cesa grew up in a subsistence lifestyle. She spent every summer in fish camp, went berry picking with family, and helped during hunting. Her father kept and raced a dog team, and the family shared in the responsibilities for caring for the team; and
WHEREAS, Cesa was in the first graduating class from Jimmy Huntington School in Huslia. She obtained an associate of applied science degree in Human Services at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). She worked in various jobs over the years before accepting a position as the Behavioral Health Aide in Huslia for Tanana Chiefs Conference, which allowed her to utilize her considerable strengths as a compassionate communicator, listener, and helper. Cesa is close to attaining her Bachelor of Social Work degree at UAF. She and her family own the Lakeview Shop. Cesa serves on the Huslia Village Council; and
WHEREAS, Cesa has worked hard to develop and strengthen her community, including serving as an active volunteer in the Huslia community. She provides leadership and mentorship to younger generations and continues to be an advocate for improving the quality of life for the people in her community and region; and
WHEREAS, Cesa Agnes is honored with the Daaga’ Community Service Award, in recognition of her outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to her family and community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Doyon, Limited is proud to present the 2025 Daaga’ Community Service Award to Cesa Agnes, recognizing her exceptional commitment and contributions to the well-being of her community.
Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year
WHEREAS, Anna Marie Frank was born and raised in Old Minto to Jonathan and Rosie David, where she was deeply influenced by her aunt, Evelyn Alexander, the first unpaid health aide in their community. She considers Minto Flats and Chatanika her home because her grandfather, Little Charlie, brought his family there; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Anna Frank was ordained as a deaconess at the Lutheran Church in 1999, later becoming a minister and working in ministry in the villages of Minto, Rampart, and Manley Hot Springs. She served on the Board of the Alaska Native Lutheran Ministry and the Lutheran Church in America. As the first Alaska Native woman pastor in the Lutheran Church, her legacy is marked by her strong faith, compassion, and desire to uplift the Alaska Native community; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Frank has used her platform and position to be an advocate for Alaska Native rights, offering a blend of spiritual leadership and community involvement. She has served as a beacon of hope and support for people throughout the Interior, helping many people in their times of need; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Frank’s leadership and contributions have left an indelible mark on the lives of many, and she is recognized for her tireless efforts to build bridges within the Alaska Native community and beyond; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Anna Frank is honored with the Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year Award for her long-standing commitment to community service, spiritual leadership, and dedication to advancing the well-being of Alaska Native people; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Doyon, Limited is proud to present the 2025 Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year Award to Reverend Dr. Anna Frank in recognition of her inspiring leadership and contributions to the Alaska Native community.
Hannah Paul Solomon Elder of the Year
WHEREAS, Samuel S. Demientieff was born in Holy Cross to Nick and Nellie Demientieff in 1939. He attended school in Holy Cross, Nenana, Fairbanks, and Copper Valley. His family of 10 owned and operated a freighting business on the interior rivers of Alaska. In the late 1940’s, his family moved from Holy Cross to Nenana, and eventually settled in Fairbanks where they built a big log cabin on the Chena River; and
WHEREAS, Sam was one of the first Alaska Native people to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. Later, he was active in various community and cultural organizations, working to promote and preserve Native traditions. Sam’s efforts have made a lasting impact on his community and the broader Native community in Alaska; and
WHEREAS, Sam Demientieff is recognized for his tireless advocacy and leadership in preserving Alaska Native culture, and for the many years he has dedicated to the betterment of his people. He has been an influential elder, teacher, and guide to many, and continues to have a positive influence on generations to come; and
WHEREAS, Sam Demientieff is honored with the Hannah Paul Solomon Elder of the Year Award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the preservation of culture, teaching, and leadership within the Alaska Native community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Doyon, Limited is proud to present the 2025 Hannah Paul Solomon Elder of the Year Award to Sam Demientieff in recognition of his lifelong dedication to cultural preservation and leadership.
Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year
WHEREAS, Quannah ChasingHorse Potts, is the daughter of Jody Potts-Joseph and Jamey Joseph of Eagle, and her late stepfather Eli Black of Kayenta, Arizona. Her maternal grandparents are Mike and Adeline Potts from Eagle. Quannah’s heritage is Han Gwich’in and Oglala/Sinacanju Lakota. Quannah is named after two great Native people, Chief Quanah Parker of the Comanche Nation and the late Quana Northway of Northway; and
WHEREAS, Quannah is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights, especially focusing on youth empowerment and cultural preservation. She works to ensure that future generations stay connected to their roots and continue to celebrate and practice their traditions; and
WHEREAS, Quannah’s leadership and work have led her to take part in multiple initiatives aimed at ensuring the success and well-being of Indigenous youth, and she continues to inspire those around her to take pride in their heritage and fight for social justice; and
WHEREAS, Quannah ChasingHorse Potts is honored with the Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of her powerful voice, advocacy, and tireless commitment to her people and her community; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Doyon, Limited is proud to present the 2025 Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year Award to Quannah ChasingHorse Potts, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous youth.
