Denakkanaaga board members and staff at the 2026 Denakkanaaga Annual Meeting: Executive Assistant Pat Bessette, First Chief Andrew Jimmie, Youth Representative Neezhoni Boyle, Secretary/Treasurer Margaret Henry-John, Board Member Cora Demit, Second Chief Jack Wholecheese, Board Member Harvey Benjamin, Board Member Glenn Carlo and Executive Director Sharon McConnell. Not photographed are board member Bobby Esai, and Title Vi Director, Val Adams.
2026 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference and Annual Meeting
The 2026 Denakkanaaga Elders and Youth Conference took place on June 2 and 3, 2026 in conjunction with the Denakkanaaga Annual Meeting on June 4, 2026, in Fort Yukon, Alaska.
Four elders were elected to the board
Jack Wholecheese was re-elected to Seat B: Yukon-Koyukuk
Cora Demit was re-elected to Seat F: Upper Tanana
Margaret Henry - John was re-elected to Seat D: Yukon Flats
Bobby Esai was elected to fill the remaining one year term for Seat G: Kuskokwim.
Neezhoni Boyle of Circle was elected as the youth representative for the board
Denakkanaaga thanks the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich'in Tribal Government of Gwichyaa Zhee (formerly Fort Yukon) for hosting the gathering. We also thank our major sponsors Doyon, Limited and Tanana Chiefs Conference and sponsors Mt. McKinley Bank and Foundation Health Partners for supporting this special event.
Thank you to our sponsors!
