2026 Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year Award Recipient
Lois E. Huntington was born in Tanana, Alaska, to the late Marian (Antoski) Edwin and the late Lee Edwin. Lois’s siblings include Flora Buening, Blanche Edwin, Melvin Edwin, Grace Edwin, and Jeanette Starr-Walker. Lois spent her early years living in Rampart with her family, fishing during the summers at the Rapids on the Yukon River. Her family eventually settled permanently in Tanana so that the children could attend school.
Lois met and married the late John Huntington in 1973, and together they raised four children: Jacqueline Edwin, Daphne Huntington, Leon Huntington, and Leanne “Bitsy” Huntington. In 2020, Lois welcomed twin grandbabies Rosilee and Marian, whom she loves to spend her time with.
Lois received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For more than thirty-one years, Lois dedicated her life to educating the children of Tanana, serving as a highly respected Athabascan teacher whose devotion, grace, and leadership shaped generations of students. Lois also taught in Huslia for two years.
in a region where Alaska Native representation in education has often been limited, Lois stood as a powerful role model. She inspired students to believe in their abilities, their culture, and their futures. Her former students describe her as an educator who made them feel seen, capable, and valued. She held high expectations while nurturing her students with compassion, trust, and encouragement.
Lois served not only as an educator, but also as an advocate, mentor, and maternal figure, creating classrooms—and a home—that were safe places of belonging for children and families. She continues to mentor and foster children, guided by her enduring belief in love, service, and education.
Lois serves as a Tanana Tribal Council member, as a Tanana City School District Board Member as a part of the Yukon-Koyukuk School District, as a Eucharistic Minister, as President of the Tanana Dog Mushers Association, and as a foster and adoptive mother. She previously served as the Chief and Tribal court judge for the Tanana Tribal Council and as a Tanana City School District Board Member. Lois and her family volunteered for many years hosting 4th of July activities in Tanana.
Lois’s lifetime of service has touched every family in her community, leaving a legacy reflected in the many students she inspired who went on to become leaders, professionals, parents, and dedicated community contributors. Lois’s dedication to education, leadership, and community service and her legacy of strength, humility, and love, will inspire future generations and stand as a testament to the lasting power of service and compassion.
The Board of Directors of Doyon, Limited, on behalf of the shareholders, hereby recognizes Lois E. Huntington as a person who has demonstrated leadership, strong commitment, competence, and sensitivity in the educational and cultural survival of Alaska Natives. The Board of Directors hereby honors Lois E. Huntington as the recipient of the 2026 Poldine Carlo Citizen of the Year.
