William Tyler Hudson is the son of Babes and Todd Hudson. His maternal grandparents are Nora and Edmund Lord of Nenana, and his paternal grandparents are Jack and Joan Hudson of Michigan. He is also a great-great-grandson of Chief Thomas of the Nenana Tribe. His heritage runs deep, and he believes it is crucial to honor the wisdom of his ancestors while navigating the ever-changing world around him.
William is on a mission to inspire and empower Native students across Alaska. With a deep commitment to his roots, William is dedicated to helping young people find meaningful careers, particularly in trades that don’t always require leaving the state or pursuing a traditional four-year college education.
William’s journey to higher education has not been easy, but it’s one driven by his passion to serve his community. He made the sacrifice of leaving home for four years to attend the University of Oregon, where he will graduate in June 2025 with a degree in Economics. Although college was a significant step, William has remained committed to staying connected to his roots. He has actively participated in Native events on campus and back home in Fairbanks and Nenana, Alaska, ensuring he continues to engage with his community even while away.
In the summer of 2024, William took an internship with Alyeska Pipeline, working in their Fleet and Purchasing Department. This hands-on experience not only gave him valuable industry insight but also solidified his belief in the importance of trades and practical skills in supporting sustainable careers for Native youth.
One of William’s primary goals is to inspire young Native students to pursue trades and join local unions. He recognizes that not every student is meant for college or needs to leave Alaska to succeed. By encouraging his peers to explore trades as a viable and fulfilling career path, he hopes to help foster economic growth within Native communities and create more opportunities for local employment.
As he prepares to graduate in 2025, William remains deeply committed to the future of his people. He believes in change, but not at the expense of tradition, and he hopes his journey will serve as a beacon of hope and possibility for future generations of Native students.
