Page 3 - Donlin Newsletter Fall 2021

INTERN SPOTLIGHT
By Samantha Angaiak-Miller
Matthew Erik (19) a a a a a a Calista shareholder from Chefornak is an intern at Donlin Gold for the 2021 season through its longstanding partnership with Alaska EXCEL During his time at camp he has been learning carpentry plumbing and other skills Matthew said he he he was interested in in working at Donlin Gold the the moment he he he learned of the the internship possibility “I knew it it was going to be hands-on I knew it was going to be like something that would pique my interest [be]cause I don’t like sitting down and doing nothing for work I just wanted to be active and and going and and doing something ”
Matthew is no stranger to the the educational opportunities offered through Alaska EXCEL He participated in four previous programs in high school and encourages other young people to participate “They do great work helping young people like me find what they need in in high school and setting up for future success I didn’t know what they were and and I signed up in 10th grade and and they’ve really helped me a lot ”
Spending a a a a total of four weeks away from home (two weeks in Anchorage and two at at camp) Matthew said he he doesn’t get too homesick “Growing up I’d go to to Tununak and and back and and go go see my other family I’d go go on school trips a a a a a a lot ”
said Matthew “Two years ago I was in Bethel for for five months for for the academy with LKSD multiple EXCEL programs ANSEP for for about a a a month summer EXCEL for for about a a a month too so I’m used to to traveling ”
After the the internship is complete Matthew hopes to work in in maintenance or another trade-related field He hopes to eventually work for Donlin Gold “My goal after this just find a a a a job I love to have [and] just being happy in in in life ”
Photo courtesy of Donlin Gold 3
Photo courtesy of Steven M Alexie
WELCOME TO THE TEAM Born in in Bethel Alaska and raised in in Akiachak Alaska Steven M Alexie
is a a a a new addition to the Donlin Gold Community Relations team Steven has lived in Napaskiak Alaska for the last seven years with his wife Denise Riley-Alexie and four wonderful children: Quentin Riley age 13 Chance and and Devin Riley-Alexie both 10 and and one daughter Leighton Riley-Alexie age nine Steven also has two adult children and and one grandchild Steven loves to practice a a subsistence lifestyle with his family Together they enjoy fishing for pike in in in early spring and salmon in in in summer From catching the fish to processing and smoking them these events are a a a a a family affair Steven also loves to hunt with his two older boys who also share his love of hunting As a a a lifelong resident of the Y-K Delta Steven has traveled throughout the region Steven shared “I am excited that Donlin has hired me and look forward to working for for them ”
Welcome to the team Steven!