Moses Marr’aq Wiseman, Empowering Our Shareholders
Storyknife, March/April 2026 edition
Moses Marr’aq Wiseman, a Calista Shareholder from Chefornak, was recently recognized for his work to strengthen the Yup’ik language (Yugtun). His advocacy efforts span from language to cultural access, and revitalization of both culture and language. Recently, the Center for Native American Youth named him a 2026 Champion for Change.
Wiseman works as the Alaska Native Languages Program Director at the Alaska Institute for Justice (AIJ) under the Language Interpreter Center. One of his recent projects was a new, online Yup’ik Health Glossary called Aperyarat Calricaraam Tungiinun, which provides behavioral health terms and medical terminology in Yup’ik.
“If Yugtun is your first language, you may sometimes doubt what is being said in English,” Wiseman says. “When you bridge the gap through language it brings a sense of calmness and understanding.”
Wiseman is pursuing his Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership from Alaska Pacific University. Prior to his master’s, he attained his BA from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University in Minnesota in 2023. Wiseman says his family and his upbringing in Chefornak have greatly influenced the direction of his education and career.
“The traditional knowledge passed down to me from my parents and their parents, and from my aunties and uncles, has influenced how I view the world,” Wiseman says. “It’s very humbling to say that I came from the village.”
Wiseman is the son of Victor Yuralqiq and Leona Kilirnguq Wiseman. He is the grandson of Charlie Anartuaq and Josephine Inarayuli Wiseman; and Dennis Nakrialnguq and Adeline Kaagyugaq Panruk.
If Yugtun is your first language, you may sometimes doubt what is being said in English,” Wiseman says. “When you bridge the gap through language it brings a sense of calmness and understanding.
Moses Marr’aq Wiseman, Calista Shareholder from Chefornak
Wiseman speaks Yugtun, likes to fish, pick berries, gather greens and yuraq [Yup’ik dance]. He says cultural and traditional values connect you to who you are and where you come from.
“Our cultural values feel like common, everyday values, but carry a deep cultural connection,” Wiseman says. “Respect, humility and love are so important. Western culture carries so much spite because of the concept of politics, but as Yup’ik people we set that aside and show love and respect to one another. We respect people, things, animals and the land around us.”
Wiseman has interned at Calista and Calista Education and Culture (CEC) and receives CEC scholarships as he continues his education. He says our youth still in school should pursue education while remembering and connecting to their roots.
“Pursue higher education or go to trade school,” Wiseman says. “There’s a high demand for jobs in our villages that require some education or expertise. Though it’s still important to understand who you are while you pursue a career.”