About Us
Who We Are
Gínga & Igniñ Collective was founded by five sisters, Ayyu Qassataq, ‘Láaganaay Tsiits Git’anee, Silugngataanit’sqaq Melissa Marton, ‘Wáahlaal Gíidaak Barbara Blake, and Xahl Ḵehwuldangs Gail Cheney, who came together in service to Alaska Native peoples and communities, grounded in relationship, responsibility, and love. As the work has grown, the Collective has been honored to be joined by Qunmıġu Kacey Hopson, whose leadership strengthens and carries this work forward.
Rooted in Indigenous paradigms that honor interdependent roles, balance, and deep connection, Gínga & Igniñ affirms that when Indigenous peoples lead with love, communities thrive. The Collective’s strength flows from relationship with one another, with land and waters, and with ancestral teachings carried forward across generations. Rather than fitting into imposed systems, Gínga & Igniñ restores and co-creates possibilities rooted in Indigenous values, caretaking for homelands and futures through Indigenous knowledge, responsibility, and collective care.
“When we lead with love, we never stand alone.” – the late Annie David (Yup’ik)
About Us
Gínga & Igniñ Collective is led by a multigenerational team of Indigenous women whose leadership spans advocacy, governance, law, policy, conservation, and community wellbeing. Grounded in deep relationships to their homelands and ancestral knowledge, the team works across disciplines and geographies to advance Indigenous led pathways rooted in sovereignty, balance, and collective care.
