Ayyu Qassataq of Uŋalaqłiq (Unalakleet) and Anchorage, Alaska, is a proud mother of four who works to protect Indigenous knowledge and lifeways through community-centered advocacy, solution-making and healing. She is a founding director of Gínga & Igniñ Collective, and established Inuit Rising to draw upon the strength of Inuit kinship, knowledge and cultural practices to catalyze opportunities for collaboration and collective action toward a self-determining future across Inuit nunaat (homelands) in the Arctic. 

She is a current NDN Collective Changemaker Fellow and recent First Nations Futures Fellow. Prior to her current endeavors, Ayyu served 2 years as Vice President for Native Conservancy and 14 years with First Alaskans Institute, most recently as Chief Administrative Officer.

Ayyu earned an MA in Rural Development and BA in Organizational Management with Nonprofit emphasis; her master’s thesis research centered on missionization and the formation of the education system in Alaska, and its ongoing impacts to Native students and families.

Her current and past board service includes: Alaska Public Media, UAF Board of Advisors, Philanthropy Northwest, Alaska Native Birthworkers, Native Sea Trust, Caleb Pungowiyi Scholars, UAA School of Education, Anchorage Equal Rights Commission, Alaska Native Professional Association, and Beyond Borders. [extended professional history may be found here]