Missaq Loren Peterson
Yup'ik
Indigenous Operations Director
Loren “Missaq” Peterson currently serves as the Indigenous Operations Director at First Alaskans Institute. Prior to joining FAI, Missaq served as the Chairman & President & CEO of Azachorok Incorporated, an Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act Village Corporation. He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with emphasis on Political Science from the University of Oregon and University of Alaska Fairbanks combined. Missaq also completed graduate programs at the George Washington University studying political campaigning and lobbying. He also worked at the National Congress of American Indians and for U.S. Senator Ted Stevens in Washington, D.C. Prior to serving as the President & CEO for Azachorok Inc., he served as a Legislative Aide for Alaska State Senator Donny Olson and also worked in the non-profit sector as a Program Officer as the Alaska Conservation Foundation. While working for Senator Donny Olson, Missaq carried legislation establishing the Alaska Native Language Preservation & Advisory Council allocating $1M towards indigenous language restoration efforts by the State of Alaska.
During his tenure at Azachorok, Loren was recognized by the Alaska Journal and awarded a Top 40 Under 40 honoring for his dedication and community service to the Alaska Native community through a broad spectrum of roles and capacities in federal, state and tribal and non-profit organizations.
Missaq enjoys healthy activities including swimming, biking, reading and also enjoys being in nature whether it is fishing, camping and hiking. He currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska where he is the Owner Operator of Arctic Nature Properties, LLC a real estate investment property.