Iḷisaġvik College honors and recognizes the life of Jacob Anaġi Adams, Sr., esteemed leader and whaling captain for the North Slope region. Anaġi provided decades of leadership and advocacy for the people and communities of the Arctic Slope. He was a founder of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, advocated for our region during the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, guided the incorporation of the North Slope Borough where he served as Mayor and helped to form the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission as the original chairman, in addition to living an active subsistence and cultural lifestyle. Other leadership positions included North Slope Borough Assembly president and serving on the Barrow City Council. He was presented with an honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, two years ago.“It has been an honor and privilege to have known such an amazing leader who has done so much for our region. His support to our youth and communities has been invaluable, from traveling with our basketball team as a youth, to growing the institutions and opportunities we have today. My prayers and condolences to his family,” said President Justina Wilhelm. Iḷisaġvik College sends its sincere condolences to Jacob’s wife Lucille and the entire Adams family and extended family during this time.