Ahtna Director John Dye is married to Coretta and has two daughters, Takeshia and Ryah, and a dog named Aspen. He is a member of the Tsisyu (Paint) clan. He has served on the Ahtna, Inc. Board for two years.

What are some defining/influential moments in your life?
Getting sick really made me change the way I thought about things and how fast your life can be taken.

Is there anyone in particular in your life that has inspired you?
My mom. She inspired me to work hard and to do my best at whatever I do.

What are you most passionate about in your life?
I am passionate about my family. I love to spend time with them. I’m also passionate about hunting and fishing and teaching my kids about the outdoors.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
Hunting and fishing and being outdoors. Ever since I was a kid, I loved being outside.

What are your hopes for the future of Ahtna?
To be able to manage and regulate our hunting and fishing rights on our lands. Also to be sustainable for our younger generation.

What is the Board’s vision for Ahtna, Inc?
To keep our Ahtna region united.

What made you want to join the Board?
I wanted to join the board because I wanted to know more about Ahtna and the history. I also wanted to inspire young men to be leaders.

What excites you the most about the Board’s work?
Learning the history of Ahtna and our people and being part of the operation of Ahtna and seeing what they are doing to benefit our shareholders.

What are some key things you wanted to change/implement when you joined the Board?
Regulating our own hunting and fishing rights.

What is one or a few things you would love for all shareholders to know about the Board?
The board really cares and wants to do what is best for the Ahtna shareholders.

What message would you like to share with the youth of today?
We need more men to step up and serve as a leader for our community. Go to school and learn as much as you can. A smart, polite and educated Native is a powerful person for our people. Also, having a great attitude; having a great attitude will get you a long way.

Can you tell me more about your work history and community involvement?
Before I got sick, I was the Jr High Boys Basketball coach. I love working with them and hope to continue working with them. It was hard last year when I had to step down because of my health problems.