It is with great pride that we honor Bonita Babcock as Aleut’s 2026 Shareholder of the Year.
Bonita Babcock has spent her life serving her family, community, and region with generosity, determination, and faith. The daughter of Glen and Beverly Mack, Bonita grew up alongside her siblings, Glennora Mack Kose, Glen Mack Jr., Tim Mack, and Daniel Mack in King Cove Alaska.
Known throughout the region for her positive spirit and “get up and do it” attitude, Bonita leads by example. Whether advocating for her community, sharing cultural knowledge, or lending a helping hand to someone in need, she approaches every challenge with optimism and perseverance.
For more than 20 years, Bonita served in emergency medical services, providing care and comfort during times of crisis. Her calm presence, compassion, and commitment to helping others have touched countless lives and reflect her deep love for her community.
Faith has always been central to Bonita’s life. Since marrying her husband, Chris, in 1995, she has faithfully served alongside him in ministry, supporting Sunday services and helping teach God’s word to young people. Through her kindness, patience, and encouragement, she has helped guide and inspire the next generation.
Bonita has also been a passionate advocate for the Road to King Cove project for many years. Her steadfast belief in the project’s importance and her determination to keep moving forward have encouraged others to continue working toward opportunities that will strengthen Aleut communities for years to come.
A proud culture bearer, Bonita is deeply committed to preserving and sharing Unangax̂ traditions. She teaches cultural knowledge and harvesting practices, including gathering berries, putchkis, and patrushkis, and shares traditional knowledge about baidarkas and other aspects of Unangax̂ life. She also continues to expand her own knowledge through culture camps and lifelong learning, helping ensure these traditions are carried forward for future generations.
Above all, Bonita is proud of her family. She is the mother of Michael Bendixen Jr., Gunther Bendixen, Danyette Walker, Kristopher Babcock, and Glen Babcock, and grandmother to Emma Slater, Hailie Dushkin, Tatianna Bendixen, Kinsey Bendixen, Lena Bendixen, and Holli Bendixen. Her legacy of faith, service, cultural pride, and community leadership lives on through her family and the many people whose lives she has touched.