UTQIAĠVIK, ALASKA, JUNE 4, 2026 — Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation is deeply saddened by the passing of James “Jimmy” Stotts, a respected Iñupiaq leader whose lifelong dedication to Inuit self-determination, advocacy, and service helped shape the future of our people and communities across the Arctic.
Born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Jimmy devoted decades of his life to serving the North Slope and advancing the interests of Inuit people. Throughout his career, he held leadership roles with UIC, the North Slope Borough, Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, and the Inuit Circumpolar Council, where he worked to ensure Inuit voices were heard and respected at the local, national, and international levels.
“Jimmy dedicated his life to serving his people and strengthening the communities he cared so deeply about,” said Dr. Pearl K. Brower, President and CEO of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation. “As a former UIC Board Chairman, respected shareholder, and leader across the Arctic, he helped shape opportunities for future generations while never losing sight of the values that define us as Iñupiat people. His leadership, integrity, and commitment to self-determination left a lasting mark on our region and on countless lives. We are grateful for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Jimmy’s impact reached far beyond any single organization or title. He helped strengthen cooperation among Inuit communities throughout the Arctic and advanced important conversations around Indigenous rights, economic self-determination, and Arctic stewardship. Yet those who knew him best will also remember his warmth, his storytelling, his ability to bring people together, and his deep love for family, friends, and community.
At UIC, we are especially grateful for Jimmy’s many contributions to our corporation and our shareholders. His service as a former Chairman of the UIC Board of Directors, along with his recognition as UIC Shareholder of the Year, reflected his lifelong commitment to advancing opportunities for our people and strengthening our communities. His leadership helped lay the foundation for future generations, and his impact on Utqiaġvik, the North Slope, and Inuit Nunaat will continue to be felt for years to come.
On behalf of the UIC Board of Directors, leadership, employees, and shareholders, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Karoline, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who knew and loved him. We join communities across the North Slope and throughout the Arctic in honoring his life, celebrating his many contributions, and carrying forward the legacy of service he leaves behind.
About UIC
UIC is the Alaska Native Village Corporation of Utqiaġvik, Alaska, and provides social and economic resources to over 4,200 Iñupiat shareholders and their descendants. Since its establishment, UIC has diversified its investments and consistently ranks among the top Alaskan-owned companies. UIC employs more than 4,400 people and provides services to clients in a variety of industries, including operations in Utqiaġvik, construction, architecture and engineering, regulatory consulting, information technology, marine operations, logistics, and maintenance and manufacturing. More information about UIC and its family of companies can be found at uicalaska.com.