Dolly Wiles, Tribal Administrator

Since joining the Qutekcak Native Tribe, it has become a significant part of my life. I first came on part time as the Financial Manager, but it did not take long for me to realize how deeply I cared about the people, the Tribe, and the community. Within months, I came fully out of retirement and stepped into the role of Tribal Administrator. Now, eight years later, I am still just as committed to serving our Tribal members and strengthening the community we call home.

My connection to Seward reaches back generations. My grandmother, Dorothy Alaska Shell, was born in Seward on October 18, 1921, and was given the middle name Alaska because she was born on Alaska Day. She later helped start a restaurant here alongside another local resident. My grandfather was a prominent gold miner on the Kenai Peninsula, particularly in Hope, Alaska. If you travel to Hope, you will see a sign near the highway turnoff that shares the story of his mother, my great-grandmother, and her history in the area. She was also well known within that community.

Over the years, QNT has become much more than a job to me. Serving this Tribe is a calling, and I have poured my heart into helping make a difference and improve the quality of life for Seward Tribal members. I have had the privilege of watching programs grow, relationships strengthen, and our community come together in ways that continue to inspire me.

I especially love the moments that bring people together—cooking homemade meals, gardening, visiting with our members, sharing stories, and creating opportunities for connection. Those relationships are at the heart of why I continue to do this work.

As the years have passed, my commitment to this work has only grown stronger. I continue to learn from our members, grow alongside our community, and remain grateful for every opportunity to serve. I look forward to continuing to listen, build relationships, and help create an even stronger future for QNT and the generations to come.