National Guard brings Santa, joy to Native village

The Alaska National Guard in conjunction with the Salvation Army traditionally selects three Alaska Native villages for visits in the annual Operation Santa Claus. The children all received a backpack filled with a gift, a book, snacks and hygiene supplies appropriate for their age.

The Inupiaq community of Nuiqsut, a village of less than 500 people in Alaska was chosen the first time for a visit in the 67 years of the program. Santa and Mrs. Claus gave the gifts to every child and posed for photos with them. Later, the community expressed its appreciation with a drum and dance group leading everyone in the school gym in celebration.