[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 63 (Thursday, April 11, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Remembering Selina Everson

  Madam President, before I relinquish my time, I just want to take a 
very brief moment to note that a friend, a leader, an extraordinary 
role model for many Alaskans--certainly in the Alaska Native 
community--has recently passed.
  Selina Everson was a language and culture warrior in Southeastern 
Alaska and one who fought for the Tlingit language and culture 
preservation. She was an extraordinary woman and role model. She grew 
up speaking Tlingit. It was her first language. In school, she was 
told: You can only speak English. She broke that rule and courageously 
spoke Tlingit anyway. She was a champion for her culture.
  We mourn her passing. This woman not only was considered Grandma 
Selina and considered by hundreds of children in schools in 
Southeastern Alaska as a friend and a relative, I considered her one as 
well. I was honored that she was the one who helped adopt me into the 
Deisheetaan clan and gave me the honor and treasured name of Aan 
shaawatk'i, Lady of the Land. So know that I send my prayers to 
Selina's family as they face this loss.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Cassidy). The assistant Democratic leader.