[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1874]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING CLARENCE JACKSON

 Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to 
reflect on the sad news that Clarence Jackson, a Tlingit elder, 
``walked into the forest'' on January 31, 2013, at the age of 78.
  Clarence Jackson was an individual who committed his life to the 
Native peoples of Alaska. Clarence was invaluable and irreplaceable, as 
he generously shared his vast knowledge of the Tlingit language, 
history and culture. In 1972, Jackson signed the articles of 
incorporation for Sealaska Corporation that was created under the 
Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. As one of the original 
incorporators of Sealaska Corporation, he was the only board member to 
serve continuously from the time Sealaska was founded. He also served 
on the board of directors for Sealaska Timber Corporation and served as 
the chairman of the Sealaska Heritage Institute's Council of 
Traditional Scholars. But many saw him as an ambassador to the 
community. He was a gentle man adept at using humor to reach people. In 
his capacity on the board, he represented Sealaska at funerals, 
celebrations, and many other community events.
  Clarence was born in Kake, AK, on May 24, 1934. He lived there most 
of his life, attending Sheldon Jackson School in Sitka. He continued on 
to Sheldon Jackson College in 1954. Growing up immersed in his Tlingit 
community allowed him to become a very articulate orator. He excelled 
through his teachings of the Tlingit culture. After college, Clarence 
moved back to Kake, where he became a fisherman and operated a small 
store.
  In the 1960's, Clarence became a delegate to the Central Council of 
Tlingit and Haida Indians in the Alaska Native claims movement. He 
served as this council's president from 1972 through 1976.
  Clarence also advocated for the importance of preserving the cultural 
values of all Native people and eloquently spoke to this at Celebration 
2012 in Juneau.
  Clarence positively impacted the lives of everyone he met. He 
accomplished a great deal for his Native people, and he was blessed 
with a truly wonderful family. Thanks to modern technology, his stories 
and life experiences will live on for eternity.
  On behalf of the Senate I extend condolences to Clarence's family, 
his wife of 58 years, Gertrude Louise ``Lidda'' Paddock, and the 
Tlingit people of Southeast Alaska. His life has been appropriately 
honored with a ceremony at Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, in Juneau, 
AK.

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