At this year’s Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Annual Convention, Ahtna Chairman Jackson was awarded the prestigious Citizen of the Year Award. This honor recognizes the incredible impact Chairman Jackson has made on the Alaska Native community, his dedication to preserving the Ahtna way of life, and his lifelong commitment to serving others. The AFN Citizen of the Year Award celebrates individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their families and the Native community, particularly those who have shown strong commitment, dedication, and service to rural Alaska.

Chairman Jackson was born in Copper Center in 1936 and raised in a family that instilled in him the values of the Ahtna culture. He is a proud member of the Udzisyu (Caribou) Clan, and his upbringing deeply influenced his life’s work. After serving on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1959, he transitioned to reserve duty, which included being called back to military service to train with the National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Honorably discharged in 1964, he returned home with a renewed sense of purpose.

Throughout his career, Chairman Jackson has held various leadership positions within Ahtna. He began his professional journey with the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, where he worked as a technician for ten years in Cordova, Glennallen, and Valdez. This role bolstered his natural curiosity about environmental, wildlife, and landscape changes, laying the groundwork for his future advocacy in these areas. He later served two terms on the Alaska Board of Game and was a member of the Big Game Commercial Services Board, demonstrating his commitment to wildlife management and conservation.

Chairman Jackson’s tenure as the General Manager of Ahtna, Inc., and later as President of Ahtna Construction & Primary Products Corporation, showcased his ability to merge traditional Ahtna values with modern business practices.

Over his tenure, Chairman Jackson has served on various Ahtna committees and has held other board officer positions. His leadership has been pivotal in ensuring that Ahtna shareholders have access to opportunities while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural roots.

In addition to his contributions to Ahtna, Chairman Jackson is a member of the Gulkana Village Council and the Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission. He has served on the Copper River Native Association board of directors and has been involved with the local Alaska Native Brotherhood (Camp 34) and numerous local fish and game advisory committees. His dedication to community service even led him to run for the State House in 1988.

Chairman Jackson’s commitment to the Ahtna people is evident in his efforts to protect hunting and fishing rights. He has been an outspoken advocate for responsible management of Alaska’s natural resources, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy a customary and traditional way of life. He emphasizes the importance of passing down Ahtna traditional knowledge, engaging leaders of all ages to recognize the environmental and political changes affecting their communities.

His respect for the land and its resources is reflected in his belief that, “We have something for today and something for the future too.” Chairman Jackson is keenly aware of climate changes, land conditions, temperature fluctuations, and the migration patterns of animal populations. He actively monitors the health of fish in the Copper River and collaborates with other Ahtna leaders to promote sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the community.

Throughout his life, Chairman Jackson has embodied the spirit of service. He shares his knowledge of the Ahtna culture, actively participates in community events, and remains a compassionate presence during traditional gatherings, always ready to support those in need. His unwavering dedication to the Ahtna people and all Alaska Natives has fostered a sense of unity and resilience within the community.

We congratulate Chairman Jackson on this well-deserved honor and thank him for his decades of dedication to the Ahtna community and all Alaska Native peoples. His legacy serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding us all of the importance of commitment, service, and cultural preservation.