David Salmon (tribal chief)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Reverend Chief David Salmon (1912 – October 11, 2007) was an Alaska native and Episcopalian priest. He was also a Gwich'in elder who was known for his traditional toolmaking skills and work ethic.^[1]

Salmon was born in Salmon Village and raised in Chalkyitsik.^[2] He was first chosen as Chief of Chalkyitsik at the age of 29 and helped shape his hometown and community.^[2]

Salmon was elevated to First Traditional Chief for the Athabascan people of the Interior in2003. ^[1] following the death of the previous chief, Chief Peter John of Old Minto, Alaska.^[3] The position of First Traditional Chief was nonpolitical and honorary.^[1] The title was held in very high esteem by the Athabascan and other indigenous Alaskan peoples.^[1] He was also the father of Alaskan state respresentative Woody Salmon.^[2]

He died at the age of 95 from cancer at his home in Chalkyitsik on October 11, 2007. ^[4] He had been diagnosed earlier in the summer of 2007.^[1] Salmon died just 10 days before the opening of the 2007 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, which he was scheduled to address as a guest speaker.^[1]

Alaska governor Sarah Palin ordered that all Alaskan flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Salmon. ^[2] Palin stated that "Alaska has lost a true treasure."^[2]

Salmon's family received around 200 phone calls expressing sympathy from throughout Alaska and the rest of the United States following his death.^[1] He was buried near his home in Chalkyitsik on October 15, 2007, next to his late wife, Sarah, in a hilltop cemetery under spruce trees.^[1]