Alaska Governor Palin Orders Flags Lowered for Native Leader

October 12, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today ordered state flags be lowered to half-staff in memory of the Reverend David Salmon, the first traditional chief of the Athabascan people of the Interior. Salmon, the father of State Representative Woodie Salmon, died Wednesday. He was 95.

“Alaska has lost a true treasure,” said Governor Palin. “Chief Salmon will be remembered as an inspiration to all Alaskans. Todd and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Salmon was a Gwich'in elder who was born in Salmon Village and raised in Chalkyitsik. He was first made Chief of Chalkyitsik at the age of 29 and helped shape the community. Salmon was well known for his traditional tool-making skills and his sense of humor. He leaves behind one son, an adopted daughter, five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

State flags will be lowered on Monday, October 15, 2007, the day of Salmon’s funeral in Chalkyitsik.

Source: Alaska Governor

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