The 40th annual Bristol Bay Fishtival celebration in Naknek brought together fisherfolk, residents and visitors for a weekend of food, music, arts and many other traditions.
Trefon Angasan Jr. remembered as irreplaceable Alaska Native leader January 29th |
Alaska Native leader Trefon Angasan Jr., died in November from complications due to COVID-19. He was 73 years old. He had a lasting influence on the Bristol Bay region and the state.
Trefon Angasan Jr., was a formidable leader in Alaska. He was renowned for his deep knowledge of policy and law, and his involvement in multiple organizations and on many levels of government. He could cite policy and references just with the snap of his fingers, said his son, Brad Angasan.
Brad worked with him for the past 15 years at the Alaska Peninsula Corporation, of which Angasan was chairman.
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Trefon Angasan, Jr., was a formidable leader in Alaska. He was renowned for his deep knowledge of policy and law, and his involvement in multiple organizations and on many levels of government.
Trefon Angasan, Jr., as a child with his parents and siblings.
Credit Courtesy of Mary Jane Nielsen
“He could cite policy and references just with the snap of his fingers,” said his son, Brad Angasan.
Brad worked with him for the past 15 years at the Alaska Peninsula Corporation, of which Angasan was chairman.
“Really, probably, the smartest man I’ve ever met in my life,” Brad said. “Just an incredible resource with regards to Alaska Native policy history, the history of our region, and was also an incredible businessman. He had amazing business intuition and business sense. That’s going to be a pretty big void to fill.”
From left to right, top to bottom, Michelle Ravenmoon, Margie Frost, Hanna Sholl, and Atkiq Ilutsik-Snyder.
Credit BBNC
A major topic in news this year was race and what it means to be a minority in this country and in Alaska.
In May, the death of George Floyd sparked protests against police brutality and systemic racism around the nation, including rural communities like Dillingham.
People at the march in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. June 6, 2020.
Credit Tyler Thompson/KDLG
On June 6th, about 80 people participated in a March organized by Desi Bond and Jasmine Kritz. Kritz said she hoped marching would push people in Dillingham to fight for justice.