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Top 10 Celebrities with Alaskan native Heritage

6 min read January 24, 2024

Alaska is home to a rich and diverse indigenous population. Alaskan Natives, also known as Alaska Native, Native Alaskans or Alaskan Indian. have a unique culture and history that has been shaped by the state’s harsh climate and beautiful landscape. Many Alaskan Natives have achieved great success in a variety of fields, including politics, business, entertainment, and sports. Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable people from Alaskan Native ethnicity:

  • Mark Begich: (Born 1962) is an American politician who served as the junior United States Senator from Alaska from January 3, 2009 to January 3, 2015.
  • Byron Mallott: (Born 1943) is an American politician who served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2014 to 2018. He is an enrolled member of the Tlingit tribe. Mallott was the first Alaska Native elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Ted Stevens: (1923-2010) was an American politician who served as a United States Senator from Alaska from 1968 to 2009. He was the longest-serving Republican senator in history.
  • Fran Ulmer: (Born 1953) is an American documentary filmmaker and producer. She is a member of the Tlingit tribe. Ulmer’s films have focused on the indigenous peoples of Alaska and the Arctic.
  • Elizabeth Peratrovich: (1911-1958) was an American civil rights activist. She was a member of the Tlingit tribe. Her work led to the passage of the Alaska Equal Rights Act of 1945, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race in Alaska.
  • Katie John: (Born 1960) is an American cross-country skier. She is a member of the Athabascan tribe. John competed in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the 4 × 5 kilometer relay at the 1992 Olympics.
  • Floyd Gulo: (1942-2018) was an American basketball player. He was a member of the Alutiiq tribe. Gulo played for the Anchorage Northern Knights in the Continental Basketball Association. He was the first Alaska Native to play professional basketball.
  • Brian Adams: (Born 1959) is an American ice hockey player. He is a member of the Tlingit tribe. Adams played for the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames in the National Hockey League. He won the Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989.
  • Sarah Palin: Born 1964, she is the first woman to serve as the state’s governor. She was previously the mayor of Wasilla, Alaska.
  • Alice Rogoff: (1944-2013) was an American anthropologist. She was a member of the Tlingit tribe. Rogoff’s work focused on the relationship between culture and education. She was a professor at the University of California, Berkeley.
Native Americans, sometimes called American Indians, First Americans, or Indigenous Americans, are the Indigenous peoples of the United States or portions thereof, such as American Indians from the contiguous United States and Alaska Natives. The United States Census Bureau defines Native American as "all people indigenous to the United States and its territories, including Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, whose data are published separately from American Indians and Alaska Natives". The U.S. census tracks data from American Indians and Alaska Native separately from Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, who include Samoan Americans and Chamorros. The European colonization of the Americas that began in 1492 resulted in a precipitous decline in Native American population because of newly introduced diseases, including weaponized diseases and biological warfare by European colonizers), wars, ethnic cleansing, and enslavement. After its formation, the United States, as part of its policy of settler colonialism, continued to wage war and perpetrated massacres against many Native American peoples, removed them from their ancestral lands, and subjected them to one-sided treaties and to discriminatory government policies. These later focused on forced assimilation, into the 20th century.When the United States was created, established Native American tribes were generally considered semi-independent nations, as they generally lived in communities separate from white settlers. The federal government signed treaties at a government-to-government level until the Indian Appropriations Act of 1871 ended recognition of independent Native nations, and started treating them as "domestic dependent nations" subject to applicable federal laws. This law did preserve the rights and privileges agreed to under the treaties, including a large degree of tribal sovereignty. For this reason, many Native American reservations are still independent of state law and the actions of tribal citizens on these reservations are subject only to tribal courts and federal law, often differently applicable to tribal lands than to U.S. state or territory by exemption, exclusion, treaty, or superseding tribal or federal law. The Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 granted U.S. citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States who had not yet obtained it. This emptied the "Indians not taxed" category established by the United States Constitution, allowed Natives to vote in state and federal elections, and extended the Fourteenth Amendment protections granted to people "subject to the jurisdiction" of the United States. However, some states continued to deny Native Americans voting rights for several decades. Titles II through VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 comprise the Indian Civil Rights Act, which applies to the Native American tribes of the United States and makes many but not all of the guarantees of the U.S. Bill of Rights applicable within the tribes (that Act appears today in Title 25, sections 1301 to 1303 of the United States Code).Since the 1960s, Native American self-determination movements have resulted in positive changes to the lives of many Native Americans, though there are still many contemporary issues faced by them. Today, there are over five million Native Americans in the United States, 78% of whom live outside reservations. The states with the highest percentage of Native Americans in the U.S. are Alaska, Oklahoma, New Mexico, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota.

Most Famous Alaskan native People

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Alaskan native Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

Alaska is home to a vibrant and diverse native community, consisting of various indigenous groups that have inhabited the land for thousands of years. These communities have rich cultures, languages, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. When exploring the Alaskan native heritage, there are three prominent historical inheritances that stand out.

1. Traditional Subsistence Lifestyle: The Alaskan native communities have long relied on a subsistence lifestyle, meaning they primarily depend on the natural resources of the land and sea for their sustenance. Hunting, fishing, gathering, and trapping are integral parts of their cultural practices. The ability to harmonize with the environment and rely on these traditional methods has shaped their identity and fosters a deep connection to the land.

  • It is common for Alaskan native communities to engage in seasonal subsistence activities. For example, during the summer months, they often fish for salmon and gather berries.
  • Traditional hunting practices involve using tools like harpoons, rifles, and traps to catch marine mammals, game animals, and birds.
  • The practice of gathering includes collecting plants, roots, and other edible resources, which are used for both food and medicinal purposes.

2. Unique Artistic Expressions: The art forms of the Alaskan native communities are renowned for their intricate designs, symbolism, and connection to the natural world.

  • Carvings and sculptures made from materials such as walrus ivory, mammoth ivory, bone, and wood, often depict animals, ancestral figures, and mythological beings.
  • Traditional regalia and ceremonial masks are adorned with vibrant colors, feathers, furs, and intricate beadwork, representing cultural identity and spiritual beliefs.
  • Tlingit, Haida, and Inupiaq tribes are particularly known for their exceptional basketry and weaving techniques.
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3. Oral Traditions and Storytelling: The Alaskan native communities have a strong oral tradition that encompasses storytelling, legends, myths, and songs passed down from one generation to another.

  • Oral traditions play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and educating younger members of the community about their history, values, and spiritual beliefs.
  • Stories often revolve around the relationship between humans, animals, and the natural world, emphasizing respect and harmony with the environment.
  • Songs and dances are integral components of cultural celebrations and ceremonies, providing a powerful medium for expressing identity and connecting with ancestral spirits.

These three historical inheritances showcase the resilience, creativity, and deep connection of the Alaskan native community to their land and cultural heritage. By recognizing and appreciating these inheritances, we can gain a greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse indigenous cultures that continue to thrive in Alaska today.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Silesian, Bounty mutineers and Pangasinan roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Alaskan native People

Ethnicity Population % of Total Alaskan Population
Inupiaq 13,500 2.1%
Yup’ik 19,500 3%
Inuit 3,200 0.5%
Aleut 20,000 3.1%
Haida 4,000 0.6%
Tlingit 22,000 3.4%
Other Alaskan Native 65,000 10%
Total 147,200 22.7%
Alaska Natives (also known as Alaskan Indians, Alaskan Natives, Native Alaskans, Indigenous Alaskans, Aboriginal Alaskans or First Alaskans) are the Indigenous peoples of Alaska and include Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and a number of Northern Athabaskan cultures. They are often defined by their language groups. Many Alaska Natives are enrolled in federally recognized Alaska Native tribal entities, who in turn belong to 13 Alaska Native Regional Corporations, who administer land and financial claims. Ancestors of Native Alaskans or Alaska Natives migrated into the area thousands of years ago, in at least two different waves. Some are descendants of the third wave of migration, in which people settled across the northern part of North America. They never migrated to southern areas. For this reason, genetic studies show they are not closely related to native peoples in South America. Alaska Natives came from Asia. Anthropologists have stated that their journey from Asia to Alaska was made possible through the Bering land bridge or by traveling through the sea. Throughout the Arctic and the circumpolar north, the ancestors of Alaska Natives established varying indigenous, complex cultures that have succeeded each other over time. They developed sophisticated ways to deal with the challenging climate and environment. Historical groups have been defined by their languages, which belong to several major language families. Today, Alaska Natives or Native Alaskans constitute more than 20% of the population of Alaska.

The Ancient Heritage of Alaskan native Ethnic Groups

References to the Alaskan native Ethnic Group

The Alaskan native ethnic group refers to the indigenous peoples who have historically inhabited the state of Alaska. These groups include the Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and many others. If you want to dig deeper into the rich culture and history of the Alaskan native ethnic groups, here are some references and resources to explore:

  • Alaska Native Arts Foundation: This organization promotes and showcases traditional and contemporary art created by Alaska Native artists. Their website offers an online gallery, information on artists and their works, and resources for learning more about the various native cultures.
  • Alaska Native Heritage Center: Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a cultural center that provides educational programs and exhibits highlighting the diverse indigenous cultures of Alaska. Their website features information on events and educational resources.
  • Alaska Native Knowledge Network: This website offers a plethora of resources on Alaska Native culture and history. It includes publications, videos, curriculum materials, and research articles. The Alaska Native Knowledge Network is a great resource for anyone interested in learning about specific cultures within the Alaskan Native ethnic group.
  • The Indigenous People of the Arctic: This book by Anne Henshaw explores the various indigenous cultures of the Arctic, including those in Alaska. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing the indigenous peoples of the region.
  • The Native People of Alaska: Written by Steve J. Langdon, this book provides an in-depth examination of the indigenous cultures of Alaska. It delves into topics such as subsistence, art, language, and spirituality, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Alaskan native ethnic groups.
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These references and resources are just a starting point to learn more about the Alaskan native ethnic group. They offer insights into the art, history, traditions, and contemporary issues facing these indigenous peoples. Exploring these materials will help deepen your understanding and appreciation of Alaska’s rich cultural heritage.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Alaskan native. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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Syarif Muhamad

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