Clarence Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Clarence Alexander
|
|
|---|---|
Alexander in November 2004
|
|
| Born |
Clarence Lee Alexander
March 12, 1939 |
Clarence Lee Alexander was born on March 12, 1939. He is an important leader of the Gwich'in people in Alaska. He used to be their Grand Chief. From 1980 to 1994, he was the First Chief of Fort Yukon.
Clarence grew up in a place called "Shoo Taii." This name means "Happy Hill." It is also known as Alexander Village. This village is about 20 miles north of Fort Yukon. He also helped write the Gwich'in Dictionary with his wife, Virginia E. Alexander.
Contents
Council of Tribal Governments
Clarence Alexander helped start an important group. It is called the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments. People often call it "CATG" for short. He founded this group with Paul Williams Sr. of Beaver. This council helps different Native American tribes work together.
Protecting the Yukon River
Clarence Alexander also helped create another big organization. It is called the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council. He started it with three other people. This group includes 70 different Tribes and First Nations. They all live along the Yukon River. Their main goal is to keep the river's water clean. They work hard to protect this important natural resource.
Special Awards
Clarence Alexander has received several important awards for his work.
Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award
On November 30, 2004, he received the Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Award. This award recognized his many years of effort. He worked to protect the environment. He also fought for the rights of Native American tribes. He especially focused on keeping the Yukon River clean.
Presidential Citizens Medal
Clarence Alexander received a very special award in 2011. President Barack Obama gave him the 2011 Presidential Citizens Medal. This award is one of the highest honors a civilian can receive in the United States. He received it on October 20, 2011.
