CLARE SWAN SHAREHOLDER OF THE YEAR
Since 1989, when CIRI recognized Shem Pete with the CIRI Shareholder of the Year Award, CIRI has been honoring shareholders for their exemplary dedication to Alaska Native culture, heritage and communities. The award acknowledges the recipient’s life accomplishments and contributions to Alaska Native people.
At the Fall Friendship Potlatch in Kenai earlier this month, CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich presented the 2013 Shareholder of the Year Award to Clare Swan. Swan’s service to the Alaska Native community and rural Alaska spans more than 40 years.
“Clare’s contributions are many and she remains an inspirational role model for our youth,” Minich said when presenting the award. “It is an honor to recognize Clare on behalf of CIRI and all of our shareholders.” Swan served on the CIRI Board of Directors from 1991 to 2006 and is currently the chair of Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC), a position she has held since 2000.
“As chair of Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Board of Directors, Clare brought her vision to CITC, helping CITC to grow into a premier Native organization impacting Alaskan Native and American Indian peoples nationwide,” said CIRI shareholder and CITC President and CEO Gloria O’Neill.
Swan also chaired the Kenaitze Indian Tribe for 15 years and led the effort to secure the Traditional Educational Fishery for the Kenaitze Tribe. She was instrumental in helping to establish the Dena’ina Health Clinic as well as youth programs and a community agricultural program. As a certified substance abuse counselor, a volunteer with the court system and an active participant in the effort to revitalize the Dena’ina language, including relearning the language herself, Swan has helped countless Alaska Native people.
“From promoting cultural preservation, to battling region-wide unemployment, racism and alcoholism, Clare has firmly established herself as a leader with a history of helping her people,” said CIRI shareholder and CITC Community Engagement Officer Denise Osborne.
Along with a plaque, Swan was presented an Alaska Native necklace made by Dixie Alexander.
ELDER SHAREHOLDER OF THE YEAR BETTY GILCRIST
Little is left of what once was the village of Point Possession. But, the history of the village will live on thanks, in large part, to the tireless efforts of CIRI shareholder Betty Gilcrist.
For her passionate advocacy on behalf of CIRI, including her drive to document the village’s history, Gilcrist was honored with the recognition of CIRI Elder of the Year. Gilcrist received the award from CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich at the Fall Friendship Potlatch in Kenai.
“Thank you, Betty, for all you have done. Your work of documenting the cultural traditions and history of Point Possession will be a benefit for generations to come,” Minich said.
Gilcrist was an effective advocate for the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and testified in federal court to help create the group status for the village of Point Possession. She also served on a CIRI Shareholder Participation Committee and worked with the Cook Inlet Historical Society as the Point Possession representative.
Growing up in Point Possession during the summer, Gilcrist learned the traditional subsistence lifestyle just as her mother did. Gilcrist continues to share her cultural knowledge and traditions with others to ensure that the next generation of providers will carry on the traditions and customs to sustain their extended families.
“My Aunt Betty is a pioneer,” said niece Deborah Jacobson. “We all look up to her leadership and she serves as a mentor with our family’s history and culture. She is the caretaker of the old village.”
This is CIRI’s third year of recognizing an Elder who exemplifies the highest values and qualities important to CIRI shareholders and Alaska Native people. The Elder is recognized as a leader, an educator, a preserver of our Native culture and traditions and someone whose contributions have benefited his or her community.
