Clarence Jackson, Kake, AK

"Our forefathers had a dream of educating our people. One of our commitments is to make that dream a reality."

Clarence Jackson signed the articles of incorporation for Sealaska Corporation in 1972, and today he is the only board member who has served continuously since the company came into existence. He is vice-chair of the Shareholder Relations Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. He is also a director for Sealaska Timber Corporation, Synergy Systems, Inc. and has served as a trustee for the Sealaska Heritage Institute since it was created.

He has been self-employed for most of his life and is a long-time merchant and professional fisherman. An unrelenting champion for subsistence rights, Clarence is a village voice in the board room. "I believe we need, as much as possible, to be with our shareholders."

"Our lifestyle is changing and if we don't continue to fight for our traditional lifestyle in terms of food, we will lose it," he says. Clarence believes the assault on the subsistence life will continue, and he feels that Sealaska has been a strong political advocate for Native people on this important issue.

He is of the Tlingit Nation-Eagle Tribe, Tsaagweidí (Killerwhale) Clan, child of Kaach.ádi Clan. His Tlingit names are GastIN, AssXAAch, and Daanaawu. He speaks the Tlingit language fluently. Clarence was born and raised in Kake and attended high school at Sheldon Jackson in Sitka, AK.