MARCH 11, 1933

KOYUKAN ATHABASKAN ENGINEER/ACTIVIST/POLITICIAN EMIL NOTTI BORN

Notti, born in Koyukuk, Alaska (AK), Notti earned a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical and electrical engineering from Northrop University. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, he worked for Autonetics on the LGM-30 Minuteman missile. In 1966, Emil presided over meetings that led to the creation of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and was its 1^st President. Key to bringing about the AK Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, he later became tribal corporation Doyon’s 3^rd President. Notti also served AK as Deputy Commissioner of Health and Social Services, as Commissioner of Community and Regional Affairs and, later of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. He was on boards of the National Bank of AK, AK Railroad, and Cook Inlet Regional, Inc. A Democrat, in 1973, he narrowly lost his bid for AK’s at-large congressional seat. In 2021, Notti was inducted into the Native American Hall of Fame. In 2022, Notti unsuccessfully ran to succeed Don Young who had died.

Sources:

“Emil Notti Inducted into Native American Hall of Fame,” University of Alaska Anchorage College of Business and Policy, 11/9/2021.  Retrieved 10/29/2022, Emil Notti Inducted into National Native American Hall of Fame |  UAA College of Business and Public Policy (alaska.edu)

“Emil Notti Athabascan,” National Native American Hall of Fame.  Retrieved 10/29/2022, Emil Notti Athabascan - National Native American Hall of Fame (nativehalloffame.org)

“Emil Notti,” Ballotpedia.  Retrieved 10/29/2022, Emil Notti - Ballotpedia

Photo: U.S. Senate, 4/30/1969.  Public Domain.