MARCH 13, 1927

IÑUPIAQ JOHN NUSUNGINYA BORN–ALASKAN LEGISLATOR

Born in Utqiagvik, Alaska, John was a carpenter and owned a delivery service business in Utqiagvik, also serving as mayor and director of civil defense before being elected to the Alaskan House in 1958. “Non-discrimination” was an integral rationale for his candidacy. In February 1961, he lost his wife, 6-year-old son, and brother-in-law in a fire at the family home. His infant son was saved. His other 6 children were at school. In May 1961, Nusunginya became a leader in what became known as the “hunting rights battle” when he was arrested & charged by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for hunting eider ducks out of season. This prompted protests and acts of disobedience from other Iñupiat hunters. The charges were later dropped. John served 2 terms in the House before serving as president of the North Slope Borough’s first assembly. Nusunginya died on August 18, 1981 in Anchorage.

Sources:

"North Slope Leader, John Nusunginya, Dies," Tundra Times, 8/24/1981.  Retrieved 10/31/2022, doc33.pdf (tuzzy.org)

Wikipedia 

Photo:  State of Alaska, undated.  Public Domain.  Source: 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature (akleg.gov)