SEPTEMBER 29, 1933

YUP’IK LEGISLATOR/BUSINESSMAN ILUPAQ AND KAUCIN (MOSES PAUKAN, SR.) BORN

Moses, born in Fish Village, Alaska (AK), moved in the early 1950s to St. Mary’s, AK. Serving on the city council, he helped ensure local control St. Mary’s school district. Paukan was the Mayor of St. Mary’s several times. While mayor in 1967, Governor Walter J. Hickel appointed him to replace the late Rep. John L. Westdahl in the State House. Serving in the legislature until 1970, he advocated for airports, roads, and other infrastructure in the bush villages. In the early 1970’s, Moses served as president of the St. Mary’s Native Corporation, president of the Association of Village Council Presidents, on the Calista Corporation Board of Directors, Algaaciq Tribal Government, and AVCP Housing. He also operated a variety of local businesses. From 2005-25, he was a school board member. He also was a lifetime member for the AVCP Regional Housing Authority. Paukan lived a traditional subsistence lifestyle that included traditional Yup’ik singing and dancing. He died on April 16, 2017.

Source:

“Former State Representative and School Board Member Moses Paukan, Sr. Passes Away,” Association of Alaska School Boards.  Retrieved 11/19/2023, Former State Representative and School Board Member Moses Paukan, Sr. Passes Away – Association of Alaska School Boards (aasb.org)

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