DECEMBER 16, 1947

INUPIAQ LEGISLATOR/CIVIC LEADER ALFRED NAKAK BORN

Alfred was born in Nome, Alaska (AK) and raised in St. Michael, AK. Nakak studied political science at Columbia University and served in the Army National Guard. In 1972, Nakak ran unsuccessfully as a write-in candidate for State Representative for Alaska’s 20th district. However, in 1976, Nakak, running as a Democrat, was elected to represent the 22nd district and served on the Health, Education and Social Services Committee, the Rules Committee, and was Vice Chairman for the State Affairs Committee. In 1978, Nakak lost the Democratic Primary to John G. Fuller. Nakak later served as mayor of St. Michael. Outside of politics, Al served as President, Arctic Native Brotherhood; Alaskan Delegate, National Housing Study, Columbia University; Member, Nome Planning Commission; Board Member, Bering Straits Native Corporation; and Commissioner, Bering Straits Regional Housing Authority. Nakak died in St. Michael on December 19, 2000.

Sources:
“Alfred Nakak,” 100 Years of Alaska’s Legislature.  Retrieved 1/30/2024,   https://akleg.gov/100years/bio.php?id=1326
Wikipedia
Photo:  State of Alaska, 1977.  Public Domain.  Source:  Robert M. Burnett (ed). Alaska Blue Book (Third edition), Alaska Department of Education, Division of State Libraries, p. 98