NOVEMBER 24, 1948

TLINGIT LEGISLATOR ALBERT KOOKESH JR. BORN

Kookesh, a member of the Tlingit Nation, was born in Juneau, Alaska (AK), grew up in nearby Angoon, attended Mt. Edgecumb High School in Sitka, received his bachelor’s degree from AK Methodist University (1971) and Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington (1976). Albert was a commercial fisherman, who owned and operated a lodge and market. He was on the board of directors of the Sealaska Corporation and was a co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives. Albert’s earlier professional positions included Business Manager, Executive VP, and Acting President/CEO for Kootznoowoo Inc. Kookesh was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives as a Democrat representing the 5th district from 11997-2005 and represented District C in the AK Senate from 2005-13. He lost the 2012 election to fellow incumbent Bert Stedman after the Alaska Redistricting Board placed him in a different district. Kookesh died on May 28, 2021, in Angoon.

Sources:
“Albert Kookesh,” 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature.  Retrieved 1/13/2024, 
https://akleg.gov/100years/bio.php?id=768Wikipedia
“Sealaska Director Albert Kookesh Leaves a Lasting Legacy of Service and Cultural Revitalization,” Sealaska.com.  Retrieved 1/13/2024, https://www.sealaska.com/community/sealaska-director-albert-kookesh-leaves-a-lasting-legacy-of-service-and-cultural-revitalization/
Wikipedia
Photo:  State of Alaska, undated.  Public Domain.  Source: 100 Years of Alaska's Legislature (akleg.gov)