YUP’IK CONGRESSWOMAN AKALLEG (MARY PELTOLA) BORN—1ST ALASKA NATIVE IN CONGRESS
Born in Anchorage, Alaska (AK), Mary attended the University (Univ.) of Northern Colorado (1991-94) and Univ. of AK Fairbanks, Southeast, and Anchorage (1994-98). Peltola won the 1995 Miss National Congress of American Indians pageant. She served for 10 years in the AK House of Representatives [39th district (1999-2003) & 38th district (2003-09)]. From 2008-21, Mary was a: Manager, Donlin Gold Mine Project (2008-14); Member, Bethel City Council (2011-13); Executive Director, Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (2017-22); and Judge, Orutsararmuit Native Council Tribal Court. (2020-21). Other service: Nature Conservancy Board, AK Humanities Forum, AK Children’s Trust, and AK Russian Orthodox Sacred Sites. In 2022, she won AK’s at-large congressional seat. In the 118th Congress, she is on the Committees on Natural Resources & Transportation and Infrastructure (Aviation & Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittees). Her husband died on September 13, 2023.
Sources:
“Mary Peltola,” Archives of Women's Political Communication, Iowa State University. Retrieved 10/24/2023, Mary Peltola | Archives of Women's Political Communication (iastate.edu)
Wikipedia
Photo: Leah Herman, House Creative Services, 11/17/2022. Public domain.
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