Clarence Alexander

Clarence Alexander is a Gwich'in elder from Fort Yukon, Alaska. Born in 1939, he was raised at Shoo Taii (Happy Hill), which is also known as Alexander Village, located approximately 20 miles north of Fort Yukon. Clarence has spent his entire life hunting, trapping and fishing in and around Fort Yukon. Through this vast experience with traveling on the land, he developed a deep understanding of the landscape and wildlife, and has observed change in the environment over time. As an elder, he has shared his traditional skills and knowledge with the younger generation and visiting researchers. As an outspoken observer of the effects of climate change in Interior Alaska, he has participated in numerous meetings, presentations, and interviews on the topic. Clarence is a former Grand Chief of the Gwich'in of Alaska, was 1st Chief of Fort Yukon from 1980-1994, co-founded the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments and the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, and co-authored the Gwich'in Dictionary with his wife, Virginia E. Alexander. He has served as the chairman of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council, and as the Yukon Flats representative on the Executive Committee. He also is the former Chairman of the Gwichyaa Zhee Corporation, the local village corporation, and founded Gwandak radio, KZPA 900AM, which broadcasts from Fort Yukon.