Five Indigenous Leaders To Be Honored

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Patience Andersen Faulkner - Chugach Eskimo

Patience Andersen Faulkner. Faulkner, a community organizer and traditional crafts teacher, is honored for her constant fostering of native culture and community health in her hometown of Cordova, Alaska. She's also carried her experience and wisdom to native communities and local organizers across the country. Her work centers on the idea that strong, revitalized native communities steeped in indigenous culture are the cornerstones for resilience in an ever-changing world. When the inevitable forces of change do bear down on Cordova and other similar communities around the country - as they have in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and the recent Deepwater Horizon blowout in the Gulf of Mexico - Faulkner has been able to demonstrate that strong local ties and knowledge form a crucial safety net.

“After knowing Chairman Cladoosby for many years, it is an honor to call him a friend and true partner. I have had the pleasure to work alongside him to restore our oceans and rivers, and to honor native heritage. It's not easy to work on issues of great controversy,”

Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington State said of awardee Brian Cladoosby.

“Chairman Cladoosby takes these issues on one after another, and his perseverance has helped make Washington and our nation a better place for people and for salmon,”

the governor continued.

“Chairman Cladoosby is a great leader not only for the Swinomish Tribe and Indian Country, but for Washington state and the nation. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor,”

added US Senator Patty Murray.

“I congratulate Chairman Brian Cladoosby on this well-deserved honor. Chairman Cladoosby has dedicated the last quarter-century of his life to improving the economy and environment for tribal communities in Washington and the entire Northwest. I also congratulate all the finalists for their tireless efforts on behalf of Indian country, including Chairman Micah McCarty of the Makah Tribal Council,”

commented US Senator Maria Cantwell.

The Ecotrust Indigenous Leadership Awards, the 11th annual convening of this prestigious and inspirational cultural event, includes a traditional feast of wild and tribal caught local salmon, an award and honoring ceremony, and music in the company of honorees. For information about tickets and pricing, please visit www.ecotrust.org/ILA All are welcome to attend. Seating is limited.

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posted October 3, 2012 8:57 am edt