Pat Douglas Sweetsir

Pat Douglas Sweetsir, age 76, was born to Lester and Gertrude Sweetsir January 10, 1948, in Fairbanks, AK at St. Joseph's Hospital. He passed peacefully at home in Galena, AK surrounded by his loving family July 7, 2024.

He was a proud rebel spirit who grew up on the banks of the Yukon River in Ruby as a child and in Fairbanks as a teenager. As a senior at Austin Lathrop High School, he worked in the circulation department at the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. During this period, Alaska was in the midst of the land freeze. The Tundra Times, a newspaper that was the voice of native issues and rights at the time, contracted with the News-Miner for their printing and distribution. Pat spoke often of watching Howard Rock and Al Ketzler Sr. grabbing fresh papers off the press and scanning through each page. This experience, watching these two and other native leaders of the time, had a real influence in his later life.

From 1967-1970, he served in the U.S. Navy. First, he worked in the supply department in Pensacola, FL, security in Kenitra, Morrocco, and processing high energy data aboard the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier while it was docked at Norfolk, VA.

After completion of his Navy career, he was called back to be of service to the people of the interior. He attended classes regarding the concept of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act at the University of Alaska Fairbanks with other participants from the Doyon region. From there, he took that education and applied it to the various positions he held at Tanana Chiefs Conference, Notaaghleedin, Inc., Gana-a' Yoo, Ltd., Bureau of Land Management, Dineega Corporation, Yukaana Development Corporation, Louden Tribal Council, and Ruby Tribal Council. All served as models for other tribes, tribal entities, social movements, and non-profit, for-profit organizations and governments to learn from. He loved his people and devoted much of his adult life advocating for them.

Known as a visionary with the ability to unite people, he developed and fostered relationships between the Federal Government and Alaskan tribes. Of all his career accomplishments, in his mind, the biggest was the development of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council that revolved around the concept of preserving and protecting the Yukon River watershed. Born on a map on the wall of the Louden office, it united tribes from the mouth of the Yukon River to the headwaters in Canada. It received High Honors from Harvard Honoring Nations Award Program in 2009 from the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Governance. From the same school 9 years prior, with Pat's inspiration, leadership, and oversight, Yukaana Development Corporation also won High Honors from the Harvard Program in American Indian Economic Development.

Outside of his career, Pat enjoyed trying new things and working with his hands. He was a self-taught skilled carpenter who built everything from houses to boats to fish wheels. His artistry was displayed through his colorful storytelling and inspired pieces of art. When people would stop by to visit, he would often challenge them to a game of chess, backgammon, cribbage, dominos, etc.; it made his day even better if he could hustle a few bucks out of them in the process.

He was methodical and brilliant. A man guided by his heart and ancient wisdom. Pat left a massive imprint throughout Alaska but most of all on those of us that had the privilege to know his kindness, earn his trust, and have him in our lives.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Gertrude Sweetsir; his brothers David, Harlan, Terence (Lilli), Michael, and Dennis Sweetsir. He is survived by his children Monica Coleman, Leda Cruger, Teekona (Robin) Sweetsir, Leah (Henry) Youngblood, and Stephanie (Scott) Sweetsir; brother Russ (Agnes) Sweetsir; sisters Linda Sweetsir, Cindy Sweetsir-Cooper, and Judy Webster; grandchildren Gary (Mary) Dixon, Michael (Brooke) Hildebrand, Traven, Tessa, Kai, and Asher Sweetsir, Jacob (Elizabeth) Youngblood, Kaylee and Charlisa (Ellaissa) Sommer; great-grandchildren Cameron and Chloe Dixon and CalliAnne and Lane Hildebrand; and his lifelong friend, Flora Paul.

He will be laid to rest Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Old Louden Cemetery. Viewing will start at 10am at the Larson Charlie Community Hall and the funeral at 11am at St. John Berchman's Catholic Church in Galena. A traditional potlatch will follow at 6pm.