The Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANS) and its counterpart the Alaska Native Sisterhood (ANS) are legally two nonprofit organizations which are interrelated, and which for purposes of this article are discussed as one collective organization. The organization was created in 1912 using the brotherhood name. For the first half of the 20th century, it was the only organization representing native rights in Alaska.

History

The organization was founded at its first meeting in Sitka in 1912. Two Tlingit brothers were primary organizers.

According to the official site for the organization, the "founding fathers", who it is to be noted included one woman, were:

• Peter Simpson, Sitka
• Ralph Young, Sitka
• Chester Worthington, Wrangell
• James C. Johnson, Klawock
• Paul Liberty, Sitka
• Seward Kunz, Juneau
• Frank Mercer, Juneau
• Frank Price, Sitka
• George Field, Klawock
• Eli Katanook, Angoon
• James Watson, Juneau
• William Hobson, Angoon
• Marie Moon Orsen, Klukwan (Secretary)

Also Andrew Wanamaker of Sitka is regarded as an "Honorary Founder".http://www.anbgrandcamp.org/founding_fathers.htm

The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall, built in 1914 on the waterfront in Sitka, Alaska, was the first organizing hall owned by the organization. It is now a National Historic Landmark.^[1][2]

Elizabeth Peratrovich, member of the ANS, was a civil rights worker for whom, in 1988, the State of Alaska designated a state holiday, February 16.

Modern times

In 2005, the organization is engaging in opposition to U.S. Federal law that makes the collection and ownership of eagle feathers illegal. See Executive committee 2005 resolution and 2005 news article.

References

External links

• Grand Camp, Alaska Native Brotherhood (apparent official site)