Arctic Directory October 2015: ASRC mourns the passing of ‘Etok’ Edwardsen Jr.

The leadership of Arctic Slope Regional Corp. is deeply saddened at the passing of Charles “Etok” Edwardsen Jr. An activist who never accepted the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, Etok led the Arctic Slope region as the only region in Alaska to oppose ANCSA. Along with the late Joseph Ukpiksoun, Etok penned letters to President Richard Nixon urging a veto of this historic piece of legislation.

“Etok embodied the resolve and fighting spirit of the Arctic Slope region. His contributions to our society sharpened the business acumen of our leadership, always seeking justice and working to ensure the rights of Iñupiat were protected,” said Rex A. Rock Sr., president and CEO of ASRC. Crawford Patkotak, chairman of the ASRC board of directors recalled, “Etok was a fierce warrior for Iñupiat rights and a defender of our cultural freedoms, and for this we are eternally grateful.”

He fought alongside some of the Arctic Slope’s great leaders such as Guy Okakok, Reverend Samuel Simmonds, Joe Upiksoun and Eben Hopson Sr. during the ANCSA movement. Etok will be remembered as a leader who never surrendered to the terms of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

The board of directors and the entire ASRC family extends its deepest condolences to, and prayer of comfort and strength for, the Edwardsen family.

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