> > CHIEF DAVID SALMON
Chief David Salmon - “My father saved my life”
Reverend Chief Dr. David Salmon explains from his recliner in
Chalkyitsik, Alaska on a beautiful fall day in September.
Gorgeous outdoors, David, First Traditional Chief for the
Athabascan people of Interior Alaska, sat in a toasty warm room
with his white dog at his feet. Several bibles sit in front of
him, two adorned with beadwork and full moose skin covers. By
Indian standards, he is affluent--beadwork adorns his cabin
walls and tables.
Twice
his father took David away from the community; first in 1923 to
avoid the devastating epidemic of tuberculosis, which fell upon
the Alaska Native community and furiously wiped out an entire
generation. He and his father spent two and a half months in the
wilderness, trapping furs to survive after his mother succumbed
to TB.
The second time David’s father took him away was while he was in
Fort Yukon. He attended mission school for one year from
1924-25; this time represents the total sum of his formal
education and speaks volumes about his ability and dedication to
knowledge. “Education is number one! Today the Indians who don’t
use their education are walking the streets; that’s what I don’t
like. Education [is] gonna get all the land, education [is]
gonna get all the business. You don’t see Indians owning a lot
of land in Fairbanks, owning a lot of businesses. Indians got to
get [an] education!”
David’s father took him 80 miles up the Grayling River, beyond
the Black River, to a camp in “No Man’s Land” as his father
referred to it. There he was taught the history of his people,
about Indian migration, stories, and a way of life that no
longer exists for the present Indian. There he spent 18 years,
at one point bringing back his new wife for the remaining ten
years.
In the spring of 1941, David and his family determined to build
up the community of Chalkyitsik. They built the school by hand,
“we brought the logs from upriver…I know my tribe, I’m a slave
Indian [not a land owner but rather a ‘servant’ of the people].
My wife was a Best Indian” describing her class as elevated from
his: landowners with property rights of the area and a
politically rich personage. He refers to himself many times as a
servant, an oxymoron of types considering the expansive title
before his name. He is quick to laugh and quicker to tease.
Immediately one wants to spoil David, bring him water or
something to eat. His demeanor is quiet and peaceful,
conscientious toward the strong belief he carries of “God
first.” While steadfast in his faith to God, David regards
Indian Law and Leadership two strong components in the success
of Native people. He determines the social ills we face today as
a direct result of ignoring the two.
At the age of 95, David remains quite active. He holds bible
study in his cabin everyday, which explains the long meeting
table in the middle of his living room. Sitting atop the
tablecloth is a simple birch bark basket that reads “revival
donation” and there are one dollar bills quietly asking for
company.
He can quickly tell you of his October travel plans, Anchorage
and Fairbanks being a part. He will address the delegation of
the 2007 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention held October
22-27 in Fairbanks. Ultimately, David is the epitome of their
theme, “Living Cultures in the North.” Never underestimate the
image of this man who walks with a cane and slow gate. His
strength, his past, and his legacy are never far behind.
