Last month, the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) region mourned the loss of respected elder, Alaska Native advocate and TCC’s first President, Alfred “Al” Ketzler Sr. of Nenana.
Born on April 16, 1933, in Nenana, Alaska, Al Ketzler Sr. was a devoted advocate and a humble servant of his people who left an indelible mark on the Alaska Native community.
Al Ketzler Sr. served as President of TCC several times throughout his lifetime: from 1962 to 1964, 1968 to 1972, and again from 1976 to 1978. He was an unwavering advocate and a distinguished leader in the fight for Alaska Native land rights. In June 1962, Al Ketzler Sr. played a pivotal role in orchestrating the historic gathering in Tanana that brought together representatives from 32 Native villages, ultimately leading to the formation of TCC.
One of Al Ketzler’s most remarkable achievements during his tenure was his successful campaign to halt the state’s land selections in 1966. Through unrelenting advocacy and collaboration with other Alaska Native leaders, he convinced Secretary of the Interior, Stewart Udall, to suspend these selections until the Native land claims could be equitably addressed. Following a historic struggle and negotiations during which Ketzler and numerous other Alaska Natives resided in Washington D.C. for weeks, Congress authorized the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), a settlement encompassing over 44 million acres and nearly $1 billion for Alaska Natives, structured through a corporate framework.
“Al Ketzler’s advocacy efforts laid the foundation and established the principles of integrity, determination, and humility—values that form the essence of TCC’s present-day mission, vision, and advocacy endeavors,” expressed Chief/Chairman of TCC, Brian Ridley. “He devoted a lifetime to serving and working on behalf of the Alaska Native People. We are eternally grateful for his leadership and service, and our deepest condolences go out to his family and community.”
Al Ketzler’s contributions extend beyond TCC, as he played an instrumental role in founding other organizations such as the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), Doyon, and the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN). He also dedicated his time to numerous boards and committees, including FNA, AFN, Tundra Times, Toghotthele Corporation, the Inter-Tribal Timber Council, and the Association on American Indian Affairs board, where he served an astounding 53 years!
To honor the life and contributions of Al Ketzler Sr., a funeral service and potlatch were held on September 14th at the Mitch Demientieff Tribal Hall in Nenana. The event saw a gathering of many to pay their respects and celebrate the life of this remarkable leader. Many Native leaders including TCC Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley and past TCC Presidents Victor Joseph, Will Mayo, Tim Wallis, and Spud Williams, came forward to share their stories and reflect on Al Ketzler’s enduring legacy.
Former TCC President Will Mayo remarked, “If you ever wonder what you are here for–it’s about how we impact people and their life. People aren’t the only thing that we should be concerned about–how can you be an impact in people’s lives? I can tell you that Al was a positive impact. He was a gentle heart and we needed that. That’s what I was so grateful for.”
We would like to express our sincere gratitude for his guidance, leadership, and service throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and the community of Nenana during this difficult time.
