COPPER NUGGETS
By Joy Morgan
DENA< NENA* HENASH
Tanana was the scene this year of a
gathering of the chiefs and representatives
'iPommQiariy of the native villages. This
leeting was held for the first time in many
*ears, and the delegates met to talk over
ommon problems, hopes, and aspirations.
The Copper Valley delegation included
scar Craig of Copper Center, Markle Ewan
f Gulkana, and Fred John of Mentasta.
Others attending from the general vicinity
ere Robert Charley of Tanacross, Ruth
harles of Dot Lake, Kenneth Albert of Northway,
ad David Titus of Tetlin.
The meeting was held June 2iith through
he 26th, at which time temporary officers
ere chosen as follows? Chairman-Alfred
etzler of Nenana, and Parlimentarian -
scar Craig. -These officers are authouized
o conduct the business of the organization unti'
ntil the next annual meeting, at which time
a election will be held.
A number of resolutions were adopted by
he convention, all involving problems of
ducation, finances, and resources. The
laskan native finds himself today torn between
tfo cultures, with his own heritage of
acient hunting and fishing rights gradually
Lsappearing in the face of civilisation.
)ne of the most important planks in the platforr
lopted by these members was that, of jobs
)t charity. The members also agreed that
lucation was of prime importance if their
lildren were to become a vital force in the
immunity. To this end, members asked that
>re and better schools be built, and that
)ecifically, a vocational high school be
seated at Tanana. Also noted were the hunting
iws that allowed the taking of game in certain
masons only, rather than at time of need.
' the greatest concern to all natives is the
.acK oi ownersmp oi me ground in uneir own vi
.llages, The Organic Act of I88I4 and the
atehood Act of 1958 both agreed that the
.askan natives would retain their ancestral
mds and hunting rights. However, many of
ie Seldgatease^predstd bitterness at the way
ie State has since selected many of the lands
nsidered to belong to the Natives. All thes
td many more problems were talked over, and
..is is part of the conclusion reacheds "We
ve ended our meetion at Tanana with that
ep understanding of the danger to all the
ghts of our people, to our people’s survival,
have ended our meetion with those recommend
ions for saving our aboriginal land and
nting rights, for improving our lives by
onomic development and education, Ever
s of jjhese recommendations, we have madei,
hinking of our children and our children’s
ildren.
Too often good things are said by men
meetions and when they are together they
el strong enough to carry out great plans,
en they go to their different villages and
en each man is alone- ge finds that he is too
ak and discouraged to do what was planned
gether•
We will not let.this happen/ for those
commendations must be carried out for the futu
ure of our people. To make sure that we
con11
stay strong enough to carry them out, as
strong as we are now meeting together, we shall
form a permanent organization called the
DENA1 NENA* HENASH•n
Give to me the life I love,,
Let the lave go by me.,
Give the jolly heaven above
And the byway nigh me*
Bed in the bush -with stars to see*
Bread I dip in the river—
ThereTs the life for a man like me*
There!s the life for ever.
Songs of Travel*
New members of the Copper Center
Community include Mr. and Mrs Keubler and
their lU year son Richard, from Ukiah,
California. Mr Keubler is employed by
Standard Oil Garage as a mechanic. The
family has rented the Jim Webb Cabin on the
back of the former Stewart property.
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson McCrary returned home
Monday night after a week spent in Anchorage
with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and
Mrs. Jim March.
Mrs Elizabeth Coleclough, widow of the
well-know Chitina pioneer, Fred Coleclough,
was an overnight guest of Flm and Joy
Morgan, the night of June 12th. She left
the next morning for Summit Lake and a
reunion with her son, Harold Sweet, of
Fairbands.
THERE IS NO DUTY WE SO MUCH UNDER*
RATE AS THE DUTY OF BEING HAPPY.
Marlene and Judy Craig entertained at
a joint birthday party, Sunday, July 8th.
Twenty-two guests were served icecream and
birthday cake,
■JHwHnnHH!
Hal Waugh, well-known guide and
writer for the "Alaskan Sportsman", is
soending a few weeks at his Kenny Lake
cabin, with wife Julie and son Danny,
Wednesday the Waugh’s went to Lake Louise for
a two day stay, taking as their guest, Randal
Ashby.
Mrs. Mary Wallace of Valdez has moved to
her Pippin Lake Homestead. With Mary, is her
father-in-law who has been visiting the Jack
Wallaces •
The senior Mr. Wallace is from Ellens
burg, Washington.
*>o non v~ — w<-/C
Mr. and Mrs, Conley Holcombe have moved
from this community to Glennallen, where
Mr. Holcomge is presently working on plans
for a future broadcasting station for
Central Alaska Missions.
Another new family in the area is
Mr. and Mrs. B, Heffron, now residing at
Bunsek’s Trailer Court. Mr. Heffron is
working in the Parts Deoartment for Bayless
and Roberts-. Mrs, Heffron is an accomp
lished "fly tyer" (fishing flies) and also is
Known for her jewlelry designs.
Mrs, Dolly Soencer and daughter linda