Johnson, Marlene | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Marlene Johnson (Slath Jaa Klaa Lákooti) is most known as a leader in the Tlingit Indian community of Hoonah and Juneau, Alaska. Johnson is of the Raven Moiety, T’akdeintaan Clan, Taax Hít. She is married to Clifford L. Johnson and had five children. In 2012 she was a Sealaska Heritage Institute Board of Trustee, and previously had served as a Sealaska Corporation Board of Director. In 2011 Johnson was also interviewed for the documentary film ANCSA@40 for information about her role in ANCSA.

A biography of Johnson from Sealaska Heritage Institute’s website viewed in 2012 (though not current then), provided the following details about Johnson’s biography and tenure as a leader in the Alaska Native community.

Education: Attended school in Hoonah and Juneau public school systems, Graduating from Juneau-Douglas High School. Attended vocational training under the BIA in accounting and personnel management. Trained in management, financial management and personnel at the University of Oregon and Washington State University. Completed Administrative Law: Fair Hearing as well as Logic and Opinion Writing courses at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada, Reno.

Present Positions Held: State of Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission, Commissioner (Dec 16, 1996 - present); serves on the University of Alaska School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences advisory council (1992 - Present); serves on the Southeast Alaska Selective Service Board, is the past Chairman (1981 - Present); National Advisory Committee member to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on the Healthy Nations Program and The Improving the Health of American Indians (1992 - Present); serves as a Trustee on the Sealaska Heritage Institute, which provides scholarships and preserves and records Southeast Alaska Native Culture (1990 - Present).

Past Positions Held: Manager of Shareholder Services for Huna Totem Corporation and coordinator of Huna Heritage Foundation (Jan 1, 1995 - Dec 1, 1996); Shareholder Service Coordinator for Huna Totem Corporation, and coordinated the activities of Huna Heritage Foundation (1992 - 1995); Chairman of Sealaska Corporation (1982 - 1992); Part owner and Vice President of a regional air taxi, acted as the sales and personnel manager; and managed the Hoonah Station as well as the other outpost agents (1969 - 1982); Accountant for Coastal Glacier Seafood's in Hoonah Alaska, (1961 - 1968); Appointed by the Governor to serve on the Rural Governance & Empowerment Commission (1998); Present: Board of Trustee of Huna Heritage Foundation, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve the culture of the Huna people (1992); Served on the Board of Directors of Sealaska Corporation, was one of the original incorporators of Sealaska represented the Corporation on several other Boards of Directors such as United Bank Alaska, Ocean Beauty Seafood and AFN (1971 - 1995); Served on the Board of Directors of Huna Totem Corporation (1972 - 1992); Served as a Vice President on the Tlingit and Haida Central Council, Executive Committee, the regional tribal governing body (1961 - 1980); Served on RurAL CAP Board of Directors; as its President for 8 years, during which time helped form Alaska Federation of Natives and lobbied for the passage of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and later ANILCA (1964 - 1985); Served as an elected member to the Hoonah School Board, was the President for 15 years (1961 - 1986); Served on Hoonah Indian Association (IRA Council); Board of Directors and assisted them in writing grant applications and implementing programs (1967-1985); Served on the Hoonah, Tlingit and Haida Community Council, was the secretary/treasurer for several years and established the Hoonah Cable TV for them (1960-1980).