Soboleff, Walter A. (1908-2011) | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Name: Soboleff, Walter A. (1908-2011)

Historical Note: Walter A. Soboleff (1908-2011) was born in the Tlingit village of Killisnoo, Alaska the son of Alexander 'Sasha' Soboleff. As a member of the Tlingit Nation, Yéil (Raven) Moiety, and L'eeneidí (Dog Salmon) Clan, Walter Soboleff grew up at Tenekee, Alaska speaking both Tlingit and English. He went on to become an Associate Pastor of the Northern Lights Presbyterian Church in Juneau, Tlingit scholar, recognized elder, and translator specializing in traditional oratory and storytelling. Soboleff holds two honorary doctorate degrees; Doctor of Divinity from Dubuque University in 1952, and Doctor of Humanities from the University of Alaska-Fairbanks in 1968. Over Soboleff's life he served as President of Kootznoowoo, Inc., director of the Sealaska Corporation, as a ranking member of Alaskan Native Brotherhood (ANB) Juneau Camp 2, ANB Grand Camp Secretary, ANB Grand Camp President, on the Historic Sites Commission for the State of Alaska, on the Sealaska Heritage Institute Board of Trustees, as well as other state and federal policy making boards regarding Alaskan Native people. He passed away in 2011.

Records or Manuscript Collections Created by Soboleff, Walter A.