WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Clarence Lee Alexander of Fort Yukon has been selected as one of 13 recipients of this year's Citizens Medal. The award, established in 1969, is given by the president to recognize American citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.
This year, nearly 6,000 public nominations were submitted.
A statement from the White House said:
"Sometimes called the 'grandfather of tribal government' in Alaska for his long-held role as Chief of Fort Yukon, Clarence Alexander has done extensive work cleaning up the Yukon River, resulting in closure of numerous open-burning dumps and the removal or recycling of millions pounds of waste. Alexander is former Grand Chief of the Gwich'in people of Alaska."
Alexander will receive his medal from President Barrack Obama at the White House on Oct. 20.
Anchorage Daily News