Albert Kookesh | |
---|---|
Member of the Alaska Senate from the C district | |
In office January 10, 2005 – January 15, 2013 | |
Preceded by | Georgianna Lincoln |
Succeeded by | Click Bishop |
Member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 5th district | |
In office January 13, 1997 – January 10, 2005 | |
Preceded by | Jerry Mackie |
Succeeded by | William "Bill" Thomas, Jr. |
Personal details | |
Born | Juneau, Alaska | November 24, 1948
Died | May 28, 2021 Angoon, Alaska | (aged 72)
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Sally Woods Kookesh |
Residence | Angoon, Alaska |
Alma mater | Alaska Pacific University University of Washington |
Albert Matthew Kookesh, Jr. (November 24, 1948 – May 28, 2021)[1] was an American politician who served as a member of the Alaska Senate. He represented District C as a Democrat from 2005 through 2013. Previously he was a member of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1997 through 2005.
Kookesh received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Washington in 1976 and was a commercial fisherman, who owned and operated a lodge and market. He was on the board of directors of the Sealaska Corporation and was a co-chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives.[2] His earlier professional positions included Business Manager, Executive VP, and Acting President/CEO for Kootznoowoo Inc.
He is of the Tlingit Nation, Eagle Tribe, Teikweidí (Brown Bear) Clan, child of L'eeneidí (Dog Salmon) Clan.[3]
He died on May 28, 2021, in Angoon, Alaska at age 72.[4]
In 2010 a legislative review found Kookesh to be in violation of state ethics policies following allegations that he used political influence to keep a city council from opposing a lands bill pushed by the Native corporation by which he was employed.[5] He lost the 2012 election to fellow incumbent Bert Stedman after the Alaska Redistricting Board placed him[2] in a district that was vastly different from his former bush district.