Counceller Honored for Alutiiq Ancestors’ Memorial
The Alaska Anthropological Association has awarded Dr. April Laktonen Counceller, the Executive Director of the Alutiiq Museum, its Outstanding Current Contribution Award. The award was announced Saturday at the association’s 46th annual meeting, held this year in Nome. The Alaska Anthropological Association is a statewide organization for people working, studying, and interested in all areas of northern anthropology.
The honor recognizes an individual or organization for a signature accomplishment or service to Alaskan anthropology. Counceller was acknowledged for leading the developing the Alutiiq Ancestors’ Memorial, a community space honoring the Alutiiq people and promoting historic preservation. The park lies adjacent to Kodiak’s Alutiiq Museum on a city lot in downtown Kodiak. It includes seating, a memorial ring, and a pathway with bricks engraved by community members. Interpretive signs introduce the Alutiiq people and share information about preserving ancestral settlements. The park will be dedicated in the summer of 2019. Counceller’s nomination cited her leadership in envisioning the space.
Image courtesy of the Alutiiq Museum
Aerial view of the Alutiiq Ancestors’ Memorial.
CJ Christiansen
As a community leader, Counceller recognized the importance of publicly sharing and celebrating Alutiiq traditions for the entire Kodiak community. There are still serious misunderstandings about Native people in Kodiak—stereotypes that result in hurtful statements and keep people from visiting a Native museum. The park project was a direct response. By creating an outdoor exhibit, one that anyone could visit and at no cost, Counceller saw an opportunity to build awareness of Alutiiq history, promote cultural pride, protect archaeological resources, and encourage all people to remember their ancestors.
“I am grateful for this recognition, said Counceller, “but even more grateful for the many people and organizations that contributed to the memorial. The space is a public reminder of Kodiak’s rich Native history and of the importance of knowing and understanding our community’s past.”
Current Issue
January 2026
Industry Sponsor
Become an Industry Sponsor
Donlin Gold Signs Up for Alaska LNG Pipeline Gas
Glenfarne and Donlin Gold signed a letter of intent to supply natural gas to power the mine site, uniting two of Alaska’s long-sought megaprojects.
A Christmas Gift: M/V Kennicott Returns to Service
The state ferry M/V Kennicott returned to service after a generator project and overall refresh; now M/V Columbia goes into annual overhaul.
Fleet Order for 100+ 737s the Largest in Alaska Airlines History
Alaska Airlines executed an option to order 105 new Boeing 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft, while also unveiling a new global livery design.
We’re honored again this year to celebrate our partnership with Junior Achievement of Alaska, a nonprofit that educates local youth about enterprise, business, money, and financial literacy. In the special section, three Junior Achievement of Alaska students weigh in on their experience with the exceptional volunteers and teachers involved with the program.
And in Industry Support, we explore the range of varied services that industry in Alaska requires, from mancamps to spill response to off-grid energy solutions.
Outside the special sections, make sure to check out the 2026 Economic forecast, where Alaska leaders share their insights on what may lie ahead in the coming year. Enjoy!