David Salmon (tribal chief)

Reverend Chief David Salmon (1912 – October 11, 2007) was an Alaska native, a Gwich'in elder known for his traditional toolmaking skills and work ethic.[1]

David Salmon
Born	1912 (1912) Salmon Village, Alaska
Died	October 11, 2007(2007-10-11) (aged 94–95) Chalkyitsik, Alaska, US
Occupation	Episcopalian priest

Salmon was born in Salmon Village and raised in Chalkyitsik. He was first chosen as Chief of Chalkyitsik at the age of 29 and helped shape his hometown and community.[2]

Salmon was elevated to First Traditional Chief for the Athabascan people of the Interior in 2003.[1] following the death of the previous chief, Chief Peter John of Old Minto.[3] The position of First Traditional Chief was nonpolitical and honorary. The title was held in very high esteem by the Athabascan and other indigenous Alaskan peoples.[1] He was also the grandfather of former Alaska state representative Woodie Salmon.[2]

He died at the age of 95 from cancer at his home in Chalkyitsik on October 11, 2007.[4] He had been diagnosed earlier in the summer of 2007. Salmon died just 10 days before the opening of the 2007 Alaska Federation of Natives convention, which he was scheduled to address as a guest speaker.[1]

Alaska governor Sarah Palin ordered that all Alaskan flags be lowered to half-staff in honor of Salmon. Palin stated that "Alaska has lost a true treasure."[2]

Salmon's family received around 200 phone calls expressing sympathy from throughout Alaska and the rest of the United States following his death. He was buried near his home in Chalkyitsik on October 15, 2007, next to his wife, Sarah, in a hilltop cemetery under spruce trees.[1]