Fort Yukon Man Receives Presidential Honor

Fort Yukon’s Chief Clarence Lee Alexander receives the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Barack Obama. Photo courtesy Senator Mark Begich.

Yesterday in Washington, D.C., Clarence Lee Alexander of Ft. Yukon received the Presidential Citizen’s Medal from President Barrack Obama. Alexander was one of this year’s 13 recipients nationwide.

Alexander, a former Chief of Fort Yukon, was one of the original founders of the Council of Athabascan Governments.

In his remarks, President Obama praised Alexander for his environmental work protecting the Yukon River Watershed, his involvement on the council and his efforts to preserve cultural traditions.

The Presidential Citizen’s Medal is the country’s second highest civilian honor.

President Obama’s remarks about Alexander:

Clarence Lee Alexander: A dedicated patriot and conservationist, Clarence Lee Alexander has helped lead the charge in protecting the Yukon River Watershed. In addition to working to save our waterways, he has been instrumental in saving lives through the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, which provides health care to some of the most remote villages in North America. He exemplifies the difference one person can make in preserving our natural resources and cherished traditions for the next generation of Americans. For his work to protect our precious national treasures, the United States honors Clarence Lee Alexander.