The Tribe’s attorney, Alan Bell, swears in Lesa Way and Clara Gray to a two-year term on Tribal Council. (Emily Kwong/KCAW photo)
On Wednesday night (12-16-15), the Sitka Tribe of Alaska filled two vacant seats on the council at its regular meeting. After hearing testimony from four candidates, the council appointed and swore in Clara Gray and Lesa Way to a two-year term. Along with Rachel Moreno, there are now three women on the 9-member council.
In her remarks to the council before the vote, Way talked about her experience on previous
boards. “From Betty Eliason through Little League and supporting our schools, I think that is where my passion still lies – with children and making sure they get the best opportunity for success.”
Gray, a two-term veteran, was appointed to the council this summer to complete the term of Harvey Kitka, who left the council for medical reasons. Gray did not run again for his seat in the November election, which had four open seats.
But when two of the seats remained unclaimed, due to confusion over winners and eligibility, Gray decided to put her name forward. At Wednesday’s meeting, she explained, “I don’t want to go back and keep taking my name, but I do encourage you to consider the newer applicants.”
In addition to Way, those other applicants included Lisa Gassman and Joe Unak.
Way – whose maiden name is Kitka – works as a Health Educator for SEARHC. She remembers interning with STA in the 70s. She told KCAW, “The Kitkas have been very involved in Sitka tribe. Now that my children are all grown up, I have the opportunity and time to serve in an adult situation. That’s kind of my goal.”
