Albert Kookesh
American politician (1948–2021)
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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.
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Albert Kookesh | |
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| 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 | November 24, 1948 |
| Died | May 28, 2021 (aged 72) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sally Woods Kookesh |
| Alma mater | Alaska Pacific University University of Washington |
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 was a citizen of the Angoon Community Association, and the Tlingit Nation, Eagle Moiety, 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]
Electoral career
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.