GARY HADLEY

“I am originally from Noatak, I have been here in Buckland since 1969. The summer of 69. I have seen Buckland grow. Earlier the youth from the school came over, we are trying to get ready for the Celebration of Life. This year we want them to be partaking in the events. We are trying to get with Maniilaq [Association], to help with suicide prevention, we are having counselors and [Alaska State] Troopers come in during our dog sled races. We want to have a survival course with the Troopers. It’s on April 1-3, it’s our third or fourth season doing this.

I am President of the IRA (Indian Reorganization Act, often used to refer to tribal governments that were organized under the federal act), and I work as a janitor of the clinic. [Laughs] I got to be humble to do this! But I don’t mind, I am helping the people. It’s something I enjoy because I live here, my kids live here. I have one boy, six girls, and we are fostering five kids. I have 12 in my home. I enjoy it. Even though it’s hard, I enjoy this. There is no other place like home. I always consider this village a family.” — Gary Hadley is Inupiaq and lives in Buckland, Alaska.

Percy Ballot, Inupiaq from Buckland, Alaska commented on Buckland’s Celebration of Life and what it’s based on. “Anybody is welcome to the Celebration of Life, where people can share information on educational opportunities, health, scholarships and anything that is beneficial for our youth and community. The Celebration of Life has been a very good event for all because it unites our people. We are always excited about people who want to share life experiences or successes that our people can relate to and and in return, follow their own dreams.”