JUNEAU, Alaska — Clarence “Butch” Laiti, a prominent figure in Alaska Native fishing advocacy and president of the Douglas Indian Association, passed away at age 77 on April 10, leaving behind a powerful legacy in the region’s ongoing fight for indigenous sovereignty and sustainable fisheries.

Champion of Taku River Fisheries

Born and raised in Juneau as a member of the Yanyeidí clan and T’aaḵu Ḵwaán, Laiti spent decades protecting the taku river fisheries that have sustained Alaska Native communities for generations. His family’s enduring connection to the river shaped not only their livelihoods but also the larger struggle for native fishing rights across the region.

A Respected Voice for Indigenous Sovereignty

Laiti’s leadership in the Douglas Indian Association established him as a trusted advocate for Alaska’s indigenous communities. Colleagues and family alike have described his unwavering dedication to indigenous sovereignty, both within Southeast Alaska and statewide. He viewed the protection of natural resources and traditional territories as inseparable from the survival of the Lingít people and their cultural identity.

Standing Firm Against the Limited Entry Act

In 1973, when the Limited Entry Act threatened to restrict access for small-scale and Native fishermen, Laiti took a public stand. He fought vigorously to secure his family’s commercial fishing permit, underscoring the law’s impact on local fishing traditions. His efforts paved the way for many others to maintain their ancestral rights to fish, ensuring that traditional knowledge continued to be passed down through the generations.

Opposing Environmental Threats to Alaska Fisheries

Laiti was outspoken about dangers posed by mining pollution in neighboring British Columbia. He argued that cross-border contamination threatened the very existence of the Taku River’s salmon and the broader health of Alaska fisheries future. His activism included testifying at state and regional forums, where he continually emphasized the necessity of Indigenous input in fisheries management decisions.

Shaping the Future of Native Fishing Rights

One of Laiti’s final public appearances came during a 2025 panel dedicated to charting the path forward for Alaska fisheries. On that stage, he called for Alaska Native fishing communities to have leading roles in conservation and stewardship policies. He cautioned that external decision-makers, removed from the river and its cycles, too often overlooked the lived experience and historical knowledge of the Lingít people and others reliant on the region’s waters.

Legacy of Commitment to Community

Laiti’s enduring influence is felt deeply within the Douglas Indian Association and among Alaska’s network of rural fishing families. Education and youth mentorship were central to his philosophy; he encouraged the next generation to uphold fishing traditions and to advocate for their rights with pride. His family continues his work, organizing efforts to protect both cultural heritage and the environmental health of the watershed.

Honoring a Lifelong Vision

Clarence Laiti’s legacy is a guiding light for those working to safeguard the Taku River and Alaska’s Native fisheries. At his memorial, community members shared stories and sockeye salmon caught by Laiti himself—a poignant reminder of the connection between tradition and sustenance. As Alaska Native fishing faces future challenges, Laiti’s vision and resolve remain woven into the identity of the region he steadfastly served, ensuring that the voice of the Lingít people will continue to shape the fate of Alaska’s waters.