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“Like Morris, who was larger than life, this project is larger than those four walls. |
Morris Thompson
“There is a place in Interior Alaska where two great rivers meet; the Yukon and Tanana …The Alaska Natives have named the place Nuchalawoyya, meaning simply ‘where the two rivers meet.' On some high ground that overlooks this place is the grave of a great Alaska visionary, Morris Thompson. His untimely death some years ago took from all Alaskans a man who evoked trust and confidence from all he touched.” —From an article by UA President Mark Hamilton , April 2004, for the Anchorage Daily News and the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Morris Thompson was born, raised, and is now laid to rest in the village of Tanana. Growing up, he witnessed the coming together of those powerful rivers thousands of times. Perhaps it was this experience that allowed him to be such a force in bringing people together.  Morris was one of Alaska 's prominent business leaders. He was the youngest commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, held leadership positions in the Alaska Federation of Natives and Commonwealth North, as well as a cabinet position in the Hickel administration. In 1985, he took over the helm of Doyon, Limited, leading that corporation to become one of the most profitable and stable Alaska Native Corporations. However, to hear Morris talk about himself he made clear he was “just another boy from Tanana” . He treated all with respect, whether he was at the White House or at fish camp 'Big' as his family and friends knew him, was recognized for his gifts of open communication and diplomacy. His life and leadership have inspired the plans for the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. It embodies a philosophy that Morris held true—work together on commonalities and celebrate our diversity. It brings together Native and non-native organizations, building bridges between cultures and encouraging all Alaskans to work together to build our future. |
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 HOME | OUR VISION | LEGACY FOR PROGRESS | MAKE A GIFT | MORRIS THOMPSON PROJECT TIMELINE | PROGRESS REPORT WHAT WILL IT LOOK LIKE? | AN ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY | CONTACT US Copyright © 2004, - 2006 Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center, all rights reserved. Cindy Schumaker, Project Director, Phone: 907-459-3880 Fax: 907-459-3884 E-mail:thompson.center@tananachiefs.org Designed by WebWeavers Technology Group LLC™ |
