Howard Luke

Howard Luke, 83, Alaska Native Elder

My definition of a hero is a man or woman who is a good role model to children. A hero is a person who has a lot to show for his or her life. A hero is a person who is both mentally and physically strong so they can maintain themselves and their own feelings and, at the same time, help others. A hero is a person who can be happy even when people are down, and can laugh and laugh even when he is sad. A hero is a person you can look up to and get information and advice from. The hero I have chosen is Howard Luke.

Howard marks all his work with a heart.

Howard Luke is an Athabaskan Indian from Alaska and is an Alaska Native Elder. "Howard Luke was born downriver; below Nenana, Alaska at Linder Lake in the year 1923." Howard does not know the day or month he was born, only the season and year. Howard grew up in Nenana. Howard learned to hunt, make tools, and survive off the land he lived on.

Howard moved to Fairbanks with his family in 1936. He began dog training and racing in the late 1940’s. His first North American dog race was in Fairbanks in 1947. He came in as second place winner. Howard loved competition. He also raced boats in the 1960’s on the rivers in Fairbanks, and won the 1965 Yukon 800 race.

Howard Luke's schooling happened at night when his mother would teach him with stories and how to take care of your ‘luck (gallee’ya in his native language).’ Howard Luke continues to believe in the native ways. Today one of his beliefs is that if no one respects the rivers, the river water will drop, and if the people start to respect them, they will rise again.

Howard Luke's camp in Nenana

Later in his life he had made a Gallee’ya Camp at his home and dedicated it to his mother. The camp is a place where Howard Luke can help adults who are struggling with alcohol problems; work with children who want to learn about making sleds, traps, and learn about herbs and medicine.

I chose Howard Luke because he is an important Alaska Native Elder in Fairbanks and has accomplished a lot in his life. I look up to him because one of his values is his respect for elders. He believes his respect is the basis of his success and is the message he wants to give to the children. I think Howard Luke is really intelligent and should be respected for all he has done and all he has accomplished.