My grandparents are Simeon and Susan Patkotak and Jim and Molly Pederson; my parents are Crawford and Laura Patkotak; all from different parts of our region but more permanently from Barrow. Like we were raised, my wife Flora Atqaqsaaq Patkotak and I are raising our two children to be rooted deeply in our Inupiaq culture and traditions of hunting, gathering, and whaling. We do these things in a modern world, understanding that these things now cost money to pursue. To preserve and continue our Inupiaq way of life, we need economic freedom by way of local control and self-determination regarding our resources.
That is part of the reason I want to continue to serve our district. Our Peoples future at home is of utmost importance to me and should be reflected at the State level when they partner with our Tribal Governments, Village and Regional Corporations, and Cities and Boroughs.
Born in 1994, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to serve my community in different capacities over the last 11 years by first getting involved as an Alaska Federation of Natives youth delegate for the Arctic Slope Region. Since then I have served in many different arenas including an Inupiat Community of the Arctic Slope council-member and an Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation board of director. Most recently I’ve served as a Barrow Utilities & Electric Cooperative, Inc., board member and also as a North Slope Borough Assembly member. In my first term as a Legislator, while learning the ropes of the Capitol, I’ve done my best to pursue best outcomes to issues such as the high cost of living, resource development, game-management, land access, utility services and more.
I would like to continue represent House District 40 with a focus of preserving and maintaining our Inupiaq way of life. A way of life that is centered around taking care of each other. I am honored and humbled to serve as you as a State Representative. Quyanaqpak!