Tlingit and Haida’s president will serve another term

Alaska Native Government & Policy | Southeast September 24, 2026 by Yvonne Krumrey, KTOO Chalyee É esh Richard Peterson will remain the president of Southeast Alaska’s largest tribal government for the next two years. Tribal delegates re-elected him this afternoon during Tlingit and Haida’s 91st annual tribal assembly in Juneau. Peterson ran against four other candidates, including Tlingit and Haida’s First Vice President Ku.seen Jacqueline Pata. He won with 68% of the vote, followed by Lisa Gassman and Melissa Kookesh, who each received about 10% of the vote. Pata received about 7% of votes. In a speech to delegates Wednesday, Peterson pointed to services the tribe has built up from mental and behavioral health interventions to economic ventures under his leadership. “I have always believed our tribe should help citizens reach their own definition of success,” he said. “For one person, that may mean having someone to talk to on a difficult day. For another, it may mean learning our language, completing training, starting a business, or finding work close to home. Our services need to meet people where they are. We have built more ways to do that.” Tlingit and Haida’s leadership did see one major shake-up – Ga’gwaath Clinton Cook will take over as first vice president. The delegate from Craig unseated Pata, who has been in the position since 2021.

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