JUNEAU, AK (September 26, 2017) –  The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce Sitka Delegate Wilbur Brown has been selected by the Executive Council to serve the remaining term (April 2018) of the 6th Vice President (VP) position. The seat was left vacant after the sudden passing of Edward K. (Sam) Thomas Jr. in June.

“The Executive Council was very pleased with the level of interest and number of qualified candidates,” said President Richard Peterson. “Wilbur’s community involvement, tribal leadership with ANB, and combined work experience in law enforcement, health and now probation lends itself greatly to many of the areas that the Tribe is focusing on. He will bring a well-rounded view on those issues.”

In addition to serving as a Sitka Delegate, VP Brown holds the position of Vice President of the Sitka Tlingit & Haida Chapter, serves on the Sitka Tribe of Alaska (STA) Tribal Council and STA’s Tribal Economic Development Committee, and is a member of Tlingit & Haida’s Judiciary Committee. He also serves as the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) Camp #1 President and the ANB Grand Camp 2nd Vice President.

VP Brown is a United States Army Veteran and holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Rural Human Services and graduated with Cum Laude honors. He has a long history of community service and currently serves as a Probation Officer for the Juneau Therapeutic Courts. Prior to that, he worked in various community prevention and policy positions in Southeast Alaska in both public and private sectors.

“I look forward to bringing my experience to the table and working to serve the best interest of our people,” said VP Brown. “I would like to send my condolences to the family of Vice President Sam Thomas, especially our President Emeritus Edward K. Thomas. I will do my best to be a strong voice at the table just as Sam was. Gunalchéesh to all who have supported me.”

VP Brown was raised in Keek Kwaan (Kake) Alaska and is the son of Wilbur Brown Sr. and Rosemary Thomas. His Tlingit name is Lkoowagoon and he is from the Tsaagweidí (Killer Whale) clan, Aan Yakawlitseixi Hít (the house that anchored the village) and a child of Was’ineidí clan. He is married to Natalie Brown and father to five children — Robert, Anthony, Marty, Vanessa and Gavin Brown.