Wilsbach receives Alaska Native names

The Alaska Federation of Natives hosted three Alaska Native naming ceremonies and an honoring ceremony recognizing Air Force Lt. Gen. Ken Wilsbach for his service and involvement with the native community in Anchorage Aug. 21.

The ceremonies thanked Wilsbach for his efforts in strengthening alliances and partnerships in Alaska between the Native people and the military during his tenure as commander of Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Region, Alaskan Command and Eleventh Air Force from Aug. 2016 to Aug. 2018.

“Your call sign is ‘Cruiser.’ I believe it’s appropriate to add to your call sign the name of ‘Nanuk’ [polar bear] because your life and career epitomize the great Alaskan nanuk, whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle,” said Gail Schubert, Bering Straits Native Corporation. “You have demonstrated a professional commitment to protect the Arctic for national security purposes, and we are safer as a country and state because of that.”

This was the first time in Alaska Native history that not only one, but three Native names were bestowed upon a U.S. armed forces general officer.

“Warriors have a very special place in our society, and we wanted to give you a name befitting the person you have become,” said Rosita Worl of the Tlingit tribe. “You have been given a name that will now belong to the [Eagle moiety]. We thank you for your service and all you and your family have given to the Alaskan communities.

“It is our deep honor to give you a Tlingit name.”

AFN is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska, representing more than 140,000 Native people – about one in every five Alaskans.

Formed in 1966 to settle land claims, AFN continues to be the principal forum and voice of Alaska Natives in addressing critical issues of public policy and government.

Four tribes – the Yup’ik, Tlingit, Iñupiat and Athabascan – honored Wilsbach with kind remarks and gifts.

“I’m almost speechless for what a feeling I have here today,” Wilsbach said. “To all the tribal elders and AFN team, what a great partnership and friendship we’ve had. I feel so honored by your traditions. I have such respect for Alaska natives. It takes a special kind of people to survive and thrive in Alaska.”

During his tenure, Wilsbach helped build unity in emergency response and awareness of the critical role Alaska plays in national defense and security. He also fostered trust and new understandings of the importance of working together in completing the mission.

Each tribe presented gifts to Wilsbach and his wife Cindy for their involvement with and for the state. Their respect and efforts made a positive change in the relationship between the Alaska Native community and the military.

“I wear my clan’s symbol especially proudly today as the Alaska Native community welcomes you and your wife into its embrace, an embrace that will last all of our respective lives,” said Byron Mallott, Lieutenant Governor of Alaska and leader of the Kwaash Ké Kwaan clan.

Wilsbach was asked to kneel as two tribes presented Wilsbach with traditional chiefs’ necklaces.

A cultural performance by a singing group called Pamyua showcased Inuit culture and shared their blend of cultural harmony.

Wilsbach will move on to his next assignment in the Republic of Korea, but will always bear the spirit of Alaska.

“My wife and I want to thank you so much for embracing us and honoring us today with these names which I will never forget,” Wilsbach said. “Thank you for your friendship. We love this place. We love you, and we’re so honored by this ceremony today. Thank you very much.”