RENAMING – Tlingit elder Harvey Kitka, Yanshkoo.wu, speaks to students at Xóots Elementary School this afternoon during a short renaming ceremony. The School Board adopted the new name, which means brown bear in Tlingit, in March 2024 to replace the old name, Baranof Elementary School. At today’s ceremony, children from the after-school culture class sang in Tlingit, new signs were on display and Charlie Skultka Jr. was recognized for the formline bear design he provided for the school logo. In his remarks, Kitka told those assembled in the school gymnasium about his experience as a youngster in the school when it was brand new. He said speaking Tlingit was not encouraged then. (Sentinel Photo by James Poulson)
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Daily Sitka Sentinel
Johnny W. Duncan Sr. Dies in Sitka at Age 77
Johnny Walter Duncan Sr.
Johnny Walter Duncan Sr., a longtime Sitka resident, died unexpectedly December 9, 2020, at the age of 77. He was at home, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
Johnny’s Tlingit name was Kaaldeiwtu Éesh. He was from the Kiks.ádi (Frog) clan, a child of the Killer Whale clan, and a member of the Clay House. He was born May 12, 1943, and raised by his parents, Emma and Peter Duncan, in Excursion Inlet and Hoonah.
Johnny graduated from Chemawa boarding school in Salem, Oregon, in 1961, and then from Edison Tech in Seattle. He joined the Carpenters Union in 1964, retiring in 2006.
John helped build the JC Penny building in Anchorage, worked in Adak at the government base, Mt. Roberts Tramway in Juneau, Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School, and the newer Alaska Native Medical Center. He worked at various other monumental buildings across Alaska.
John is survived by his brother Albert Duncan Sr., children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He loved subsistence gathering and teaching his children and grandchildren the lifestyle he himself enjoyed, watching and participating in Southeast basketball.
John was a longtime member of the Sitka Alaska Native Brotherhood and the Sitka Pool League.
John was an active member of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Moose Lodge, and Sons of American Legion.
He was a vocal advocate for the Sitka Sound herring and subsistence.
He will be truly missed by friends and family.
Due to COVID-19 there will be a private funeral, and later on a cultural service and celebration of life. The family understands that this is not traditional at all, but John would not want to put the health and safety of his community at risk.
Questions concerning donations can be directed to Johnny Duncan Jr. 907-738-1595, or Donovan Duncan 907-738-2619.
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20 YEARS AGO
February 2005
Photo caption: S&S General Contractors crew bury conduit along Sawmill Creek Road as part of a sewer line project. They’ve been working only at night, using portable lights to direct traffic. Sitkans living between Shotgun Alley and Indian River Road are asked not to use drains or toilets Thursday as pump stations will be turned off.
50 YEARS AGO
February 1975
Photo caption: Five players selected for the first All Tournament team in the American Legion Southeast Alaska Basketball Tournament hold their trophies. From left are Jeff Klanott, Klukwan ANB; Rick Ludigsen, Ketchikan Webber Air; Al Kookesh, Angoon ANB; Terry Friske, Klukwan ANB; and Mike Erickson, Ketchikan Webber Air.
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