15 Brenda Itta-Lee (she/her)

Brenda Tiggausiña Itta-Lee was born on the 13th of November 1943, in Barrow, Alaska. She is an Iñupiaq, a member of the Indigenous people of Northwestern Alaska. She graduated from Haskell Indian College in Kansas, in 1965. Following, she moved to Washington D.C. and became an aide to Senator Ernest Gruening. There, Itta-Lee discovered how important it is to be close to community members and voters to implement better legislation. This experience strengthened her love for her community and increased her involvement “with Native affairs in the state.” In 1971, Itta-Lee returned to Alaska and became involved in her community.

She was one of the few women who joined the fight and advocated for the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). Itta-Lee was chosen by the traditional leaders in her community, even though she was a woman. This was a great privilege, as traditional men have always taken the lead in fighting outside. She was initially hesitant since she was a woman. However, the elders in her community responded by saying women, “have always had special roles, but on the other hand, we are in a war and a struggle to survive and our very heritage is being challenged. It does not matter whether you are a man, woman, or child, we need your help.” This response encouraged her to go on. The Act helped the Alaska Natives receive economic benefits from the land claim while stimulating their economy, which brought development. The oil was located at Prudhoe Bay, which was an ancient land that belonged to the people.

Itta-Lee was on the board of organizations like the Alaska Federation of Natives, the Bush Justice Monitoring Committee and Alaska Legal Services. She mentored and advocated for the next generation of the Native community by opening a Student Corporation tailored to the ANCSA. She also served in the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC) as an elected member and part of the Executive management. Itta-Lee took part in developing the economic and cultural rights of the Iñupiat by increasing the shareholders’ hiring and wages. Itta-Lee became the first Alsaka Native woman elected to the Alaska State Legislature. She served as a legislator in the state House of Representatives from 1974-1976. This was a great accomplishment and victory, which allowed her to become a member of the House Finance Committee that supported the Alaska Permanent Dividend Fund. This enabled the people of Alaska, both Native and non-native to enjoy and partake in the states’ wealth, which is usually from oil and gas. Itta-Lee mentors young women throughout her community in Alaska and helps them achieve their goals.