Over the course of his life, Walter J. Hickel demonstrated the promise that he made when he arrived – that if Alaska took care of him, he would take care of it. Care for Alaska he did. A life of public service revolved around an energy and passion for the people of the state and the issues facing the state’s peoples; Hickel’s legacy will live on well into the future.

As the Institute of the North’s founder, the staff, senior fellows and Board of Directors will miss Governor Hickel’s presence, strength and clarity of purpose.