In a historical election Bea Kristovich is the first woman to ever be elected Traditional Chief of the Association of Village Council Presidents.
“I think I’m still in shock,” she responded when asked about her new position.
On the second day of the 51st AVCP Annual Convention association delegates elected Kristovich as 2nd Traditional Chief of AVCP.
“Women were always left out over the years,” Kristovich said. “The men were the leaders. But over the years, there’s been more women getting more active, going into active roles as leaders from the villages. And they’re still silent. But I think being the first one, it will show the other younger generation that they can do it.”
Kristovich has been active in working on Native and education issues for more than 40 years. She was also part of the effort to see the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act passed.
The Traditional Chief acts as a figurehead — opening meetings, saying prayers and offering traditional knowledge. But Kristovich, who belongs to the Native Village of Napaimute, wants to do more than that. In her new position, Kristovich said she wants to encourage leaders to speak openly. To do that, they will have to challenge their cultural upbringing.
“We weren’t raised that way to be open or talk about people or argue or stuff like that” Kristovich explained.
She also says she wants older leaders to retire so younger leaders can step forward to learn about tribal issues.
“I want them to be united,” Kristovich continued. “You know, [there are] 56 villages, and they’re still separated by Yukon, Kuskokwim and our area, and I think if we were all united, we’d be so strong. We could stick together and fight for issues that are very important for our people and our villages. It would work.”
