Willie Hensley

William L. Hensley, commonly known as Willie Hensley, is a former Democratic politician from Alaska who served in the Alaska House of Representatives and the Alaska Senate. Born on June 17, 1941, Hensley is recognized for his significant contributions to Native Alaskan land rights and his role in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971, which marked a pivotal moment in the history of indigenous land claims in the United States. Beyond his legislative career, Hensley has been influential in various organizations advocating for Native Alaskan interests and has authored a memoir detailing his life experiences and political journey.

Early life and career

Willie Hensley was born in a small community in Northwest Alaska, situated approximately 40 miles above the Arctic Circle. His early life was shaped by his unique heritage; his father was a Jewish Lithuanian fur trader whom he never met, while his mother was an Inupiat Eskimo from Kotzebue. Due to circumstances in his family, Hensley and his sister were placed with extended family members who lived along the Noatak River delta. Growing up in a remote area, Hensley experienced a lifestyle devoid of modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. His family relied on traditional subsistence practices, including hunting and fishing, to endure the harsh nine-month Arctic winters.

Hensley received his early education at a Bureau of Indian Affairs elementary school. For his secondary education, he attended Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, now known as The King's Academy, located in Seymour, Tennessee. His attendance at this boarding school was facilitated by a Baptist missionary who arranged the details for him. During his time there, Hensley was active in sports, serving as a halfback and co-captain of the football team, and was elected class president.

Upon completing high school, Hensley pursued higher education at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in economics. He furthered his studies in law at several institutions, including the University of Alaska, the University of New Mexico, and the University of California. In recognition of his contributions to the state, Hensley was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Alaska in 1980.

Legislative service

Hensley's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Alaska House of Representatives at the age of 25. His tenure in the House lasted for one term, during which he focused on issues pertinent to Native Alaskans. In 1971, he transitioned to the Alaska Senate, where he served a four-year term. During his time in the Senate, Hensley was involved in various subcommittees, including those focused on water resources and Indian affairs, reflecting his commitment to Native issues.

Hensley returned to the Alaska Senate for a second time in 1987, following his appointment to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Senator Frank Ferguson. This appointment lasted until 1988. During this term, he was part of several standing committees, including Finance, Rules, and State Affairs. In addition to his legislative roles, Hensley was appointed as Commissioner of Commerce under Governor Tony Knowles, where he oversaw Alaska's initiatives in tourism, international trade, seafood marketing, and insurance and securities.

In 1974, Hensley ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Alaska Congressional election. He was the Democratic candidate but was defeated by Republican Don Young. Despite this setback, Hensley's political career continued to evolve, and he remained an influential figure in Alaskan politics.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Hensley was particularly focused on issues affecting Native Alaskans. His advocacy for indigenous rights was exemplified by his involvement in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), a landmark piece of legislation that addressed land claims by Native Alaskans. Hensley's early work on this issue included publishing an influential essay that outlined the historical context and legal considerations surrounding Native land rights. This essay was distributed at the first convention of the Alaskan Federation of Natives, an organization Hensley helped to establish.

The ANCSA, signed into law in 1971, represented one of the largest land claims settlements in U.S. history, granting Native Alaskans approximately 44 million acres of land and nearly $1 billion in compensation. Hensley's efforts in lobbying for this act were instrumental in its passage, and he played a key role in the establishment of regional corporations that were created to manage the land and resources allocated to Native Alaskans.

In addition to his legislative work, Hensley was a founding member of several organizations dedicated to advocating for Native Alaskan interests. He served as president and executive director of the Alaska Federation of Natives, which was formed to assist in the implementation of ANCSA and to provide a political voice for Native issues. Hensley's leadership in these organizations helped to solidify the political power of Native Alaskans and address contemporary challenges facing indigenous communities.

After retiring from active politics, Hensley continued to contribute to public discourse through writing. He authored a memoir titled "Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People," in which he reflects on his upbringing in rural Alaska, his experiences as a politician, and his advocacy for Native rights. This work encapsulates his journey and the broader narrative of Native Alaskan history and rights.

Willie Hensley's legacy is marked by his dedication to improving the lives of Native Alaskans and his significant contributions to the political landscape of Alaska. His work has had a lasting impact on the rights and recognition of indigenous peoples in the state and beyond.