Topic Strengths

Nels is very knowledgeable in mathematics and the sciences. He obtained a degree and spent many years in the field of electronic engineering; he gained vast knowledge in the field of communications while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps; he also was a computer technician for the U.S. Forest Service.

Though civics was his least favorite subject in school; he is now very involved in politics—especially those pertaining to Native rights, etc.

History topics include: ANCSA, ANILCA, subsistence rights, Alaska Native Brotherhood, Alaska Federation of Natives, pre-Russian contact, and Tlingit trading.

  

“Education is very important; even Elders of long ago valued education. European influence shifted the type of education. Education is multi-perspective and our children deserve the best of both [traditional and modern worlds].”

 

Mr. Lawson has the following preferences:

Schools: All SSD schools; particularly Keet Gooshi Heen and Blatchley Middle School

Days: For the most part Nels is available during the academic year; however he does a lot of traveling during Potlatch season which begins in November. He would like to make classroom visits at least twice a month and on any of the following occasions: E. Peratrovich Day, Native American Heritage Month, Herring units, Potlatch units, Marine Corp Birthday, and/or Veteran’s Day.

Times: He can adjust his schedule to accommodate different time slots. He will need at least 1 week notice.

Areas of Activity

Nels prefers to enter into classrooms to help out in the following areas:

Field Trips: Especially during marine/wildlife units and trips to local beaches.

Panel discussions: He really enjoys it when students interact and become involved in the discussion; moreover he enjoys testing student’s knowledge about the topic.

Presentations: He is comfortable presenting on a variety of subject matter; he is a great cultural and historical resource.

Food Demonstrator: Nels has years of experience in the preparation of sockeye salmon and is willing to share that info.

Role in the Classroom

Mentor: Nels is already a mentor to many youth in the community. He has 7 children and served as a father figure to many students in the Gajaa Heen Dancers, where he volunteered to chaperone for over 10 years.

Cultural Instructor: Nels considers himself a lifelong learner of the Tlingit culture. He enjoys sharing the knowledge that has been passed onto him through many of his Elders which includes: Herman Kitka and Ethel Makinen.

Prior Experience:  He has substituted for Roby Littlefield at Sitka High School. He also worked with Pacific High on an Elder’s Biography project and gave inspirational lectures to students at Sheldon Jackson College.

Cultural Expertise

Tlingit Language: Not fluent in language; but able to understand Native speakers. His parents insisted he be taught English growing up so he could succeed in his education.

Caretaker: Currently Nels is the caretaker of “Keet Aan Yadi Tinaa” and is the Eagle caretaker for “Kaasdi Heeni Yaakw” canoe.

Regalia Making Skills: He has made all of his dance regalia (skilled in: carving, beading, sewing, and raven’s tail weaving).

Kinship: Familiar with traditional and biological Tlingit relations.

Ceremonies: His understanding includes: potlatches, memorials, name giving, etc.

Values: Enjoys sharing with students the value of making good choices.

Education and Life Experience

Education:

Nels attended elementary and middle school in Hoonah and Douglas. When he moved to Sitka, he attended Sitka High School. After graduation he enrolled with Foot Hill College where he earned a degree in Electronics.

Work Experience:

Nels has had a number of jobs over the years. In the summer, he keeps busy by fishing for halibut and salmon. He was a Communications Specialist in the Marine corp. While in San Francisco he worked as a Aerospace Electronic Engineer. Then transitioned to the Forest Service where he worked as a Computer Expert. Nels has also been involved in Transportation planning as a Tribal Government Specialist.

A Brief Biography

Nels Lawson Sr. was born in Juneau Alaska in 1939. He was raised by his parents with help from his grandmother. He comes from a large family; as the eldest of seven, Nels took on a strong role as gatherer and provider for his family. Even today, Nels stays busy by gathering food from the land. 

He has extensive work experience; Nels was introduced to the world of technology when he joined the Marine Corp. After that, he moved to San Francisco to work as an aerospace electronics engineer which included designing parts used on the Venus probes and Lunar landing.

In between patents, he managed to raise a family that includes four sons and three daughters; he has been happily married for over thirty years and most recently his youngest son, Nels Jr. married his long-time girlfriend.

Nels is now retired and busier than ever! His most favorite past time is Tlingit Dancing. He is a member of the Kaagwaantaan and Noow Tlein dance groups. Nels is not a fluent speakers of Tlingit, but sometimes in his dreams his grandma will still speak to him in his Native language.