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Oliver Leavitt

Oliver Leavitt’s leadership and public service touched every aspect of life in Alaska’s Arctic region. Individually and with his lifelong friend, Jacob Adams, Leavitt worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the Arctic Slope Iñupiat. Through his efforts, Leavitt helped create a legacy of strong advocacy and self-determination that brought the voice of the Arctic Slope Iñupiat to board rooms, international assemblies, and halls of power across the globe. Leavitt maintained a lifelong commitment to his culture, promoting the preservation of traditional lifeways, environmental stewardship, and serving as a whaling captain. He was instrumental in the formation of the North Slope Borough, the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission, and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. Leavitt’s leadership and contributions have shaped the future of Utqiaġvik and the Arctic Slope region, standing as an inspiration to those in Alaska and beyond.