In Memory of Ellen Hope Hayes

Oct 15, 2013 | Honoring Others | 0 comments

Ellen Hope Hayes – 2007

The first time I met Ellen Hope Hayes was at the Pioneer Cafe, Sitka, Alaska back in 1985.  I had just finished a meal with some friends and I was waiting for a ride to come pick me up.  I noticed how this beautiful, elderly woman had been staring at me for quite some time; she finally got up and came sat down by me when my friends had left.  First thing that came out of her mouth:  “I think I know who your mother and father are.”  With that famous smile and equally famous glint in her eye, she continued:  ” I’ve been watching you.  You look like your father but you act like your mother…Is her name Irene Sarabia?”

We laughed.  She reminisced about her and her first husband, Roger Lang, going to school together at Sheldon Jackson School with my mother back in the late 40’s.  She said my mother was just way too much fun!  And ever since this first introduction, we were street acquaintances.  Throughout the years, we would see one another in passing, on the ferry boat, at Centennial Hall in Juneau, during a Clan Conference, at a potlatch, or at a memorial service.  We would catch a few lines, give one another hugs, shake hands and hearts “until we meet again.”

One of the most gracious women I have ever come to know; an inspiration to all of us younger women to learn how to become (if we aren’t that way already – and God knows, I sure wasn’t born with much grace!).

The following is an obituary from the Sitka Sentinel, October 11th, 2013:

“Ellen Hope Hays, who made history when she was named superintendent of Sitka National Historical Park, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2013.  She was 85 years old.  Ellen was living at the Sitka Pioneers Home at the time of her death.  She had moved back to Sitka from Bainbridge Island, Wash., in January 2013.

Ellen was born Dec. 29, 1927, the seventh of 14 children born to Andrew and Tillie Hope of Sitka.  She was a Tlingit of the Raven moiety, Kik’sadi Clan and Point House.  Her clan name was Kaa Katlin (Raven Looking Forward).  She was raised and lived much of her life in Alaska.  She married Roger Lang and they had one child, Karen Valorie Lang.  In 1978 she married Henry Hays, and they moved to Bainbridge Island, Wash., in 1994.
Ellen was a graduate of Sheldon Jackson School, and was awarded an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Alaska in 1996.  Ellen spent her professional career with the National Park Service and on July 9, 1974, she became the first woman and the first Alaska Native to be appointed superintendent of a national park in the Pacific Northwest.
She also was the first woman to apply and be accepted as a member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood.  She was instrumental in the Brotherhood’s successful effort to operate the Visitor Center craft shop wing of Sitka National Historical Park, which eventually became known as the Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center.
Throughout her life, Ellen promoted the values of art and the humanities.  She served on many boards and commissions that were dedicated to these causes, both in Alaska and Washington.
Ellen forged many enduring friendships throughout her life.  She was a mentor, friend, and teacher to many.  She was passionate about her family, her heritage, the arts and education.  She believed one should always be learning.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Henry Hays, of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; daughter Karen Coleman of Sitka; granddaughter, Kendra Pountney (Michael) of Sitka; grandson Jerrick Fulkerson of Juneau; and great- grandson Robert Pountney of Sitka.  She is also survived by two brothers, Fred Hope (Margaret) of Sitka,  and Percy Hope of Juneau.  She also has numerous nieces and nephews, and is survived by her dearest friends Herb and Polly Didrickson of Sitka.
A memorial service will be held later in the Fall.  In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances of Ellen to her family (c/o Karen Coleman) at PO Box 92, Sitka, AK  99835.