 To Human Rights Commission June 21, 2002
"I am pleased to appoint Arlene Buxton and Belen Cook to serve on the Human Rights Commission," said Knowles. "I know they will continue the good work done by this commission to prevent discrimination and promote fairness and equality." Cook has been active in Cordova for over thirty years in a variety of positions, including service on the boards of Sound Alternatives (a mental health and substance abuse recovery resource center) and the Chamber of Commerce. In the past few years, she has worked with the Ilanka Health Center, Chugachmiut, and the Native Village of Eyak in various capacities. Cook and her husband are commercial gillnet fishermen. "It has always been a priority in my life to treat others with honor and respect," Cook wrote in her application for the commission. "The organizations with which I have chosen to spend my time and energy have been those that placed the values of fairness and equal treatment of all populations above all else." Buxton has worked for the Annette Islands School District for more than 25 years. She is affiliated with the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska and has been a member of the Metlakatla Alaska Native Sisterhood since 1971. "I am a strong believer in the equal rights of all people," wrote Buxton in her application. "I grew up in a loving and large extended family who also were active in civic organizations, politics and the rights of Native people.... I have some mighty big shoes to fill after all of the hard work my ancestors did, but I do my best to continue their legacy." Cook
and Buxton take the seats of departing commission members Roy
Madsen and Aaron Isaacs. They are appointed to 5-year terms,
but the next governor may replace them if he or she chooses,
since they will not have the opportunity to be confirmed by the
Legislature before the next governor takes office.
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