Legislature(2003 - 2004)
03/06/2003 08:05 AM House CRA
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE COMMUNITY AND REGIONAL AFFAIRS
STANDING COMMITTEE
March 6, 2003
8:05 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Carl Morgan, Chair
Representative Kelly Wolf, Vice Chair
Representative Tom Anderson
Representative Ralph Samuels
Representative Sharon Cissna
Representative Albert Kookesh
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Mike Chenault
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5
Establishing a task force to make recommendations regarding a
new design for the official seal of the State of Alaska.
- MOVED HCR 5 OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS ACTION
BILL: HCR 5
SHORT TITLE:LEGIS. TASK FORCE ON DESIGN OF STATE SEAL
SPONSOR(S): REPRESENTATIVE(S)JOULE
Jrn-Date Jrn-Page Action
02/03/03 0118 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME -
REFERRALS
02/03/03 0118 (H) CRA, STA, FIN
03/06/03 (H) CRA AT 8:00 AM CAPITOL 124
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Spoke as the sponsor of HCR 5.
ACTION NARRATIVE
TAPE 03-7, SIDE A
Number 0001
CHAIR CARL MORGAN called the House Community and Regional
Affairs Standing Committee meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
Representatives Morgan, Wolf, Samuels, Cissna, and Kookesh were
present at the call to order. Representative Anderson arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
HCR 5-LEGIS. TASK FORCE ON DESIGN OF STATE SEAL
CHAIR MORGAN announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 5, Establishing a task force to
make recommendations regarding a new design for the official
seal of the State of Alaska.
Number 0070
REPRESENTATIVE REGGIE JOULE, Alaska State Legislature, speaking
as the sponsor of HCR 5, presented a slide presentation which
was accompanied by the following testimony:
Slide 1: The case for modernization.
When it comes to symbols of Alaska, none is older than
our official seal. A question that arises from that
fact is: Is it time to modernize our state seal? I
believe the answer is yes.
Slide 2: Introduction to HCR 5
The vehicle for modernizing the seal is HCR 5. It
creates a task force of eight citizens to provide a
focal point for public involvement in designing a new
seal. The task force will report back to the
legislature and the legislature will make a decision
whether to adopt a new design and commission its
engraving.
Slide 3: Alaska's First Seal
Most Alaskans probably aren't aware that the seal in
use today is the second one to represent the
government of Alaska. In 1885, the first appointed
governor of Alaska, John Kincaid, designed a seal for
the military district of Alaska. Kincaid's design
depicted the northern lights, icebergs, and an Alaska
Native or two amongst other things.
Slide 4: District Seal
Here is a slide of that first state seal. What we
would probably interpret as the sunlight is the
northern lights. You can see a fellow with a harpoon
there on the bottom ... and also an Alaska Native in a
kayak. Now this is the seal of the military district
of Alaska. It was in use for about 25 years. Today,
the only place that we're aware of where the ...
district seal still is in use is on the mantel of the
fireplace at the Governor's mansion. When the House
was restored in the 1980's the district seal was
uncovered from under many, many layers of paint.
Slide 5: Territorial Seal
One of the first men to live in that house, Governor
Walter Clark, decided in 1910 that the district seal
was inappropriate for several reasons, including its
depiction of icebergs, northern lights, and Alaska
Natives. So Clark hired a draftsman in Juneau, a man
named William Rugg, to draw a rough sketch based on
his directions to include more modern developments in
Alaska.
Slide 6: Official Seal of Alaska
What we see in this slide is basically what Governor
Clark sent to Washington, D.C., for approval in 1910.
The first Alaska civil code of 1900 required that any
official acts of the military district be approved by
the Interior Department and the Attorney General. The
rough sketch sent by Governor Clark for the new seal
was approved by Attorney General Fowler on July 25,
1910. But sometime between then and November 10,
1910, somebody in the Interior Department commissioned
a more refined drawing and sent that back to Alaska.
Governor Clark then commissioned an engraver to cast
the new seal; it was delivered to the Secretary of
Alaska February 25, 1911. Two years later, in 1913,
the seal was changed again when the word "district"
was changed to "territory." At statehood, this seal
became the official state seal and remains so today as
part of statute, AS 44.08.
Slide 7: Elements of the seal
Now I'd like to turn to the individual elements of the
seal and why the Governor [Clark] chose these symbols.
While we don't have any extensive written
documentation, there was an article that came out in
April 1911 in an edition of the "Alaska Yukon
Magazine" which described the [new] seal in this way:
"The Territory of Alaska will not permit anyone to
forget that development and industrial progress are
its chief concern. Not even will public documents,
bearing the signature of the territorial chief
executive, be permitted longer to convey ... the
ancient conception of the country as a land of arctic
temperature and the home of an unique race of
aborigines.
"Governor Walter [E.] Clark has had prepared a new
official seal for the territory that will typify
modern Alaska, as he conceives it ... The center of
the seal shows a range of mountains in the distance,
above which appears the rising sun, typifying in this
instance the dawn of the commercial and industrial era
in Alaska. In the middle distance on the left is a
large ore mill and a wharf, with a train of ore carts
and a spur track leading toward the mill.
"In the harbor adjacent is a large steamship,
typifying commerce, and in another part of the harbor
is a fishing vessel, representing one of the great
industries. The forests also appear in the middle
distance on the left, to represent the lumber industry
and resources, and there is a harvest scene to typify
agriculture. Around the circumference of the seal
[are] a salmon [and] a fur seal in place of the
conventional stars that are employed for this
purpose."
And these were the words from that article in 1911
that explained why the official seal of Alaska looks
the way that it does today.
Slide 8: Why change the seal?
Today, however, Alaska is a far different place. And
that brings us to the question, again: Should the
official seal of the state be designed to reflect the
changes of the last 93 years?
Consider these facts:
In 1910, Anchorage did not exist. Does urban Alaska
deserve a place on the seal?
Since 1910, Alaska has grown and outgrown several
industries. Does the oil and gas industry deserve a
place on the seal, perhaps in place of the fur seal
industry? Are the horse and plow the best
representation of agriculture in Alaska?
In 1910, the population of Alaska was half Native.
But despite that fact, any depiction of them was
dropped from the seal by Governor Clark. Can we fix
that omission?
In 1885 and in 1910, the idea of public involvement in
designing a seal was overlooked. Public involvement
through the Alaska Legislature wouldn't happen until
1913. This legislature can fix that oversight and
provide a valuable learning experience for residents
... of all ages.
And last but not least, HCR 5 asks us all to use our
imaginations. Governor Clark looked out his window in
1910 and saw a dream of Alaska in the future. Can we
do the same thing and ask ourselves what might be some
of the symbols that not only would reflect the Alaska
of today but Alaska of 100 years from now.
Slide 9: Fish and Game logos
I will conclude this slide presentation and this
testimony with a quick look at some other symbols in
use today - inside and outside Alaska.
Here is the logo of the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game. Actually, this slide depicts the logo that was
in use from 1962 until about 1977.
Slide 10: New logo
Then about 1977 or 78, this black and white logo was
developed for Fish and Game. It dropped the totem
that was prominent in the first logo.
Slide 11: Current logo
The design changed again in 2001. It was altered, the
lines were changed and then they added color.
Slide 12: H&SS logo
This slide shows the logo used by the Department of
Health and Social Services. It was commissioned by
the department in the early 1990's after an extensive
public involvement.
Slide 13: Hawaii seal
Here's an example of another state. ... This slide
shows the great seal of Hawaii. On the left side is
an image of King Kamehameha. On the right is an image
of Liberty holding the Hawaii flag. On the bottom of
the seal - in the Native Hawaiian language - are the
words: "The life of the land is perpetuated in
righteousness." This seal was adopted at the time of
statehood.
Slide 14: Montana
Here is the seal of Montana. Or rather, this is the
latest version of their seal. It has been changed a
dozen times since territorial days. The last time it
was changed, the engraver decided to reverse the flow
of the Missouri River and the Great Falls. He also
changed some trees and reshaped the mountains. He
obviously didn't care what the legislature thought;
and the legislature hasn't changed it since.
Slide 15: Idaho
The next one is Idaho. The State of Idaho has the
distinction of having the only official seal designed
by a woman. Shortly after statehood in 1890, the
Idaho legislature sponsored a contest for the best
design. The winner was a young woman, Emma Edwards
Green, who was given $100 as a prize. More than 60
years later, in 1957, the Idaho legislature updated
the seal by adding symbols of the state's main
industries: mining, agriculture, and forestry.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE said that the aforementioned provides a
background explaining why HCR 5 was introduced. He noted that
there are probably certain things [already included on the seal]
that should be maintained. Alaska has evolved over the last 93
years and Representative Joule charged that it's time to show
[through the state seal] how Alaska has evolved as well as the
state's vision for the future.
Number 1161
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF related the following: "The only way we can
know the direction that we're supposed to go and the direction
we should go in the future is by remembering our past."
Representative Wolf expressed concern with changing Alaska's
state seal because it is part of Alaska's history.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE surmised that some of the components of the
[current seal] would remain [on an updated seal] due to the
heritage aspect. However, there is the opportunity for the
people of Alaska to become engaged with Alaska's vision for the
next 100 years. He pointed out that much of what is depicted on
the [current] seal have come to pass, but there are things in
which it is lacking such as [the depiction of] aviation and
Alaska Natives. The aforementioned was of concern for some of
the Alaska Natives who attended the Tolerance Commission and
ultimately [changing the seal] was forwarded as a
recommendation.
Number 1496
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA recalled her time in Washington, D.C.,
with her family in the late 1970s. She said that she spent most
of her time in the national archives where she found Alaska's
territorial government records. Those records reflect the
period of time, which she characterized as adversarial.
REPRESENTATIVE CISSNA agreed that both seals are part of
Alaska's history. However, in order to move forward the [state]
must embrace the stages it has passed through and will pass
through.
Number 1648
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS said, "I support where you're trying to
go, Representative Joule. I wholeheartedly agree that the
history should be embodied in things we put forward as a state."
However, he expressed concern with the fiscal note. He inquired
as to the possibility of corporate sponsorship or other options
for funding. Representative Samuels offered to give staff time
during the interim [to work on this project] in order to reduce
the cost.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE acknowledged that the fiscal note was a
concern for him as well. Representative Joule characterized
[this resolution] as a work in progress for which there will be
attempts to find partners [to share the cost].
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS offered his assistance.
Number 1800
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON said that this [discussion] reminds him
of the debate over [HB 45] which added a second verse to the
official state song. He noted that although he was a co-sponsor
of [HB 45] and voted in favor of its passage, he did believe
that the representatives from the Matanuska Susitna Valley did
have some meritorious arguments. Representative Anderson said
that there is merit to bringing in other elements to the seal,
however he cautioned that one can only speculate so far. He
inquired as to how many states have changed their seal and added
indigenous peoples. Representative Anderson concluded by saying
that he wasn't opposed to changing the state seal.
Number 2012
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH recalled the debate over adding the
second verse to the official state song and noted his amazement
that [the legislature] would even have the debate.
Representative Kookesh related his belief that subsistence, the
second verse of the official state song, and a change in the
state seal such that Alaska Natives are depicted would pass if
placed before the voters of Alaska. However, these matters
have to go through the legislature, which includes people who
aren't very sympathetic toward Alaska Natives. Representative
Kookesh stressed that he was willing to review the seal and
change it even if it doesn't ultimately include an Alaska Native
depiction. He also stressed the need for people to realize that
no matter what else changes in 100 years Alaska Natives will
remain [in Alaska].
CHAIR MORGAN expressed interest in the depiction of the rays of
northern lights being changed to represent sun light, which
every state has. He pointed out that state seals depict things
that are unique and different from the other states.
REPRESENTATIVE KOOKESH turned to the fiscal note and said he was
sure that the First Alaskans Institute, with which he is
affiliated, is willing to participate in order to reduce the
fiscal note.
Number 2221
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE said that he thought of going the [route of
garnering support to do this project form the Native
organizations. However, in doing so the contributions wouldn't
be realized. Therefore, he felt that the discussion of the
fiscal note was necessary when forming partnerships. He
stressed the need for the State of Alaska to be part of the
partnership.
REPRESENTATIVE SAMUELS noted his agreement that the state should
be part of this.
REPRESENTATIVE WOLF requested that if HCR 5 passes, that the
seal not be divided with corporate support. He indicated his
preference to return to the territorial seal of the state. He
reiterated the need to know where one has been in order to move
forward.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE agreed that Alaska has a rich heritage that
should be continued and illustrated to others via the seal
[along with the changes the state has seen].
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON mentioned that Representative Kookesh's
comment that Alaska Natives will always be present has brought
him to support [HCR 5]. Representative Anderson urged that some
Alaska Native symbolism be placed on the state seal, if this
resolution is to pass.
CHAIR MORGAN pointed out that the fiscal note analysis
erroneously says that "HCR 5 establishes a six member" task
force; it should really refer to eight members.
REPRESENTATIVE JOULE agreed and informed the committee that the
Alaska Humanities Forum may not be able to participate in this
task force and thus the task force may become a six-member
group. He noted that as the resolution moves through the
process other players may be considered to participate with the
task force.
Number 2580
REPRESENTATIVE ANDERSON moved to report HCR 5 out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, HCR 5 was reported from the
House Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Community and Regional Affairs Standing Committee meeting was
adjourned at 8:45 a.m.
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