THIS IS A PLACEHOLDER BIO!!He received a high school diploma from Craig High School, Associate of Science degree from Sheldon Jackson College (1963), Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (1973), and a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from Pennsylvania State University (1977). After a traditional Southeast occupation as a seine boat crew member and skipper for 25 years, Thomas’ professional career began in the field of education working as a classroom teacher and counselor in Klawock, Craig, and Sitka (1969-1975) before becoming the Director of Indian Education for the Ketchikan School District (1975-1984). He also served on UAS’ Preparing Indigenous Teachers and Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS) program advisory board.

Mr. Thomas served as President of Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) for 27 years. He was first elected as President in 1984 and served in this position until retiring in 2007. In 2008, he was elected as Tlingit & Haida’s President Emeritus, a position he held until coming out of retirement in 2010 and being re-elected as President. In 2014, President Thomas officially retired and resumed the position of President Emeritus.