Willie Hensley on the origin of his letter, The Founding and Formation of the Northwest Alaska Native Association:

"I wrote this paper because many people are unaware of the early beginnings of institutions that effect their everyday lives. Also, there are many people that may have had a hand in these early organizations that have not received the recognition they deserve for stepping out and taking action when it was needed. Some have faded into history and passed on.

Understanding history is important because it will help people in their understanding of issues that they face today."