1988-01-18 — The passing of Tlingit elder Johnnie Johns (b. 10 July 1898 at Tagish, YT). He was a member of the Crow clan of the Dieshheetaan house. His Tlingit name was Yeil Shaan which means "Old Crow". He became a Bahá'í in 1968 following the example of his brother Peter.
Following his enrollment, he
travelled to Southeast Alaska to teach
the Faith. Later, he travelled with
Don MacLaren throughout the Yukon
to present a Bahá'í brief on Human
Rights to all the Chiefs of the Yukon.
During his travels, which included a
trip to the Philippines along with his
daughter Hazel and niece Clara
Shinkel, he was able to present the
Faith on the radio.
He attended the first native council
held in Haines, Alaska and was instrumental
in the decision made by the
Elders at Carcross to pursue the
building of a native teaching institute.
Hand of the Cause John Robarts
and Uncle Johnnie turned the sod for
the construction of the Yukon Bahá'í
Institute in 1983. Uncle Johnnie participated
at the Dedication of the Institute
and the naming ceremony for
Hand of the Cause John Robarts
which was held during the potlatch.
His leadership and counsel will be
dearly missed by all his Bahá'í family.
"The circle is completed". [BC Vol 1 No 1 March 1988 p15]
See "Remembering Uncle Johnnie". [BC Vol 1 No 1 March 1988 p24]
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