Tim Wonhola Sr. was many things to friends and family near and far. Although New Stuyahok, where Timothy spent his life, is remote, his passion and voice were heard loud and clear in the marble halls of DC, Juneau and beyond. As an elder and a knowledge bearer he played a huge role in fighting to protect Bristol Bay from the proposed Pebble Mine and over the last decade has supported and advised SalmonState in our work to protect the clean water and healthy fisheries that support Alaska’s people.
The mischievous sparkle in Timothy Wonhola’s eye twinkled especially bright when he spoke of the water, the salmon, and his beloved Lewis Point summer fish camp along the banks of the Nushagak River. He carried a deep reverence for the land and the life it sustains, and he often reminded us—just as he did in this footage from a Day in Our Bay—that we must speak for the water, because it cannot speak for itself.
Timothy didn’t just advocate for the water; he embodied it. His voice, strong and steady, was a bridge between the wisdom of our ancestors and the hopes of our future. It was a natural choice to invite him to join a workshop at the First Alaskans Elders and Youth Conference focused on what our ancestors might say if they could speak through us. When we asked if he would attend, he made one thing clear: he would not travel without his wife, Mary. From that moment on, we’ve been blessed to know these two remarkable elders, whose love—for each other and for their homeland—has been a quiet, powerful force in our lives.
During their time in Fairbanks, we asked Tim and Mary if there was anything they wanted to do outside of the conference. Without hesitation, they asked to visit Chena Hot Springs. It was a chance to experience a different kind of Maqi (steambath) than they were used to—and it turned into a joyful adventure we’ll never forget.
Their advocacy reached far beyond conferences. Tim and Mary made the journey to Juneau to speak directly to lawmakers about their deep connection to Bristol Bay and the salmon that sustain its people. It was a privilege to host them, to feast together, and to share our love of salmon with them and our community. At a special event, Timothy spoke with the kind of clarity and heart that moved every person in the room. His words carried the weight of generations, and they will not be forgotten.
On Monday, June 9th, Timothy Wonhola took his final breath, peacefully, with family by his side. Just before, he turned to Mary and said, “I’m ready to go.”
As the salmon are just now surging up the Nushagak River he will be laid to rest in New Stuyahok, the land he loved so deeply.
Memory Eternal, Timothy.
Thank you for your wisdom, your voice, and your love. You spoke for the water—and for all of us.
Written by Melanie Brown and Lindsey Bloom with love from the SalmonState team.
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