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APRIL 25, 2001

The executive director of the Kenai Peninsula Tourism Marketing Council has been reprimanded by the council's board of directors for comments he made about Alaska Natives.

As a result, the Pratt Museum in Homer has pulled out of the council. Director Michael Hawfield said the reprimand for Owen's comments was not enough.

The controversy surround comments Owen made at the museum on March 30. When asked if Alaska Natives still use ulus, or carved knives, Owen reportedly said: "No, they sell them to buy booze. I can get that for five bucks from a drunken Native."

But Owen says he said: "You can buy ivory carvings from drunk Natives in Nome for $5."

Either way, Owen admits his remarks were not appropriate. The KPTMC board reprimanded him last week at its regular meeting.

Get the Story:
Ulu remark cuts against council (AP 4/25)