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1931 Grand Igloo Installation in Juneau
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The Pioneers of Alaska is a fraternal organization that was founded in Nome, Alaska in 1907 and is the only one of these Alaska based fraternal organizations still in existence and going strong today.
The purpose of the Pioneers of Alaska is “to preserve the names of all Alaska’s pioneers on its rolls; to collect and preserve the literature and incidents of Alaska’s history; and to promote the best interests of Alaska.”
Following the organization of Igloo No.1 on February 20, 1907 in Nome, Igloo No. 2 was formed on June 1907 in Candle, and Igloo No. 3 in St. Michael. The Igloos convened in Nome on August 4, 1908, to create the Grand Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska. Today there are 16 Men’s Igloos and 16 Women’s Igloos sprinkled across Alaska. (see the Alaska Igloos link)
Currently, one has to be a 30 year resident of Alaska to be considered for membership to any Igloo of the Pioneers of Alaska.
The Grand Igloo unites Alaska’s Pioneers by meeting once each year with the subordinate igloos taking turns hosting these conventions. Delegates from all the subordinate igloos attend, and Grand Igloo officers are elected from these subordinate igloos to represent the whole.
The Pioneers of Alaska have a rich history and have many accomplishments that continue to make Alaska “The Great Land” that it is today. From the very beginning the Pioneers of Alaska have lobbied government and other groups for changes that make Alaska a better place. The Pioneer Homes of Alaska started because of the combined efforts of the Pioneers of Alaska.
The Grand Igloo and subordinate Igloos had many members who served in both the territorial and state legislatures. Those men, combined with the lobbying efforts of the organization, have played a major role in getting much needed infrastructure built in Alaska over the years. We also were instrumental in the establishment of fish and game laws, financial support for the elderly and achieving Statehood. The Pioneers of Alaska Grand Igloo conventions provided a unifying vehicle to get the support that was needed to get these items accomplished. Our modern lifestyle that we Alaskans enjoy today is in a large part, due to the efforts of the Pioneers of Alaska.
1924 Grand Igloo Convention in Fairbanks
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Over the last 100 plus years, our membership has become multigenerational with descendants of Pioneers joining as their parents and generations of grandparents have. We also have many members who are the first generation to join.
Today our various Igloos provide a lot of community service and support. We care for cemetery plots, organize or help at various community events, assist senior citizens, provide support for some historical projects, and yes, we have fun too.
Social Functions are a tradition that provides entertainment and fellowship for members and their guests. We have potlucks, banquets, dances, skits, music, parades, travel, historical presentations, and lively meetings.
Modern Pioneers of Alaska still follow many of the original traditions of the order, and several of our Igloos are now more than 100 years old. We have been here for the long haul, and will continue the grand traditions of the Pioneers of Alaska for many more generations to come. See more details on our History page. |
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