Derek Duncan
for Goldbelt
Heritage
I was born in raised in Juneau, the son of Carol Aceveda-Forchemer and Jim Duncan. My mother, who is from Kake, originally met my father in Sitka while attending Sheldon Jackson college. Considering that my father was groomed to be a farmer in Illinois by my grand-parents, Paul & Hazel, it's safe to say that one never knows how life will turn out. I grew up in the "Valley", just a few miles from the Mendenhall Glacier. My parents raised nine children. My siblings are: Jim Jr., Desiree, Michelle, Jon, Marc, Caron, Kate Gilbert, and John Forchemer Jr.
I always thought my 
family was large, but it is small in comparison to my mom's who grew up in a family of 13 kids. Like my parents, my grandmother, Gladys Friday, and my grandfather, Roy Aceveda, were from two very different back-grounds. My grandpa came from the Phillipines to the United States to further his education and eventually ended up in Kake where he met my grandmother. They moved to Juneau in the 1960's. Many remember my grandpa, Roy, a chef at the Baranof Hotel for over 17 years. He also worked as a commercial fisherman, served as vice mayor of Kake, treasurer of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, and president of the Filipino Community in Juneau.
family was large, but it is small in comparison to my mom's who grew up in a family of 13 kids. Like my parents, my grandmother, Gladys Friday, and my grandfather, Roy Aceveda, were from two very different back-grounds. My grandpa came from the Phillipines to the United States to further his education and eventually ended up in Kake where he met my grandmother. They moved to Juneau in the 1960's. Many remember my grandpa, Roy, a chef at the Baranof Hotel for over 17 years. He also worked as a commercial fisherman, served as vice mayor of Kake, treasurer of the Alaska Native Brotherhood, and president of the Filipino Community in Juneau. 
My Grandma, Gladys, was born
and raised in Kake, the daughter of Billy and Fannie Friday. My great-grandfather was of the Raven/Dog Salmon clan with my great-grandmother
being Eagle-Killerwhale belonging to the Dakl´ awedí Clan/ Yaa Ayaanasnak Kéet Hit (aka "Killerwhale Chasing a Seal House"). In turn, I am Eagle-Killerwhale with the Tlingit name of Kéet Tlein.
My native heritage has always fascinated me
and it's a part of my life that I feel most strongly connected to. Growing up in Alaska and visiting relatives in Kake over the years has played a large part in this. My connection to our culture is rooted in a deep respect for the natural resources of the land and sea. Ultimately, this region does not belong to us, we belong to it.I am proud to say that my heritage has molded me into the person that I am today. From the political environment that I grew up in with my father serving as a legislator and my mom playing an active role in native politics to the influence 
of my grand-parents' commitment to their communities. This diverse back-ground carried one-common thread: give back to your community and serve them the best that you can. Running for the board is not about prestige and it's not about the money - it is about serving my community and my people.
of my grand-parents' commitment to their communities. This diverse back-ground carried one-common thread: give back to your community and serve them the best that you can. Running for the board is not about prestige and it's not about the money - it is about serving my community and my people. 