This page is intended to provide a home for some of Niilo’s writings on a wide variety of subjects.

Niilo Koponen, 1920-2013, was a homesteader, farmer, educator, community activist, and politician. Born in the Bronx, he lived in Fairbanks from 1952 until his death, with breaks only for his education at the London School of Economics and Harvard School of Education.

You can read an extended bio here. Or read Niilo Koponen resume that demonstrates his active community life.

As we gather materials, we will link them here.

• Niilo Koponen and the Chena Goldstream Volunteer Fire Dept – The early days by Bob Betts
• Niilo on the old townsite of Chena – with Pete Bowers and Bob Betts
• Niilo’s Niilo bio draft for Democratic Left newsletter article for an article in the New Left periodical ca. 1982.
• Donald Mitchell interview with Niilo Koponen, February 3, 1990 – talkign about ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, family history and more