A longtime Bethel tribal member, tribal court judge, election worker, and well known community leader died last month. Margaret “Tootsie” Guinn passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Dec. 16, 2021. Tootsie as she was affectionately known was 76 years old. Margaret was a well known volunteer in most Bethel organizations for over 40 years, and was the chair for Bethel’s first voting precinct until her death. In 2018, Guinn received a proclamation from the city for protecting the democratic process. Guinn’s funeral was held privately because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Orutsararmiut Native Council members and Staff would like to extend our condolences to the Guinn family and recognize her many years of hard work on behalf of the tribe including as one of our first Tribal Judge’s. Tootsie will be greatly missed by our Tribal Community & her passing will surely be felt within our Tribal Court.