Ashley Johnson-Barr was known for her kind smile, love for playing outside, and favorite color: purple. Her disappearance on September 6, 2018, sent shockwaves throughout Northwest Alaska and beyond. Such a tragic event prompted conversations about one of the Iñupiat Ilitqusiat: Love for Children, and how we can all step up to protect some of our most valuable, and vulnerable, community members.
Senate Bill 101, which establishes March 12 of each year as Ashley Johnson-Barr Day, was passed by the Alaska State Legislature in 2020. In addition to keeping her memory alive, this day brings about awareness of violent crimes committed against children and emphasizes the moral responsibility of protecting Alaska’s youth. People near and far wear purple on this day to honor Ashley’s life and celebrate her birthday.
