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Howard Rock or Uyaġak (previously written as Weiyahok) (August 10, 1911 – April 20, 1976) was an Iñupiaq newspaper editor, activist, and artist. He was well known for his artwork and for founding the first ever Alaska Native newspaper.
That same year he was approached by the Arctic Slope Native Association to form a newspaper. In October 1962, the Tundra Times was founded with Rock as editor and publisher, becoming the first Alaska Native newspaper in Alaska. The newspaper took on Project Chariot and the virtual enslavement of the Unangan (Aleut) people on St. Paul Island by the U.S. Government. The paper grew to a circulation of over 3,500 under his direction. He held the position of editor and publisher until his death in 1976. The Tundra Times helped support the land claims struggle that led to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. In 1975, the Tundra Times was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for meritorious public service. During his life, Rock received many awards including being named “Alaskan of the Year,” in 1974, and “49er of the Year,” in 1975.
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