The Alaska House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 101, on Monday, March 9, by Sen. Donny Olson (D-Golovin) to establish March 12 as Ashley Johnson-Barr Day in perpetuity.
Ashley Johnson-Barr, born March 12, 2008, was a 10-year old from Kotzebue who went missing September 6, 2018. Her body was found on the afternoon of September 14, 2018, after being raped and murdered.
Ashley Johnson-Barr Day seeks to not only remember Ashley, but also bring awareness about the welfare and well-being of Alaska’s children, bringing communities together to work towards addressing challenges children face in Alaska. It also recognizes all sexual abuse victims, survivors, and their families. Moreover, it aims to bring other stories of sexual assault to light with a movement towards reconciliation and healing.
Walter Barr, Ashley Johnson-Barr’s father, commented: “It brings some comfort into our hearts that Ashley is forever remembered on her birthday. She will continue to protect our present and future children from abuse, which helps give us a little closure in our hearts and lives. She showered her love over our community, region, state, and nation and brought us closer together to unite as one.”
Senate Bill 101 passed the Senate on February 20 by unanimous consent and passed the Alaska House of Representatives on Monday by unanimous consent. The bill now heads to Governor Dunleavy’s desk to be signed into law.
