Editor's Note: On September 6, 2018, 10-year-old Ashley Johnson-Barr of Kotzebue, a member of the Indigenous Arctic Iñupiat Tribe, was abducted while walking to a park to meet a friend. Her lifeless body was found eight days later in a remote area of tundra, and her killer ultimately would be sentenced to life in prison. Exclusively for The AMBER Advocate, Ashley's father, Walter "Scotty" Barr, has penned this letter to his daughter on what would have been her 18th birthday (March 12, 2026)—a day officially recognized in Alaska as Ashley Johnson-Barr Day.
My beloved Ashley,
Here I am, wishing you happiness on what should have been your 18th birthday today—March 12, 2026.
My heart overflows with love as I remember the day you were born. It was the transition from winter into early spring—there was still snow on the ground, and the Arctic air was slowly warming. Tears of happiness filled the room, telling me another beautiful girl had been born, a true blessing from God. As I wander down memory lane, I cry, I smile, and I hold onto the love of knowing that God the Father, God the Mother, and the Holy Spirit gave me the best 10 wonderful years I could ever have asked for.
And today, Ashley Kelly Mae Robyn (Sanmigan) Johnson-Barr, those of us who truly loved you honor your beautiful life and send our loving memories and birthday wishes to you in heaven.
Ashley, you have such a loving spirit—kind, caring, responsible, and full of joy. I remember you as a 10-year-old child who cherished time with your best friend and sister, Aaliyah, and with other friends every day. I saw how you loved playing at school parks, attending weekly church services with family and friends, and being part of many church communities. We enjoyed ice fishing, playing basketball, picking berries—you simply loved being outdoors and living life to the fullest.
You were also an honor student and strong speller in school. All of your teachers and the school staff were impressed by your intelligence, as well as your desire to help in your classes and support your classmates in any way you could. (And I can’t believe this would be the year you would have walked with Kotzebue High School’s graduating Class of 2026.)
Looking back I’m in awe of how gifted you were—smart, hardworking, a quick learner, kind-hearted, and deeply loving. We think of you whenever we have your favorite foods—fish with seal oil, homemade donuts, homemade bread. And we love seeing your favorite color, purple, which was inspired by my sister, Auntie Mona.
It’s obvious that your friends loved being around you because of your warmth and light. You also had such a heart for spreading love in our community. You enjoyed helping with the community college gardens and participating in community events. You were special to everyone and everything you touched.
That is why your loss impacted so many lives—in our community, surrounding villages, cities across Alaska, the Lower 48, and around the world. Yet through that loss, we have been brought together by the love you had for God.
Today, I honor you by advocating for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People and by serving as a resource for other families walking this painful path.
And one dream I had became a reality in February 2020. That’s when State Senator Dr. Donny Olson and the Alaska Legislature passed a resolution recognizing March 12—your birthday—as Ashley Johnson-Barr Day, honoring survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence and those impacted by such violence. The City of Kotzebue also renamed a park in your honor: Ashley Johnson-Barr Memorial Park.
I believe this is the greatest birthday gift we can give you. I take comfort and pride in knowing this, and I believe you would too.
Just know that your presence is deeply and greatly missed, yet your spirit continues to touch countless lives.
Happy birthday, my dearest Dimples. It may be 18 years since you were born, but to me, you will forever be 10 years old.
With sincere love,
Your Dad (and Mom and Siblings)
May the grace of the Lord be with all God’s people. Amen.