So sorry for your loss

I always read your paper from cover to cover every time it comes out. I then save it, and read certain articles, or again from cover to cover over and over again. Each time I do I learn more.

I am very sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, whom I always see as being more intelligent/grown up, very kind, helpful, joyful, and very gifted in many areas.

I can only imagine your grief.

It is good that you are sharing your feelings. In so doing you’re not only helping yourself, you ALSO are helping others globally. I admire your courage tremendously! Keep it up!

Not only are you bringing awareness about grief, you’re also doing so in alcohol, drug effects, choices, social issues, psychological issues, health care services, churches, and schools, but most importantly, our native ways that is always more whole-istic. Most everyone else uses “holistic”.

More human beings would be apoplectic for a LONG period by an unexpected loss you suffered.

Perfectly you’ve been translating/paraphrasing what I’ve been attempting to define to others: in that we take the opportunities to experience (in this case, a negative experience) to a positive, and unpleasant experience (very hard to do for most people) into a tool to improve numerous injustices done to the native/third world cultures, or to teach the so-called “intelligent” individuals/cultures and to work together regardless of race, culture, and gender.

I’ve experienced losses of those dearest to me not only to physical death, but to alcoholism, drug addiction, anger, abusive actions, as well as religiously, emotionally, psychologically, socially, etc., etc., etc.

Your beautiful daughter’s life will live on forever and positively help others in soooo many ways. Thank you, Mr. Lincoln!

Quyan cakneq! Agayuaqama keyianek umyuaqamci, panigpet ilaini, classmate-aini, aiparnatugaini! Agayutem keyianeng nayuraakut.

Ms. Mary C. Nanuwak
Bethel, AK

Joan Hamilton Scholarship open to applications

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for this year’s Joan Hamilton Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship offers up to $2,500 per academic year to fund college, graduate, and vocational studies with renewal awards available by reapplying. We invite applications from high school seniors or college and vocational students who wish to pursue a career related to the law, become advocates of Alaska Native rights, and defend the constitutional rights and civil liberties of the peoples of rural Alaska.

We must RECEIVE your complete application by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2017.

You may mail, fax, or email your complete application as a PDF to

Address:

ACLU of Alaska
1057 W. Fireweed Lane, Suite 207
Anchorage, AK 99503
Fax: 907.258.0288
Email: [email protected]
Questions? Call the ACLU at 907.258.0044.

About the Joan Hamilton Memorial Scholarship

The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, with the endorsement and full support of the family of Joan Hamilton, has established a scholarship program in her name. An impassioned proponent of Native culture and civil rights, Joan was one of the first Alaska Native people to serve on the ACLU board of directors.

A Cup’ik Eskimo, Joan was well known in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and throughout Alaska. Born Joan Bill in Qissunaq, near Chevak, on July 31, 1942, her Cup’ik name was “Pirciralria.” Joan said she “grew up in a hospital” as a result of childhood tuberculosis. She learned English from medical staff, who enjoyed her spunk and inquisitiveness. Joan attended boarding school at St. Mary’s Mission and Copper Valley School and earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles. She was equally comfortable speaking with Elders about traditional culture or negotiating with academic and government bureaucracies.

At a time when it was legal to discriminate against Alaska Natives, especially women, Joan became a licensed practical nurse, working at hospitals in Alaska and the Lower 48, as supervisor of the Northwest Free Clinic in Salt Lake City, program director of the Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention office of Rural CAP in Anchorage, administrator of the Tundra Women Coalition, chairman of the board for KYUK public broadcasting in Bethel, and the museum curator of the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center in Bethel.

It was during her time in Bethel that Joan became an active board member of the ACLU of Alaska. She was a tireless advocate for rural and Alaska Native rights, and was instrumental in ACLU recognition of Native rights advocates such as Willie Kassyulie and the Native Village of Nunapitchuk, Mike Williams, Sr., Natalie Landreth, and Eric Johnson.

By establishing this scholarship in her name, the ACLU of Alaska wishes to promote and support the education of Alaska students who wish to pursue a career related to the law, become advocates of Alaska Native rights, and defend the constitutional rights and civil liberties of the peoples of rural Alaska.

ACLU of Alaska
Anchorage, AK