Annie Nelson “Amarr” was born at Kinaq to Uliggaq and Bessie. Her father died from an illness when she was a small child. When her mom was arranged to marry Amyagalria the families decided for Annie to be raised by her paternal grandpa.
As she got older he would make a slingshot, also a bow and arrow for her. Early in the morning she enjoyed hunting small game that she would share with elders. She loved to watch the women as they made traditional clothing. In time they taught her how to sew.
In the summer, they would visit relatives in Napaskiaq and Bethel traveling in a seal hide kayak from Kinaq, the old village of Tuntutuliak. Her grandpa would have her crawl inside the front section of the kayak. They would travel with the tides. Annie would often fall asleep listening to the sound of water splashing against the kayak.
Adam and Annie wed in 1948 with Mr. Moses Mojin as a witness. They resided in Naparyarraq and had 9 children: Lucy, Daniel, Elena, Julia who was adopted to Adam’s sister Mary & Isaac, Frank, Walter, Ralph Mary, and Peter. They adopted their first grandchild June. They have 25 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren.
In their younger years Adam and Annie transitioned to Kialiq with their sled dogs for spring camp. In the beginning of summer, they would move to their fishcamp near Naparyarraq where they worked hard to get their traditional food for the year.
Adam taught Annie how to run thier sled dog team because he knew he would be gone at times fur trapping.
One season Adam fell ill and could not transport their winter supplies and gear to their spring camp in Kialiq. Annie had no confidence to take on this task, but she had no choice but to do it. So, she loaded the supplies and gear in the sled and took her toddler son Daniel on this trip. She was amazed on the journey she had to overcome.
Annie never had an education but as her great grandchildren watched Sesame Street Annie learned the letters and the sounds they made. She gradually learned to speak broken English and started to read and write with limitations. With help from family and friends she learned to read her bible in the old English language.
Annie loved to travel to visit her siblings Carl, David, James Jimmie and extended families in Tuntutuliaq. She also loved to visit relatives in Tununak, Chefornak, and Toksook Bay.
For many years Annie was addicted to gambling, playing bingo and rippies. Through Adam’s sickness with cancer, God drew Annie to himself. She witnessed Adam’s faith and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ and his longing to see his Savior and loved ones. This experience made Annie question her life.
Three days after Adam’s funeral Annie invited Jesus to come into her heart. God delivered her addiction. Praise God! Annie started reading her bible and loved listening to gospel music. During times of testing and walking amid challenging trials, she learned to fully trust God to see her through. He showed her the power of prayer by answering them and giving her strength.
She was encouraged from different gospel songs that strengthened her faith. In time, she would sing at church so people would hear the messages through them.
Annie took part in the school during cultural week. She taught the students our traditional ways, making qaspeqs and skin sewing.
“Quyana cakneq Annie for all the wisdom you showed on our visits to your home. The type of love we all should have to others around us no matter what race or color, which is what you left for me and my wife on behalf of KYUK and the Yuk to Yuk program. We want you to know the type of uplifting you brought to our listeners in our region. The happiness and laugher you brought, the type of attitude we all should have in the time of crisis. Most of all we will miss your happy attitude under the heaviest times around us. Annie, by the power of our God guide us to carry on the words of wisdom in our delta. KYUK staff thank you for all you did.”
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the following organizations for their help: City of Napakiak, Napakiak Corporation, Napakiak IRA, AVCP Inc., Calista Csorporation, and CVRF.
We also want to epxress our gratitude to the families and friends who provided food and many needed items for our gatherings. And finally, Quyana Cakneq to everyone that came and showed their support and comfort during this time.
We would like to extend our immeasurable gratitude to the family of Ayaginaar Job Hale and Jim Buckingham’s family. You all have genuinely loved and cared for her. You became family to her. Your many acts of kindness put joy in her heart. Thank you Jim, for flying Annie to Bethel so she wouldn’t miss her flight to Anchorage and bringing her home upon her return. We appreciate your family’s love for her. Quyana Cakneq from the bottom of our hearts.
We cannot express how grateful we are for our local Health Aides: Candace Nelson and Katherine Black for the prompt quality care they provided to our mom. Also extend our gratitude to YKHC.
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