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Lillian Walker was interviewed on September 2, 2003 at her apartment in Anchorage by Debbie Turner from the Holy Cross Tribal Council, and Karen Brewster from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program. Lillian was in the process of moving to another apartment, so the living room was empty except for a small table covered with beading projects, two chairs, and some boxes. Lillian took time out from her busy day of packing to do this interview. She moved to Anchorage to be closer to medical facilities. Lillian was born in Unalakleet and spent much of her childhood on a mink farm between Kaltag and Unalakleet that her step-father operated. She was sent to the Holy Cross Mission when she was 13 years old. She talks about going to school and living at the Mission, holiday celebrations, and the important skills she learned there. She discusses living and raising a family at Ghost Creek, away from the main village of Holy Cross, when they did not have running water, or electricity. She tells about her experiences as a mid-wife and community health aide, and her continued involvement with local and regional health boards. She is an accomplished beader and sewer who continues to create beautiful pieces. |