[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 169 (Monday, November 16, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S11380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING ANNIE ASHENFELTER

 Mr. BEGICH. Mr. President, I rise today in remembrance of 
Annie ``Akkuluq'' Ashenfelter. I am saddened to announce with her 
passing on October 8, 2009, the village of White Mountain and the great 
State of Alaska lost an elder of great cultural knowledge, wisdom, and 
language. The magnitude of this loss is better understood by recalling 
the immense contributions she gave her family, community, and region.
  Annie was born in White Mountain on January 24, 1913. She spoke 
Inupiat as her first language and learned English when she went to 
school. She completed the third grade.
  Annie lived a subsistence life, reliant on the land and its resources 
to sustain her family. Annie's steadfast connection to her Inupiat 
identity ensured her children, grandchildren and her many generations 
to follow would remain grounded in those same cultural roots and 
values. Annie loved to go camping and fishing, living off the land, 
spending 90 years of her life sharing this love with her family. She 
enjoyed preparing Native food and sharing what she had with others. 
Annie was a talented sewer, of both children's clothing and animal 
skins. She made all 10 of her children's clothing: pants, shirts, 
parkies, mukluks, and mittens.
  Annie was a pillar of her community. She had strength of character, 
embodied knowledge of the land, and symbolized the resilience of the 
Inupiat people. Her kind heart has left a permanent mark on the lives 
of countless individuals. Annie was easy to laugh, had good memories, 
and enjoyed the simple things in life: getting up in the morning, 
having her morning cup of coffee, sitting at the window and observing 
life in White Mountain. Annie never had a bad word to say about anyone, 
ever. Even during the difficult times, she lived her life with grace, 
humor, love, strength, joy and understanding. Annie was a strong Fish 
River Inupiaq woman.
  Mr. President and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Annie ``Akkuluq'' Ashenfelter, whose love and wisdom will forever be 
in the memories of those who loved and knew her.

                          ____________________