[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 95 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN HONOR OF ``AUNTY'' MARY BOURDUKOFSKY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DON YOUNG

                               of alaska

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 28, 2013

  Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of a devoted 
wife and mother, a respected spiritual and community leader, and most 
importantly, a great Alaskan. On June 2, 2013, the Alaskan community of 
St. Paul Island lost one of its most revered elders, Mary Nicolai 
Bourdukofsky.
  ``Aunty'' Mary, as she was affectionately known throughout her 
community, was a staunch supporter for the continuation and 
preservation of Aleut culture, language and tradition.
  To paraphrase Mary's life in a few sentences would serve only to 
cheapen it, for her accomplishments were widespread and varied as they 
were valued. She was an advocate for her Aleut community during years 
of involuntary internment during World War II, served as a delegate to 
the Alaska Federation of Natives, and assisted with the development of 
cultural exhibits at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and for the 
Smithsonian's Alaska Native Collections. Mary also taught at three 
universities throughout the state and promoted the importance of 
cultural education.
  Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those 
who had the privilege of knowing her, and the great many that were 
touched by her tireless efforts and countless deeds. For those who did 
not, I pray that they too have the opportunity to know someone like 
Mary, a person whose unrelenting dedication and resolute sense of 
character cannot be easily duplicated.
  Mr. Speaker, today I mourn with Mary's family and community and share 
my sadness at the loss of one of Alaska's most dedicated daughters. In 
the words of Thomas Campbell: ``To live in the hearts we leave behind 
is not to die.''

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