(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - Governor Bill Walker and Lieutenant Governor Byron Mallott presented the 2015 Shirley Demientieff Award to Poldine Carlo of Fairbanks last Thursday. They made the announcement at the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage. Governor Walker and Lt. Governor Mallott were joined by First Lady Donna Walker and Mrs. Toni Mallott to present the award.

“It is such an honor to present this year’s Shirley Demientieff Award to Poldine Carlo,” said Governor Walker.. “For decades, Poldine has spent countless hours mentoring and sharing her culture with younger generations. She is heavily involved in issues important to her community, and she has blessed the lives of so many Alaskans.”

This year’s Shirley Demientieff Award recipient Poldine Carlo is escorted to the stage at the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage.
Photo courtesy Office of the Governor

Born in Nulato in 1920, Poldine Carlo was raised by her grandparents, Joseph and Anna Stickman. Throughout her life, she has been a true Koyukon Athabascan culture bearer, passing on the language and native values that are deeply important to her. In 1978, Poldine wrote “Nulato: An Indian Life on the Yukon”, which tells the story of her life as a young Athabaskan woman growing up in the 1920’s and 1930’s. Poldine is the proud mother of eight children and many grandchildren, and at the age of 94, attends every board meeting for the Fairbanks Native Association, Doyon Limited, and Denakkanaaga.

The 2015 Shirley Demientieff Award is presented to Poldine Carlo of Fairbanks by Governor Bill Walker...
Photograph courtesy Office of the Governor

“Poldine Carlo has dedicated her life to better the lives of those around her, and to share her knowledge with younger generations,” said Lt. Governor Mallott. “She is deeply treasured by her family and her region, and it is a privilege to present this award to her today.”

Presented by the Governor each year at AFN, the Shirley Demientieff Award recognizes an individual or organization for their outstanding advocacy efforts on behalf of Alaska Native women and children.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

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