THE ROOTS OF TICASUK by Ticasuk (Emily Ivanoff Brown), foreword by Elaine Chukan Brown
THE ROOTS OF TICASUK by Ticasuk (Emily Ivanoff Brown), foreword by Elaine Chukan Brown
In 1974, the great Iñupiaq writer and historian Ticasuk (also known by the English name Emily Ivanoff Brown) completed a master's degree program at the University of Alaska by researching and writing the history of the Iñupiaq, who lived at Unalakleet, on the Norton Sound of the Bering Sea. The result is a fascinating account of culture, nature, and survival that spans generations and leads, inexorably, to the birth of the author herself. The Roots of Ticasuk is not only a deftly-written series of adventures, but also a family story crucial to understanding the rich culture of the Iñupiaq people and their role in the history of present-day Alaska.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Series: Northwest Collection (#5)
ISBN: 9781955593113
Publication Date: November 5, 2024
Paperback, 5 x 8 in.
AUTHOR
Ticasuk (Emily Ivanoff Brown) was born in Unalakleet, Alaska, in 1904. Her mother was Iñupiaq and her father was of Russian-American-English heritage. After earning her teacher’s certificate in Oregon, she taught in Kotzebue for two years and then attended nursing school in Seattle so that she could work on correcting health problems in Alaska Native villages. She married Robert Brown, whom she had met in Seattle, and they had three sons before he died young. She taught in the Kotzebue and Unalakleet schools for over thirty years, and was an early promoter of bilingual education. She received many awards for her work in education and preserving Native culture: the Governor’s Award, Alaskan of the Year, 1969; Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, University of Alaska, 1970; Woman of the Year, National Federation of Press Women, 1974; and a Presidential Commendation for “exceptional service to others in the finest American tradition,” from President Nixon. She received her honorary Doctor of Humanities degree posthumously, six days after her death.
FOREWORD
Elaine Chukan Brown serves as a public speaker, wine writer, and consultant on mentorship, diversity and equity programs worldwide. As a grandchild of Ticasuk, Brown works to raise greater awareness and understanding of Indigenous peoples and the issues unique to their communities. Brown has served as a cultural advisor for book projects, university courses, organizations, events and television shows. While doing doctoral work in philosophy, Brown specialized in race, gender and sexuality and went on to develop curriculum for teaching anti-racism, intersectionality, and social justice. As a wine writer, Brown has served as the Executive Editor US for JancisRobinson.com, a columnist for Decanter, and a contributing writer to multiple books and magazines. Brown co-founded the Diversity in Wine Leadership Forum, is a board member for the Wine Writers’ Symposium, and chair of judges for the 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards. Brown splits time between Alaska and Sonoma, California, where they live with their pet guinea pigs, rabbit, hamster, and Rosie bird.