Anchorage - Eskimo elder Paul Tialana died in late June at the Alaska
Native Medical Center (ANMC), a few days before his 74th B-day.
He had been ill with liver cancer.
Lydia Hayes of the CIRI Foundation said Tiulana was "one of the outstanding
forces for passing Native traditions to the next generation. He embodied
those traditions as an exemplary composer, artist, dancer and drummer."
Tiulana led the acclaimed King Island Dancers for nearly 50 years. His
ivory and mask carvings were such a high quality that they can be found in
museum collections thoughout the country.
He was also recognized for his work in teaching the old ways to a new
generation, and effort that earned him the Alaskan Federation of Natives'
"Man of the Year" award in 1983.
He was born June 20, 1921, on King Island, 90 miles west of Nome.
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There is more info in the Nome Nugget.
Send email to 26-10408@wwiv.fred.com for more info. Ask for Jimmie Carisle,
he works for King Island Native Corps.
Quyanna..