Nora Thomas

Inupiaq elder who successfully passed down some native traditions to her grandchildren. David Thomas being the most interested in native culture spent much time with his grandma learning about native traditions and life. Prior to her mid 70s she did wonderful work on parkas, mukluks, and kuspuks for her family, but her work was not passed down to her family so her style of making these native items died with her passing. She was a wonderful cook, and ensured that any person who passed through her house got something to eat, and she was very warm and loving. She was very much loved by her family and those who knew her. Her native teachings live on in her grandchildren and great grandchildren, but David will ensure that these will be passed down to future generations so that Inupiaq culture lives on.