James "Qukailnguq" Peter, Sr.

James Qukailnguq Peter, Sr. was a Yup'ik elder born on October 28, 1924 to Christine and Hansen Peter in Kwigillingok, Alaska. James did cannery work in Naknek, Alaska in the Bristol Bay region for five to six years, was a firefighter for three to four years in Anchorage, and ran the store for Marie Forrest in Akiachak. James was in the Alaska Territorial Guard during World War II, and then the Alaska National Guard for 20 years. James was married to Annie (Nick) Peter of Akiachak, and together they raised ten children (losing two his children in later years). Even as an elder, James continued to enjoy living the subsistence lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping with which he grew up, and continued to go to fish camp in the summer to put up fish for the winter. He worked as an elder for the Early Childhood Leadership Team in Akiachak and assisted students in the Technology Institute program during the summer.

Biography written by Sophie Kasayulie of the Yupiit School District.

View a short video clip of James Peter, Sr. speaking in Yup'ik about obedience, respect and family roles produced by Frank Chingliak of the Yupiit School District, along with a written English summary of the video.