Carol McCue

Myra Munson was interviewed by Bill Schneider on September 7, 2010 at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. She is an attorney with the law firm of Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Endreson and Perry in Juneau, Alaska. She was Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) from 1986-1990, and prior to that was Assistant Attorney General in the Alaska Department of Law primarily representing DHSS cases. In this interview, she talks about the evolution of mental health services in Alaska, the community mental health movement, the state's role in funding and delivering mental health services, and the integration between mental health and substance abuse treatments. In addition, she discusses the mental health trust lawsuit and settlement and why it was not resolved during the administration of Governor Steve Cowper.

A. Robert Smith was interviewed by Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 29, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. William Schneider was also present during the interview. A. Robert Smith talks about his experience as a young journalist in Washington D.C. in the mid-1950s reporting on the congressional oversight hearings for Morningside Hospital, and the battle over Congress' passage of Alaska's Mental Health Enabling Act.

Dr. Joe Bloom was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at his home in Portland, Oregon about his career as a provider of mental health services in Alaska. As a psychiatrist, he helped establish mental health programs for the Indian Health Service in Alaska in the late 1960s, and worked to provide coordinated services for rural Alaska. He also worked as a private psychiatrist in Anchorage, and later went on to teach psychiatry and be the dean of the Oregon Health and Science University Medical School in Portland, Oregon. He retired in 2001, but has remained active with psychiatry and health board issues in Oregon. In this interview, Joe talks about becoming a psychiatrist, working for the Indian Health Service in Alaska, working in rural Alaska, coordination between different agencies and hospitals, and changes in Alaskan mental health services. 

Don Brandon was interviewed by Bill Schneider on April 20, 2009 in his office at the Region 10 Disability Business Technical Assistance Center in Seattle, Washington. He shares the story of his family, their care for his two brothers who resided for a period of time at Morningside Hospital, and his observations on disability services in Alaska.

Jim Gottstein was interviewed by Bill Schneider at his office on April 5, 2007 in Anchorage, Alaska. He was not expecting a recorded interview, but graciously agreed to spare the time, even though it was late in the day. The interview took place in the conference room of his law office. Jim outlines in detail the land issues related to the Mental Health Trust, and it is clear how his interest and experience with land issues for Native Corporations prepared him to address the Trust Case. Jim had personal experience with the mental health delivery system and its inadequacies and, like many others associated with the lawsuit, he is passionate about addressing the rights of the mentally ill and the responsibilities of the state to meet their needs.

Thelma Langdon was interviewed by Bill Schneider on May 24, 2007, at her home in Anchorage, Alaska. She is the wife of Dr. J. Ray Langdon, who was a former medical director at Morningside Mental Hospital in Portland, Oregon and director of mental health services in Alaska just after statehood. She describes their involvement with treating Alaska's mentally ill and broader mental health services. She describes living and working conditions at Morningside Hospital, her husband's approach to treating patients, and she is critical of a federal investigation that occurred at the hospital. Thelma discusses her husband's dissatisfaction with Alaska's approach to mental health services, his firing by Governor Egan, and establishment of the Langdon Clinic to deliver services to patients statewide. Thelma was the first chair person of the Alaska Mental Health Board (1988-1990), and started the first statewide effort to serve people with dementia. Thelma demonstrates a deep connection with and compassion for the mentally ill and feels that not enough has been done to address their needs.

George Rogers was interviewed by Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks, April 4, 2008 in Juneau, Alaska. This interview was conducted by KUAC staff at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau, Alaska as part of a video documentary project about Alaska's first senator, Bob Bartlett. The interview was videotaped by Deb Lawton of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks, and it has been edited from its original for this project. In this excerpt from the second tape of the interview, George Rogers talks about his involvement with the Mental Health Trust settlement period. He discusses his role in land selection, and valuation, serving on the Interim Mental Health Commission and Mental Health Trust Board, and the difficulties he faced during the process. George Rogers was also interviewed by Karen Brewster on May 31, 2006, at his home in Juneau, Alaska.

John Malone was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 16, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. John was also interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on March 11, 2008 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Former Alaska Governor Steve Cowper was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 25, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He discusses his role in the mental health trust settlement. He first became familiar with mental health issues as District Attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska when he traveled around the state. He was the lawyer on the Vern Weiss case in 1982 and in 1986 became Governor of Alaska when the settlement case was being debated in the courts and between parts of the State government. He also talks about his friendship and experiences with John Malone.

This is a continuation of the interview with Tom Koester by Bill Schneider on July 28, 2008 at his home in Juneau, Alaska.

Dr. Aron Wolf was interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 7, 2010 at his private psychiatric office in Anchorage, Alaska. He came to Alaska in the late 1960s with the United States Air Force to provide mental health services to soldiers at remote bases, to dependents, and to veterans. He worked at the Langdon Clinic from 1970 to 1995, was medical director for Providence medical system until 2004, and then returned to private practice. In this interview, Dr. Wolf talks about the evolution of mental health services in Alaska, the role of community mental health centers, the field of forensic psychiatry, vocational rehabilitation programs, and the behavioral health aide program.

Tom Hawkins was interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He has worked as a land manager for the federal government, the State of Alaska, and Alaska Native corporations. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board of trustees formed in 1994 and served until April, 2009. He also chaired their resource management committee for many years. In this interview, Tom discusses dealing with the land aspects of the mental health trust settlement when he worked for the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, assessing the trust reconstitution, and his role as a trustee with the Mental Health Trust Authority.

Nelson Page was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He is a lawyer with Burr, Pease and Kurtz in Anchorage, Alaska. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees serving until 2008, and was the board's first chairman. In this interview, Nelson talks about the legal aspects of the mental health trust lawsuit, land selection and settlement, his work with the Disability Law Center, the establishment and functioning of the Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees, and his personal connection with disability services through raising foster children.

Dick Branton was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on June 11, 2009 at his home in Wasilla, Alaska. He began his career in law enforcement before Alaska became a state. He moved into work with the Department of Corrections for the State of Alaska and developing programs to reform and rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually, he served as Deputy Director for the state's Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities where he helped promote cross training between mental health providers and corretions staff in order to best help mental health patients with criminal backgrounds. In this interview, Dick discusses his career and accomplishments, his work with delivery of mental health services in Alaska and how this has changed over the years, and the effects of the mental health trust lands battle and lawsuit. The interview continues in part two.

This is a continuation of an interview with Ella Craig by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on November 13, 2008 at the Mental Health Trust Authority office in Anchorage, Alaska. 

This is a continuation of the interview with Dr. Jerry Schrader by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 19, 2010 at his home in Salem, Oregon.

This is a continuation of the interview with Judge James von der Heydt by Judge Niesje Steinkruger and Karen Brewster on December 9, 2010 at his condominium overlooking Cook Inlet in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

This is a continuation of the interview with Dr. Roy Moss by Karen Brewster on October 27, 2010 at the historic Santa Maria Inn in Santa Maria, California.

This is a continuation of an interview with Harold "Doc" South by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010 at his home in Palmer, Alaska. This is the second of three tapes.

John and Louise Maakestad were interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010at their apartment at the Anchorage Pioneer Home in Anchorage, Alaska. John was born in Petersburg, Alaska, became a Lutheran pastor, served in Shishmaref and Nome in the 1950s and early 1960s, and served as the chaplain at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute from 1963-1984. In this interview, John talks about his ministry career working with the mentally ill and the specialized training he received in pastoral care. In addition, as parents of a developmentally disabled daughter, the Maakestads discuss delivery of and access to services for the developmentally disabled. 

Ella Craig was interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. This was a follow-up to the first interview (which consists of two parts) to record onto broadcast quality videotape some of Ella's key stories and experiences related to Morningside Hospital, being a social worker in the early days, and the delivery of mental health services in rural Alaska. So, some of this interview may be a repeat of the first interview, or in some cases she may tell the same story in a different way. Ella was also interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on November 13, 2008 at the Mental Health Trust Authority office in Anchorage, Alaska.

In part two of this three part interview, Jeff Jessee continues being interviewed by Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on November 30, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus.

Jeff Jessee was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 1, 2010 at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority. This is a continuation of a three part interview on November 30, 2009 where he talked about his early career and how he got involved with the mental health trust. In this two part interview, Jeff talks about the establishment and organization of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority (MHTA), and how it influences mental health programs in Alaska. He discusses MHTA's focus areas, examples of their accomplishments for positive change in delivery of mental health services, as well as mentioning challenges they face.

Elaine Ritschard was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at Summerset Lodge retirement community in Gladstone, Oregon, a suburb of Portland, where she currently lives. Elaine worked as a nurse at Morningside Hospital in the 1960s, first on the emergency unit and later she was head nurse of the children's ward where she established a kids activity center. In this interview, Elaine talks about becoming a nurse, balancing her work and home life, and conditions, patient treatment, and staff relations at Morningside Hospital. Her son, Brad, a recently retired police officer, joined in on part of the interview, but mostly he just listened.

Duane and Sanna LeVan were interviewed on April 9, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, the LeVans talk about life in Seward and how it has changed, and the 1964 Earthquake. They talk about skiing, hiking, camping, boating, hunting, and snowmachining in the Exit Glacier area, construction of Herman Leirer Road to the glacier, community use of the area, and their thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Doug McRae was interviewed on April 10, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at his home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Doug talks about growing up in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, his guiding business, hunting and trapping in the Seward area, changes in wildlife populations, mining, the Fish and Game Advisory Board, and carving. He talks about trapping, hunting, flying, and snowmachining in the Exit Glacier area, remote airstrips, old cabins, the stranded bulldozer up Resurrection River, the road to Exit Glacier, and the negative effects national parks have on hunting.

Gary Zimmerman was interviewed on April 10, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Gary talks about his dad's snowmachine tourist operation, hunting, changes in wildlife populations, and his love of snowmachining, being a responsible snowmachiner, and snowmachine access issues. He talks about snowmachining and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, snowmachining and skiing on the ice field, changes in the glaciers, the road to the glacier, his thoughts about the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park and use and access issues.

Tom Gillespie was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster at his home on Bear Lake in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Tom talks about growing up in the Exit Glacier Road area, logging and sawmills, flooding at Clear Creek and Old Exit Glacier Road, the 1964 Earthquake, changes in wildlife populations, backcountry trails and running routes, the Mount Marathon race, and changes in Seward. He talks about skiing, hiking, climbing, camping, snowmachining, trapping and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, expeditions on the Harding Icefield, and changes in the glacier.

Dan Seavey was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Don Callaway, Rachel Mason, and Karen Brewster at his home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Dan talks about changes in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, commercial fishing, his dog mushing career, and training and racing sled dogs. He talks about living on a homestead on Old Exit Glacier Road (Seavey's Corner), using horses, hunting and trapping in the Exit Glacier area, the road to the glacier, and local use of the area.

Percy Blatchford was interviewed on April 12, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Don Callaway and Karen Brewster at the Van Gilder Hotel in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, he talks about his childhood, working as a longshoreman, the Native community in Seward and organization of the Qutekcak Tribe, hunting around Seward, changes in wildlife populations, and the 1964 Earthquake. He talks about helping build the Herman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier, especially the blasting work he did, how people have used the area, and how the road affected use.

This is a continuation of an interview with Warren and Mary Huss by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster and Shannon Kovac on August 5, 2010 at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Warren and Mary talk about their hunting and snowmachine activities in the Exit Glacier area, changes in wildlife populations and changes in Seward since they moved there, and views about the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park and how it should be managed.

Val Anderson was interviewed on August 6, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster and Shannon Kovac at his home in Seward, Alaska. Val's wife, Jean, was present at the interview and periodically added her own comments (she passed away in November 2010). In this interview, Val talks about growing up on the island and what life was like in the area in the 1930s and 1940s, his father's guiding operation, being in the Army in World War II stationed at Shemya Island, working as a longshoreman on the waterfront in Seward, the 1964 Earthquake, and how Seward has changed over time. He talks about helping build the Herman Leirer Road to Exit Glacier, especially the blasting work he did, and how people have used the area.

This is a continuation of an inteview with Keith and Jackie Campbell by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on August 6, 2010 at their home in Seward, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Keith and Jackie talk about construction of the road to Exit Glacier, their snowmachining, hunting and hiking activities, and establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Bob White was interviewed on August 7, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at his gun shop in Seward, Alaska. At the time of the interview, he owned his own floor covering business and a gun shop. He is married to the daughter of Val and Jean Anderson. In this interview, Bob talks about his family background, commercial fishing, hunting, changes in Seward, and changes in wildlife populations. He talks about hunting, trapping, dogmushing, snowmachining, and using horses in the Exit Glacier area, cabins and airstrips, the stranded bulldozer up Resurrection River, the road to the glacier, changes to the river and glacier, and his thoughts about establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

Keith Knighten was interviewed on August 7, 2010 by Rachel Mason, Shannon Kovac and Karen Brewster at the offices of Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Keith talks about his childhood, becoming a pilot, working for the Coast Guard, flying adventures and crashes, the challenges of flying in the Seward area, changes in Seward, and activities at Nuka Bay. He talks about hunting in the Exit Glacier area, flying clients in and out of the area, snowmachine tourism on the glacier, the road to the glacier, and his thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bud Rice by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on December 10, 2010 at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this part of the interview, Bud talks about skiing, hiking, snowmachining and hunting in the Exit Glacier area, changes in Exit Glacier, conducting scientific research on the glacier, working for the National Park Service on the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and climate change issues.

Maranda Nelson was interviewed on May 11, 2011 by Rachel Mason, Karen Brewster, and Shannon Kovac at the Qutekcak Tribal Office in Seward, Alaska. In this interview, Maranda talks about her childhood, the Native community in Seward, race relations, subsistence activities, changes in wildlife populations, and the 1964 Earthquake. She talks about trapping, berry picking, hunting, and skiing in the Exit Glacier area, the road to the glacier, and her thoughts on the establishment of Kenai Fjords National Park.

This is the continuation of an interview with Page Spencer by Rachel Mason and Karen Brewster on May 12, 2011 at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Page talks about cross-country skiing in the Exit Glacier area, changes in the glacier and animal populations, collecting mushrooms, impacts from snowmachines, and park management issues.

Michael Carey was interviewed on May 26, 2009 by Charles Fedullo at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Michael Carey assesses the career of Senator Ted Stevens and his contributions to Alaska. Carey also talks about his personal relationship with the Senator, Stevens’ relationship with the media, Stevens’ skill as a legislator, the corruption trial at the end of Stevens’ career, and the Stevens legacy.

Alaska Congressman Don Young was interviewed on May 27, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the Congressman's office in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Congressman Young talks about meeting Senator Ted Stevens, how they became friends, their working relationship, key Alaska issues Stevens worked on, and Stevens temper, successes and tragedies. Congressman Young provides a general assessment of Senator Stevens’ contributions and legacy.

This is a continuation of the interview with John Katz on June 8, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the State of Alaska Office in Washington, D.C. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 2009-13-06, Part 1. In this part of the interview, John Katz talks about Senator Stevens’ concern for rural Alaska, his ability to work with all types of people, and his dealing with personal and professional loss.

Hawaii Senator Daniel Inouye was interviewed on June 9, 2009 by Charles Fedullo and Paul McCarthy in the Senator's Appropriations Office in Washington, D.C. In this interview, Senator Inouye talks about how he and Senator Stevens became such close friends, their working relationship in the Senate, building bi-partisanship, and issues of common concern. On a more personal level, Inouye reflects on Senator Stevens’ strengths, weaknesses, the effects of the corruption trial, and the most difficult times in the senator’s life. Senator Inouye also provides a general assessment of Stevens’ contributions and legacy.

Will Arthur was interviewed on May 24, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster in Washington D.C. In this interview, he talks about working with the Senator as a driver, his assistant, and eventually his archivist. He regarded Senator Stevens as a father figure and enjoyed his time working for Stevens. He talks about the staff loyalty, Stevens’ temper, some of Stevens’ greatest strengths, and some of the issues that he was passionate about.

This is a continuation of the interview with Will Arthur on May 24, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster in Washington D.C. This is a continuation of tape numbers Oral History 2011-21-02, Parts 1 and 2. In this third and final part of the interview, Will Arthur talks about Senator Ted Stevens' sense of humor, how he helped Will in his current career, and his personal relationship with the Senator.

This is a continuation of the interview with Senator Mike Gravel on May 26, 2011 by Mary Anne Hamblen and Karen Brewster at his home in Burlingame, California. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 2011-21-03, Part 1, and continues on tape number Oral History 2011-21-03, Part 3. In this part of the interview, Senator Mike Gravel talks about nuclear testing on Amchitka Island, how the media affected his relationship with Senator Ted Stevens, Stevens’ temper, and some of Stevens’ accomplishments. He also talks about working with Senator Stevens in the Senate, what he was like in private, and some important issues they worked on while in office.

Mary Shields was interviewed on May 9, 2011 by William Schneider and Marla Statscewich at Mary's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Mary talks about learning to drive a dog team, doing back country travel by dog team, training dogs, running the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, camping with dogs, mushing in Siberia, and her tourism business. For more about Mary Shields and her dog team adventures, see Sled Dog Trails by Mary Shields (Fairbanks, AK: Pyrola Publishing Company, 1984).

Hugh and Sandra Connelly were interviewed on February 19, 1986 by William Schneider and Doris Southall in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this excerpt of the first tape of the interview, Hugh Connelly talks about working as a section crew member for the Alaska Railroad, the pay scale and work conditions, and working out of Curry. In addition to the railroad, Hugh talks about more details of his life, and his judge career, and Sandra talks about working as a nurse, conditions at the hospital, life in Anchorage, meeting her husband, and working for the Weather Bureau in Fairbanks. The full interview was recorded on two tapes and the audio of both are available in this project.

Adele Deville Smith was interviewed in September 1974 by Neville Jacobs in Anchorage, Alaska. In this excerpt of the interview, she talks about Katalla and Cordova, Alaska, the Copper River Railroad, the influence of the Guggenheim family on the railroads in the area, and the early oil and coal exploration in Katalla. In addition to the railroad, Adele talks about her family history, growing up in Katalla, early oil and coal exploration in Katalla, the Native populations and issues related to segregation, her father’s discovery of the Treadwell Mine, traveling by boat to Cordova and Anchorage, old-timers in Cordova, wreck of the ship Portland, and living in Kodiak.

Fred Hupprich was interviewed on January 7, 1994 by Margaret Van Cleve in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two-part interview, Fred talks about growing up in Nenana, the railroad’s role in the community, railroad jobs, and working as a trucker. He also talks about life in Nenana, the Native population, celebration of holidays and recreation, construction and re-location of the sternwheeler Nenana, World War II in Alaska, and hauling freight and supplies.

Dan Gullickson was interviewed on January 27, 2010 by Karen Brewster at the Tanana Valley Railroad Museum in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Dan talks about the history of the Tanana Valley Railroad, and the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad’s project to restore Engine #1. He also mentions history of railroads in the Nome area.

Duane LeVan was interviewed on April 11, 2010 by Karen Brewster in Seward, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Duane talks about working for the Alaska Railroad in Seward as a warehouse man transferring freight from ship to train, the role of the railroad in Seward, changes in the longshoring operation with the development of containers and cranes, the impact of the 1964 Earthquake, and the demise of the railroad operation.

Donald Bedford was interviewed on January 20, 1998 by Charles "Chuck" Mobley at the Bedford's home in Auke Bay, Alaska. Don's wife, Carol Bedford, was also present during the interview. In this interview, Don talks about his experiences flying, working as a mechanic for companies like Lockheed Martin, Alaska Coastal Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, and his knowledge of different airplane engines.

Ellen Evak Paneok was interviewed on May 8, 1994 by Margaret Van Cleve at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska after Ellen gave a presentation at the Northern Alaska Aviation Symposium. In this interview, Ellen talks about her love of antique airplanes, a scary flight involving carbon monoxide poisoning, and several crashes she escaped from.

Red Williams was interviewed on March 7, 1985 by Bill Schneider at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Red talks about coming to Alaska with nothing more than the clothes on his back, learning to fly and making a business out of it. He also discusses combining teaching in the winter and flying in the summer, flying in difficult conditions, and close calls he had.

Ransom Tony (R.T.) Schultz made this recording of himself on July 6, 1981 in Fairbanks, Alaska. He speaks about the role of aviation in forest firefighting operations around Alaska, including the types of airplanes used and what conditions were like.

This is a continuation of an interview with Jack Jefford on September 3, 1960 by Sandy Jensen. The location of the interview is unknown, although it is believed to be in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Jack talks about having to make a forced landing in his airplane near Nome, Alaska, and how he survived for many days while he waited to be rescued.

James Kelly, Sr. was interviewed on September 8, 2009 by Bill Schneider at the City Office in Fort Yukon, Alaska. At the time of the interview, James was working at the Natural Resource Director for the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments in Fort Yukon. In this interview, he talks about his observations about the impacts of climate change on the people and their traditional ways of living, and makes reference to what he has heard from elders. He specifically mentions changes he has noticed in the weather, lightning storms, permafrost and fires, and the effects of those changes on animals in the area.

Fred Thomas was interviewed on July 11, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Fort Yukon, Alaska. In this interview, Fred talks about his lifetime of hunting and trapping in the Fork Yukon and Black River area, and his observations of environmental changes. Specifically, he mentions permafrost melting, changes in the weather, moose hunting, and the beaver population around the Fort Yukon and Chalkyitsik areas. He also talks about changes in the weather and temperature, salmon runs, fires, waterfowl hunting, and water level in rivers and lakes.

Harry Carroll, Jr. was interviewed on October 17, 2009 by William Schneider and Craig Gerlach at the Village Council Office in Chalkyitsik, Alaska. In this interview, Harry talks about his observations of environmental change from his years of experience hunting, trapping, and traveling in the area. He uses a map of the area as a reference point to show animal migrations and changes in the environment. He also talks about lakes and rivers drying up and the effect that has on moose, muskrat, waterfowl, fish, and barging of supplies on the river.

Joe Herbert was interviewed on September 9, 2009 by Bill Schneider at the Village Council Office in Chalkyitsik, Alaska. Willie Salmon, Chief of Chalkyitsik assisted with the interview. Joe had a hard time hearing and understanding Schneider, so Willie helped by re-asking and clarifying questions. In this interview, Joe talks about his life of living off of and traveling on the land and environmental changes he has seen in his lifetime. Specifically, he mentions changes in the seasons, weather, hunting, fishing, and whitefish migration. He also suggests that fire and lower water levels have contributed to changes in the lakes around his village.

James Roberts was interviewed on November 17, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at Charlie and Ruth Campbell’s house in Tanana, Alaska. In this interview, James talks about his observations of environmental change in the Tanana area. Specifically, he mentions the impact of flooding on the village, and how changes have affected the gathering of driftwood for firewood and what it has done to the fish stocks. He also talks about how the weather affects moose hunting, fishing, and training his dogs.

Tom Hyslop was interviewed on November 18, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Tanana, Alaska. In this interview, Tom talks about environmental changes he has observed during his time on the land gathering driftwood, hunting, and fishing. Specifically, he mentions the effect that river water level (“June Rise”) has on his ability to collect driftwood for firewood, how the change in weather affects the animals, the impact of fire on the land, and the melting of permafrost.

Stan Zuray was interviewed on November 18, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Tanana, Alaska. In this interview, Stan talks about environmental changes he has observed during his forty years of hunting, trapping, fishing, collecting firewood, and traveling the land and rivers of the region. Specifically, he discusses his perceptions that the water temperature is rising in the Yukon River, increased presence of disease in king salmon, and the impact of fire on the land.

This is the continuation of an interview with Marge Adams on May 28, 2006 by Karen Brewster at Marge's home in Yakutat, Alaska. In this second part of a three part interview, Marge talks about attending physician's assistant training in New Mexico, opening a clinic in Anchorage for the Cook Inlet Native Association, managing the community health representative and health aide program, and being health aide coordinator for Cook Inlet Native Association and for Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) in Sitka, Alaska.

Bob Ahgook was interviewed on October 25, 2005 by Marla Statscewich at his home in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. In this interview, Bob talks about becoming a health aide, the training he received, communicating with the doctors by radio, taking care of patients, and delivering babies. Bob also talks about how he was able to apply what he knew as a hunter to his health aide work, the challenges of being a health aide, the important role health aides play in the villages, dealing with emergencies and transporting patients, and some of the problems he encountered with healthcare management between the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the North Slope Borough. Finally, Bob mentions other jobs he had after he stopped being a health aide, and how because of his health aide training he was able to help himself when he was having a heart attack.

Hannah Anderson was interviewed on October 25, 2005 by Marla Statscewich at Hannah's house in Bettles/Evansville, Alaska. In this interview, Hannah talks about becoming a community health aide, training she received, the challenges of running a health clinic in a rustic cabin without running water, dealing with emergencies, and always being on call. She also talks about specific challenging cases, dealing with the stresses of the job, educating people about health issues, changes in communication technology during her years as a health aide, and her retirement. Finally, Hannah reflects on her career and provides some advice to prospective future health aides.

This is the continuation of an interview with Willa Ashenfelter and Irene Aukongak on September 13, 2005 by Karen Brewster at the Norton Sound Health Corporation, Village Health Services office in Nome, Alaska. Willa and Irene were interviewed together because they were health aides in nearby villages during the same time period, worked closely together, went to training together, and are close friends. They traveled to Nome for the interview. They have great fun remembering their younger days and telling stories together, each adding to the memories of the other.In this second part of a three part interview, Willa and Irene talk about the role of the health aide in a community, dealing with suicide, domestic violence, and emergencies, providing quality patient care, developing a patient records system, communicating with doctors and with each other, and relying on each other as co-workers and close friends. They also talk about the use of plants as traditional medicine, how they handled the stress of the job, and the joy of saving lives.

Paula Ayunerak was interviewed on on April 1, 2006 by Karen Brewster at Bentley's Bed and Breakfast in Bethel, Alaska. Paula lives in the village of Alakanuk near the mouth of the Yukon River, but traveled to Bethel for the interview. In this interview, Paula talks about the early days of being a health aide before there was much equipment, communication, or medicine, what she enjoys about doing health related work, funny situations she found herself in, the hardships of being a health provider in your own community, difficult cases she faced, her work as a supervisor/instructor, and the teaching she did.

Rita Buck was interviewed on September 13, 2005 by Karen Brewster at the Norton Sound Health Corporation, Village Health Services office in Nome, Alaska. In this interview, Rita talks about learning from Willa Ashenfelter, communicating with the doctors, the importance of building trust and respect from the community, balancing her family and job, coping with difficult cases and challenges of the job, her current job duties, and variations among the villages.

Linda Curda was interviewed on August 25, 2005 by Karen Brewster at Linda's home/office in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Linda talks about the community health aide (CHA) training program, the development of the new manual, the content of the new manual, ways to improve CHA training and practice, professionalizing the CHA job, issues of job attrition, and the importance of having good health care in rural Alaska.

Moses Frederick was interviewed on October 11, 2005 by Marla Statscewich, Louann Rank and Sophie Kasayulie at the health clinic in Akiachak, Alaska. This interview was done while Moses was waiting for the doctor to call so he could do his Radio Medical Traffic (RMT) consultation and reporting, so there are a few interruptions. In this interview, Moses talks about his experiences as a community health aide, training he received, types of cases he worked on, the use of traditional medicine, and changes in the clinic and in the health care system.

This is the continuation of an interview with Beverly Hugo on March 15, 2005 by Karen Brewster at the Bertha Moses Patient Hostel in Fairbanks, Alaska when Beverly was visiting from her home in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a three part interview, Beverly talks about providing health care for Alaska Native people, becoming a physician's assistant, health aide training, and challenges of rural health care and being a community health aide.

Roy Huhndorf was interviewed on August 23, 2005 by Karen Brewster at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Roy talks about managing the Community Health Aide Program, the transition from the Indian Health Service to regional health corporations, disputes between agencies, the strengths and weaknesses of the program, and what the job meant to him personally.

This is the continuation of an interview with Dr. William "Bill" James on February 1, 2006 by Karen Brewster at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a three part interview, Bill talks about working as a physician in rural Alaska and working with community health aides to provide medical care to the villages, communication between doctors and health aides, how conditions in the villages have changed, and the differences between rural and urban health care in Alaska. He also talks about patient confidentiality, the use of traditional medicine, and dealing with emergencies. Finally, he provides his thoughts on the success of the Community Health Aide Program and the important role health aides play in their communities.

Jessie Jim was interviewed on May 31, 2006 by Karen Brewster in Juneau, Alaska. This interview took place in Juneau instead of at Jessie's home in Angoon, Alaska, because she was in Juneau to participate in the Southeast Alaska Native dance gathering called “Celebration.” In this first part of a two part interview, Jessie talks about how she was selected to be a health aide, changes in the facilities and equipment they had to work with throughout her career, training she received, working with co-health aide Barbara Johnson, communicating by radio with the doctors in Sitka, using the Community Health Aide Manual, and the support she received from the community.

Barbara Johnson was interviewed on May 27, 2006 by Karen Brewster in Yakutat, Alaska. The interview took place at the Blue Heron Inn Bed and Breakfast, where Karen was staying, because it was quieter than Barbara's house. In this first part of a two part interview, Barbara talks about her early years as a health aide in Angoon, the introduction of the telephone, training she received, learning from her grandmother, the stress and hardship of health aide work, job satisfaction, the importance of community and family support, differences between being a health aide in Angoon and Yakutat, the use of traditional medicine, and dealing with the stresses and hardships of being the sole medical provider in a small village.

Dr. Walter Johnson was interviewed on July 8, 2005 by Karen Brewster at his home in Homer, Alaska. The interview took place at his kitchen table on a warm summer day with a view of Kachemak Bay. In this first part of a two part interview, Dr. Johnson talks about establishing the Community Health Aide Program, training health aides, integrating health aides into the western health care system, communication systems used, curriculum development, the program as a model for rural health care, and what he sees for the future. After the interview, Walter led a tour of his apple and cherry orchard and vegetable and flower gardens.

Stella Krumrey was interviewed on March 10, 2005 by Karen Brewster in Kodiak, Alaska. Stella is from the village of Old Harbor, Alaska, but was interviewed at the Kodiak Area Native Association offices in Kodiak City while waiting for the weather to clear for flying. She was traveling to Ouzinkie to help the health clinic there establish a manager position, similar to her job in Old Harbor. In the interview, Stella talks about the importance of family and community support for health aides, the joys and hardships of being a health aide, the difficulties of being from the community you work in, the training she received, and why she enjoys health care work.

Nolita Madros was interviewed on October 26, 2005 by Marla Statscewich at the health clinic in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. At the time of this interview, Nolita was the only health aide for the village so she was very busy. At one point, she had to stop the interview while she attended to some patients. In this interview, Nolita talks about why she became a health aide and the training she received, being a health aide in Huslia and Ruby, Alaska, working as an itinerant health aide, and settling in Anaktuvuk Pass. She also talks about what a health aide does, changes she has seen in health care practices and technology, the benefits of telemedicine, and dealing with issues of confidentiality and job stress. Finally, she reflects on her career as a health aide.

Bertha Moses was interviewed on September 13, 2005 by Marla Statscewich at Bertha's home in Allakaket, Alaska. In this interview, Bertha talks about her experiences as a health aide, working out of her home, communication with doctors, and some difficult situations she encountered. She also talks about working with Elsie Bergman, who was a health aide in Allakaket for 35 years.

Dr. Gloria Park was interviewed on August 25, 2005 by Karen Brewster at Gloria's home in Anchorage, Alaska. This interview took place in Gloria's living room, and there is periodic noise as her husband, Orlo, is busy with things around the house. In this interview, Gloria talks about chemotherapy aides, her first village trip, communicating with the health aides by radio and telephone, the development of manuals for rural health care, and the benefits of using local people as medical providers.

This is the continuation of an interview with Joyce Smith on March 11, 2005 by Karen Brewster at Joyce's home in Ouzinkie, Alaska. In this second part of a three part interview, Joyce talks about providing medical care out of her home versus in a health clinic, the role of her faith in her health aide work, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality. She shares her memories of the 1964 Alaska Earthquake and the effect of the resulting tidal wave that hit Kodiak Island, and also discusses balancing raising a family with working as a health aide, and changes in the communities and the delivery of medical care, such as with telemedicine and management by Native health corporations.

Dan Thomas was interviewed on September 14, 2005 by Karen Brewster in his office at the Norton Sound Health Corporation Health Aide Training Center in Nome, Alaska. In this interview, Dan talks about the structure and content of the health aide training program, his job duties, retention and turnover of health aides, difficult aspects of health aide work, the use of mid-level providers, the use of telemedicine, and the history of the training center.

Lillian Walker was interviewed on August 24, 2005 by Karen Brewster at Lillian's apartment in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Lillian talks about learning to deliver babies and being a midwife, being selected as health aide for Holy Cross, various types of cases she was faced with over the years and how she treated them, communication systems used, relationship between the health aide and the community and the regional health corporation, use of traditional medicine, how she liked helping people, and her retirement.

Rose Winkleman was interviewed on August 24, 2005 by Karen Brewster at Rose's apartment in a senior citizens apartment complex owned by the Cook Inlet Regional Housing Authority in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Rose talks about getting the health aide job, the training she received, dealing with accidents and illness in the village, transportation of patients to Anchorage, communication with the doctors, the variety of work the health aide does, why she was successful and continued with the job.