CHANGUNAK Antisarlook ANDREWUK, "Sinrock Mary"
• Reindeer Herding
• Translator
Inducted: 2009
Deceased: 1948
CHANGUNAK Antisarlook ANDREWUK, "Sinrock Mary"
Changunak Antisarlook Andrewuk, known as Sinrock Mary, Queen of Reindeer, was Russian and Inupiaq and spoke Russian, English, and her Native language. After her first husband succumbed to the measles epidemic in 1900, she was disqualified from owning property both as a woman and Native, but she fought to keep her half of the reindeer herd and eventually became one of the richest women in Alaska. A savvy businesswoman, she sold meat to local businesses and the Army station. Her second husband wasn’t interested in herding, but Mary trained some of her children and many other Inupiaq to become reindeer herders.
She is remembered as a hero for her tenacity, generosity, and friendship.