“Keep Paddling Against the Wind” with Yaari Walker

She has just released a new book and will be sharing it with us!
This story is of a woman’s personal experience dealing with trauma
and the struggles of cultural barriers on her journey to healing.
This story tells of how she broke the chains of trauma
as a child and adult. You will read about advocacy and her journey
to bring education to entities who serve Alaska Native people.
She tells her story about her recovery journey and the obstacles
she overcame to become a beacon of light for those still suffering.

BIO: Colleen “Yaari” Walker

Yaari was born to Herman and Esther Toolie of Savoonga, Alaska.
Her paternal grandparents are Jimmie and Mabel Toolie and
maternal grandparents are Donald and Laura Pungowiyi.
Her clan is Aymaaramka and sub-clan is Sanighmelnguq.
Yaari’s husband is Marq Walker of High Point, North Carolina.
Between Yaari and Marq, they have nine children.

Yaari moved to Anchorage in 1997. She worked for the
Alaska Native Heritage Center for 14 years.
She taught about Alaskan Native cultures and facilitated
cultural awareness workshops. Yaari taught Alaskan Native youth
about traditional healing, how to gather medicinal plants,
and how to make medicinal salves. She taught skin sewing,
how to butcher seals, pluck duck, and cut fish.
She has worked numerous other jobs in the community
and has volunteered throughout the community.

Yaari has received numerous awards for the work she has done
and has been recognized as a Traditional Bearer from her region.”

(More information about her book:)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1MVxb2QWv5/?mibextid=wwXIfr