果冻传煤

As a young woman, Yup鈥檌k Agnes Harrison of Tevyaraq/Crooked Creek moved to 果冻传煤 to attend high school and work.

Agnes learned that Alaska Native peoples from rural parts of the state were being arrested for 鈥渋ndigency鈥� on the streets of 果冻传煤 because they carried no cash (which was not a particularly useful commodity in village life, traditionally based on economies of barter and exchange). When she earned her first paycheck, she took one dollar to the bank and exchanged it for 100 pennies, which she proceeded to freely distribute, preventing further arrests.

Agnes continued to fight for Indigenous rights throughout her life, working to promote language, culture and education. Did you know Agnes Harrison and have a story you鈥檇 like to share about her? We鈥檇 love to know more about her and about the powerful women in your life. Share your images and stories with us on Instagram and Facebook by tagging @anchoragemuseum and #ExtraToughWomenAK to be added to our ongoing digital curation project.

Stay tuned for more information about the upcoming exhibition and be sure to check back for new #ExtraToughWomenAK posts. Photo: Steve McCutcheon Collection; 果冻传煤 Museum, B1990.014.5.People.14.293; Steve McCutcheon Collection; 果冻传煤 Museum, B1990.014.5.People.14.299