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"I just watched your video. I am impressed how well Anna presented her story. She is a natural storyteller. The DVD was packed full of educational material, which was blended with the human interest. The leading questions you asked added information that most likely would not have come out otherwise. A job well done, Naomi. Give yourself a pat on the back." — Olga Voth Neufeld, retired R.N. who worked at the Tanana Native Service Hospital (1958) during the time Anna Bortel (Church) taught at the Tanana Day School.

"Anna's life was so unusual for a single woman in the '50s and early '60s, and more so in the harsh and demanding Alaska environment. Her interview provided an entertaining glimpse into her experiences. My husband and I were captivated! We loved hearing her tell her stories and the pictures were fascinating. What a delightful and courageous lady!" — Karen Hill, MSW

Anna Bortel's astonishing stories will make you laugh, cry, cringe, and catch your breath. The manuscript for her story has been accepted by Tate Publishing. Look for 'A' is for Alaska: Teacher to the Nunamiut Eskimos in the fall of 2011. Meanwhile, meet her through her DVD:

The Alaska Story of Anna Bortel Church

Anna Bortel was Naomi's second-grade school teacher in Tanana, Alaska. Listen as Anna recounts her story of pioneer teaching in Alaska, starting in 1954 when she drove up the Alcan Highway from Ohio to Valdez. Three years later, she pushed north to Tanana, along the Yukon River and in the middle of Interior Alaska. Here she met the Gaede family and had Naomi and Ruth Gaede as students. See the drafty Quonset huts with freezing oil lines that added to her teaching challenges. Discouraged? Yes. Daunted? No. She couldn't resist accompanying Doc Gaede on a medical field trip to the most remote of all Native groups — the Nunamiut Eskimo village of Anaktuvuk Pass. Catch a glimpse of her Arctic world with smiling students, and the sod house she called "home."

Naomi with Anna Bortel

(Naomi interviewing Anna at the video-shoot.)

Alaska 1960

Needed: School teacher for Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska, located above the Arctic Circle, for nomadic tribe of approx. 65 Nunamuit Eskimos. People desire education but prior attempts of setting up school have not been successful. Until recently, people have continually migrated and are currently dependent on caribou for shelter, clothing, food, tools; minimal cash income. Qualifications:

  • familiar with the primitive living conditions in the interior of Alaska,
  • prepared to sacrifice personal comfort for the good of the school,
  • intimately acquainted with the ways of the Native people and their attitudes towards learning,
  • able to adjust to adverse living conditions without sacrificing teaching efficiency
No school building, tent or sod house available for teacherage, no roads to transport building supplies, no wood for fuel except willows, no airline service, no public services besides post office. Severe winters.

This advertisement did not actually appear in print, but was adapted from a 1961 speech presented by Mr. Gruening, territorial senator, at an Alaska senate meeting where he described the dilemma Alaskan educators faced and the determination of the Native people to obtain an education.

Mr. Gruening did say, "...the revelation of so many problems did not dampen the enthusiasm of the folks of the village (Anaktuvuk). For they persuaded Anna Bortel, who had been head teacher at Tanana School, to teach them in their church. In Miss Bortel they had found the ideal teacher, one able to comprehend their problem, one kind and sympathetic, and above all one able to adjust to all conditions that might face her."
— 1961 Congressional Record-Senate, #13201 by Mr. Gruening, "A Unique American Educational Venture in Alaska's Far North"

Inside the DVD

Table of Contents

  • 1. How a girl from Ohio becomes a teacher in Valdez, AK (1923-1954)
  • 2. Farther north - Tanana, AK (1957 - 1960)
  • 3. Most remote Alaska - Anaktuvuk Pass (1960-1962)
  • 4. Epilogue

This 33-minute DVD was filmed by Road's End Films.

Future Reading

'A' is for Alaska, Anaktuvuk, Alaska, Anna by Anna Bortel Church as told to Naomi Gaede-Penner.

You'll smile — and shake your head in amazement — as you read these heartwarming, inspiring, and captivating stories of teaching in Valdez, Tanana, and Anaktuvuk Pass.

Suggested Reading

Read how Doc Gaede introduced Anna Bortel to the Nunamiut Eskimos in chapter 18 of Prescription for Adventure: Bush Pilot Doctor.

Anaktuvuk Pass

See Anna teaching in the new school at Anaktuvuk Pass, and view other photos from the village of Anaktuvuk Pass.

See and learn more about Anaktuvuk Pass.

Discussion Guide

Download a free Discussion Guide.

Discussion: How do you challenge yourself?
  1. What qualities in a character inspire you to stretch yourself?
  2. What is a Comfort Zone?
  3. Specifically, what Comfort Zones did Anna move herself out from in regards to:
    • Personal conveniences
    • Work and career
    • Friends and family
    • Environment
  4. What Comfort Zones would be challenged if you were to have lived in her situation?
  5. What Comfort Zones have you moved out from in the past five years? One year? What were your feelings? fears?
  6. What were the results of Anna challenging herself? (For her personally, as well as for individuals around her.)