Sadie Brower Neakok was a pioneer for Iñupiaq rights in a rapidly changing Alaska during the mid-20th century. This film will explore her life and legacy, from the arc of her respect for education to her advocacy for Indigenous languages in the courtroom, to her firm stand in favor of subsistence activities. With preservation of rich oral history and an immersion into modern subsistence activities, this film will leave viewers with a deeper understanding of American history and Indigenous rights issues.
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An accomplished Iñupiaq women of Barrow, Alaska!
1960 - First Native Alaskan woman to serve as a state magistrate. 1968 - Alaskan Mother of the Year recognized as the Alaskan Native Woman of the Year twice 1970 - Soroptimist of the Year. 1987 - Awarded with honorary doctorate of laws from University of Alaska Fairbanks. 2004 - Considered the "mother" of Inupiaq village of Barrow. |
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She takes care of the native people. She tries to understand the laws and make them apply to their situation. And when it doesn't apply to their situation, try to work with the powers that be to make it more workable. - Gail Frank, former Barrow probation officer.
The famous Duck-In protest that Sadie
was instrumental in it's success. |
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Testimonials about the proposed documentary film.
Pictured: Donna Miller, Charles Brower, Aqi Neakok
The world is going to be shocked at what one woman did for one community. They're never ever going to find another woman like my mother. She was the Arctic woman in crisis shelter, the neglected children's receiving home, the policeman, the jailer...on top of being a judge. She was not just a mom. She was the North Slope's mom. - Donna Miller, Sadie's daughter Those of us who are here feel that impact. But how much of the other world around us knows that impact that she had? Her impact on the law, her impact on sovereignty… - Rev. Charles Brower, Sadie’s nephew It’s not just a story about law. It’s a story about everything she was involved with. Mom was a lot of things. You have to mesh it all together.I would be very proud to speak about my mom. I commend you for what you are trying to do. - Aqi Neakok, Sadie's son |
The advantage of a documentary is just much more accessible to all kinds of people and can inform them of life in Barrow, issues in the justice system, the way that Sadie dealt with it. And so it would be a very, very helpful thing to do. So I'm a fan.
-Barrow's Superior Court Judge, Michael Jeffery There's a lot of history there. Not only is it a marvelous personal story, but the whole development of the court system in Alaska, the social service system in Alaska, the educational system in Alaska, she was in a remote area, played key parts because of her education, because what the family had prepared her for. - Gail Frank, former Probation officer. Sadie made history as an indigenous person living in a white man's world. She broke through the judicial system to bring justice to rural Alaska. - Ron Brower, Sadie’s nephew Sadie’s story is just so incredible and needs to be told, so however we might be able to help. - Tracy Burns, prize-winning Inupiaq filmmaker Her story should be heard. My Aunt Sadie wanted us to know who we are and be proud of who we are, preserving and giving a humanness to our culture, demystifying who these people are that are part of the United States of America…it should be understood because you can't protect something you don't understand. We need more things like this about powerful women, especially indigenous women. Women or any minority woman. I think it's a very empowering story about an incredible woman. I think those stories are important to generations in the future. - Tami Smith, Sadie's great niece We were fortunate to be at a time where we got to know some of these amazing Elders or pioneers, women who did incredible things for our state, and we're able to know them and be influenced by them. That now the younger generation doesn't have that, and a lot of them are women…I think doing a historical film with, you have photos, you have interviews with people who remember her…for people who don't know. - Karen Brewster, Oral Historian |
To make a tax-deductible donation to this film project, scan or click the QR code below. Funds will go to our 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, From the Heart Productions, who is managing all the donations and grants received.
