Another story behind the Nome Gold Rush of 1899
"The Sitnasuak Elders Committee met with writer Jeff Kunkel during his visit to Nome on June 29, 2000. They told him about Constantine and Gabriel. They said that what we know of these Two Eskimo Boys should be put in writing. In August 2001 the Elders Committee met with Jeff and his wife, Mary Elyn Bahlert, invited Nome residents, Sitnasuak committee members, the Nome Native Youth Leadership Group and family members of John Apok, brother of Constantine Uparazuck. The Board of Directors later authorized the publication of this story."

–Irene Anderson, from "The Two Eskimo Boys Meet the Three Lucky Swedes" by Jeff Kunkel

"On the history of Nome, it hurts me to see the advertisement, 'Three Lucky Swedes found the first gold in Nome' - that's all baloney...Eskimos knew every square inch of this land. Eskimos were the ones, they know where the gold was before the white man came. But they just didn't know the value of that gold..."

–Jacob Ahwinona, from "The Two Eskimo Boys Meet the Three Lucky Swedes" by Jeff Kunkel

Statue Unveiling
Sitnasuak Native Corporation would like to thank everyone who made the Statue Unveiling Ceremony on August 6, 2010 a huge success!  Over 175 people celebrated with us at the Old St. Joe’s church where both Ben Matheson and Laureli Kinneen covered the ceremony live on KNOM radio.  Irene Anderson spoke as the ceremony’s emcee and was the foundation of the entire ceremony.  Jeff Kunkel shared his involvement with the Two Eskimo Boys story, and displayed children’s artwork which was made the previous day at Nome Eskimo Community.   Dr. Walter Johnson, the founder of Constantine Uparazuck’s gravesite, presented Jacob Ahwinona with an etching of the tomb stone which included the quote, “My mom always told me to tell the truth, and speak kindly and I will always have friends; God loves those who tell the truth,” written by Constantine himself.  Our mayor, Denise Michaels, shared her excitement in this project, as well as the City of Nome’s support with the Two Eskimo Boys statue.  Barb Amarok shared her involvement with the Nome Native Youth Leadership Organization (NNYLO) and the importance of our Native history.  Amber Otton was one of the NNYLO members who fundraised for the construction of the statue.   She shared her pride in working with the elders to produce the statue, and the 9 year process of getting it to Nome.  Jacob Ahwinona was an important speaker at the ceremony because he not only shared assistance toward the creation of the Two Eskimo Boys statue, but his lineage with Constantine Uparazuck.   He and Landis Bijorgen unveiled the statue, a moment to mark in our community’s history.  The King Island dancers performed a few of their songs afterwards, and everyone was treated to halibut chowder and additional side dishes provided by the community.  The ceremony itself was a celebration to be remembered, and the unveiling of the Two Eskimo Boys statue not only unveiled the true history to the discovery of gold, but also unveiled a bit of our Native values and history.  Thanks again to all that helped in making this a successful celebration!

Order information
To order "The Two Eskimo Boys Meet the Three Lucky Swedes" book, please call (907) 387-1200. Price is $13.80, includes Priority Mail shipping. Nome residents please add 4% sales tax. We accept checks, money orders, VISA and MasterCard. No cash please.