My parents are Paul and Lois William Sr. of Beaver. My maternal grandparents
are Gaberial and Alice Peter of Arctic Village. My paternal grandparents are John
and Mary Sam of Beaver.
I teach the Gwich’in Athabascan language to our young people at the local Beaver
School. I talk directly to my students in Gwich’in, telling traditional stories
and native customs. I enjoy teaching my Gwich’in language to the younger students;
I believe it is important to teach our native language to our children.
I have been sewing traditional Gwich’in Athabascan floral beadwork for 20 years
now, my mother and grandmother taught me when I was a young boy. I like making
different colors of flowers and leaves on my projects, such as: key chains, bracelets,
and hair pieces. It is also very important to pass down our traditional
knowledge and skills to the young people.
I am a Christian. I thank God for everything. He has blessed us very much.
I am grateful for that in Jesus’ name.
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