Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein, a revered Yupik Elder, was born in 1926 in the village of Nelson Island, Alaska. Throughout her life, she played a crucial role in preserving and sharing Yupik traditions, wisdom, and cultural practices. Known for her deep spiritual connection, Blumenstein dedicated herself to passing down oral traditions to younger generations. As a respected healer and spiritual leader, she possessed extensive knowledge of Yupik healing practices, herbal medicine, storytelling, and traditional ceremonies.

Blumenstein tirelessly worked to bridge the gap between Indigenous traditions and modern life, advocating for cultural preservation and promoting understanding and respect for Yupik customs. She traveled extensively, sharing her wisdom with communities across Alaska and beyond, and played a key role in revitalizing Native Alaskan culture. Her legacy continues to inspire Indigenous communities in reclaiming and celebrating their cultural heritage. She was beloved worldwide, serving on the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers and participating in cultural exchanges across the globe.

Aunty Rita, as she was affectionately known, was an esteemed mentor and friend. Her teachings and wisdom touched the lives of many, and her influence extended far beyond Alaska. Despite her passing in 2016, her legacy lives on through her teachings and the sharing of her profound wisdom. Blumenstein’s early life was marked by her unique upbringing in the Yup’ik village of Tununak. Raised by her mother and village elders, she gained an intimate understanding of traditional ways and beliefs. Recognized for her healing abilities from a young age, she began her journey as a healer at the age of four.

Her career was defined by her dedication to healing and teaching. Blumenstein worked in various hospitals, delivering babies and learning from her elders. She became the first certified traditional doctor in Alaska, and her teachings on cultural issues, basket weaving, song, and dance have reached over 150 countries. In 2004, Blumenstein joined the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers, advocating for indigenous rights and traditional teachings worldwide. Despite personal challenges, including battles with cancer and the loss of loved ones, she remained committed to her work and passed on her knowledge to future generations, including her granddaughter, whom she trained as a healer and guardian of Yup’ik traditions.

International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers:

“The past is not a burden, it is a scaffold which brought us to this day. We are free to be who we are – to create our own life out of our past and out of the present. We are our ancestors. When we can heal ourselves, we also heal our ancestors, our grandmothers, our grandfathers and our children. When we heal ourselves, we heal Mother Earth.”

The Bird That Made the Meat Bitter

Story of the White Raven by Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein

Looking about the lodges in the village, Coyote saw strings of jerked meat, but the people were lean. He asked why this was. The people said, “When we go hunting, only the fastest butchers can get their meat home in good condition. There is a Raven which flies over calling “Get bitter! Get bitter!” (gi-ba in Mandan) and the meat turns bitter.” Coyote asked for a sample. He chewed but could not swallow the meat, it was so bitter. He said, “I must have this thing righted.” He sent the young girl after firewood and had it piled ready to light, first laying down manure because it keeps the flame a long time. Then he had the men get timber rope and make a snare. He filled up his pipe and asked help of his fellow creatures. The big Spider came to his aid, and he lighted the pipe for the Spider to smoke. Now the Raven lived in a hollow tree out of which it flew when the men were butchering. Big Spider said, “It is easy to snare that bird. Be ready to snare him into the fire and let him burn. Some of his feathers will fly into the air and turn into birds. When you see a white Raven fly out a cry ‘At the end of the world there shall be seen a white Raven as a sign that the world is coming to an end’ that will be the last of it.”

They sent out young men into the hills scouting. These reported Buffalo. They made ready for the hunt. The fastest runners went ahead to encircle the herd. Buffalo always run towards the wind, but the runners drove them towards the other hunters. These formed a corral where they slaughtered the whole herd. The men with large families packed meat home; others followed behind. Meanwhile, some watched by the hollow tree. When the bird came out, before it could cry, Coyote caught it by the neck and pulled it to the ground. It had the head of a man and the body of a bird. The face was human but had no hair. The body had wings and a long neck. It was a frightful thing to see. Coyote clubbed the bird and threw it into the flames. Feathers flew up and turned into birds and flew away. The unburned bones Coyote crushed with his club. Finally out flew a white Raven and said, “When the world is about to end I will come to you again!” So Coyote told the people that was to be a sign to them.

Photos courtesy of The Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Public Media, The Homer News