“My birthday is April 22, 1922. I still go to church with my cane, but I forget I have it sometimes and carry it {Laughs}! I walk a lot. When I get tired of staying in, I take a walk. My mom lived to be 104.
I was born in Qualla {fish camp above Kobuk, Alaska}. I used to always go with the dog team up to that white house up there, the Collins’ house. But when it was too snowy, when the snow was too deep, they would pick me up in their snow jeep. I used to work up there—clean the floor, wash the clothes. They were FAA {Federal Aviation Administration}, Mr. and Mrs. Collins—they had the landing field and plane. I used to take Suzie {daughter} up there when she was little. I had her before I got married, I had my Suzie. My husband couldn’t have kids.”
IAI. “What do you think is the secret to a long life?”
EC. “Drink lots of water, boiled water.” — Edna Commack is Inupiaq from Shungnak, Alaska.
