Rev. Dr. Anna Frank photo: University of Alaska Fairbanks

My guest this episode has a long and distinguished life and career. Anna Frank was born and raised in Old Minto. At 15, she left the village for Fairbanks and a 57 year-long marriage with Richard Frank. In 1975, after raising their four children, she worked at creating the first health education department for Tanana Chiefs Conference. Her listening skills and engaging approach with people prompted TCC to train her in counseling. Those skills also attracted the attention of leaders in the Episcopal church, where Anna was ordained: first as a deacon, later as a priest – the first native woman Episcopal priest in Alaska. In 2019, the University of Alaska Fairbanks bestowed on Rev. Frank an honorary Doctorate of Laws degree. Our conversation was recorded last summer as part of UAF Summer Sessions’ Tall Timber series.