About the Author

Judith has a distinguished history of volunteerism and advocacy. She contributed to the 1970 White House Conference on Children, served on the National Advisory Board to the Bureau of Land Management, and chaired the committee responsible for drafting the first Organic Act.

Her visionary leadership led to the creation of Ungwirwiiliik, the first in-village alcohol treatment program for Native families, earning her the Gold Pan Award from the Indian Health Service in 1990. She also received the David C. Charters award in 1996 for outstanding service in Human Resources from the United States Postal Service.

Her work on Alaska’s Mental Health Board (1994–1995) and the Governor’s Advisory Boards on Suicide Prevention (2003– 2004) and Alcohol and Drug Abuse (2003–2006) highlights her enduring commitment to improving lives.

Judith designed and directed Walking in Beauty—Roots & Wings, a healing retreat for Alaska Native women recovering from intergenerational trauma caused by boarding schools. Her dedication to this program extended from 2017 to 2024, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and healing.

In addition to her public service, Judith is a celebrated writer. She has published poems and stories in respected outlets, including Chaplaincy Today, Alaska Dispatch News, Cirque Journal, and Manifestations Journal. She also wrote and produced 100 daily prayers for a Christian radio station, showcasing her deep spiritual grounding and creative breadth.