Ellen Paneok facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ellen Evak Paneok
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| Born |
Ellen Evak Burgandine
October 17, 1959 |
| Died | March 2, 2008 (aged 48) |
| Known for | First female pilot of indigenous Alaskan ancestry |
Ellen Evak Paneok (born October 17, 1959 – died March 2, 2008) was an amazing Alaskan pilot. She was the very first woman of Inupiat heritage to become a licensed pilot in Alaska. Ellen was also a talented artist and writer. She was honored in the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame in 2012 for her achievements.
Ellen's Early Life and Background
Ellen Evak was born on October 17, 1959. Her mother, Bernice Evak Burgandine, was of Inupiat ancestry. Her father was Ron Burgandine from the United States Air Force. There are different stories about where Ellen was born, either in Bedford, Virginia, or in Kotzebue, Alaska.
Ellen's mother gave her the nickname "Paneok" when she was a child. This special name means "fish's tail." Later, Ellen legally changed her last name to Paneok. Growing up, Ellen faced some tough times. She had to help care for her two sisters. Eventually, the children were placed in different foster homes. Ellen had a difficult time as a teenager, but she always dreamed big.
Ellen's Exciting Aviation Career
Ellen found her passion for flying after reading a magazine article. In 1976, she started working towards her dream of becoming a pilot. She used money from the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to pay for lessons. Ellen was so focused on flying that her counselors asked her to attend therapy sessions!
She often skipped school to go to flying lessons at Merrill Field. To keep paying for her lessons, Ellen started making and selling beautiful scrimshaw art to tourists. Scrimshaw is a type of carving, often done on ivory.
In 1979, Ellen earned her pilot's license. This made her the first female licensed pilot of Indigenous Alaskan ancestry. A year later, she survived a plane crash in her Piper Tri-Pacer. She was injured but recovered.
Because of some health reasons, Ellen couldn't become an aerobatics pilot. Instead, she became a bush pilot. Bush pilots fly small planes to remote areas, carrying important cargo and passengers to places other pilots might not go. It's a very challenging and important job in Alaska!
Ellen also worked as an operations inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). She was also a safety coordinator for the Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation.
In 1996, Ellen had an article called "With Trusting Eyes Behind Me" published in Alaska Magazine. The next year, in 1997, she was a special guest at the "Women in Flight" exhibit at the National Air and Space Museum. One of the cool stories she shared was about needing to clear polar bears off an airstrip before her plane could land!
Ellen's Legacy and Impact
Ellen Evak Paneok passed away on March 2, 2008. On March 7, 2008, Senator Lisa Murkowski honored Ellen in the United States Senate. This special tribute was recorded in the Congressional Record.
Ellen was a kind person who volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She helped mentor children who needed support. She was also a member of several important aviation groups, including the International Organization of Women Pilots, the Alaska Ninety-Nines, and the Alaska Airmen's Association.
Today, you can see her amazing ivory scrimshaw and original paintings in museums across Alaska. In 2012, Ellen was recognized for her incredible life and work by being inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.
The Alaskan Aviation Safety Foundation also offers a scholarship in Ellen Paneok’s name, helping new pilots achieve their dreams. [1]
