Nora Guinn facts for kids

Nora Guinn (November 11, 1920 – July 6, 2005) was a very important American judge. She made history in Alaska! Nora was the first woman and the first person of Alaska Native heritage to become a District Court Judge there. In 2009, she was honored by being added to the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Education

Nora Venes was born in 1920 in a place called Akiak, Alaska. Her parents were Joe and Anna Venes. As a child, she went to school in Eklutna. Later, she moved to Portland, Oregon to finish high school.

In 1939, Nora married Charlie Guinn. After they got married, they moved back to Alaska. They lived and worked in a town called Tununak. There, they taught for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1945, they moved to Bethel, Alaska to raise their ten children.

Her Amazing Career

Before Alaska became a state, Nora Guinn became a United States Commissioner. This was an important legal job. When Alaska officially became a state, she became the first magistrate of Bethel in 1959. A magistrate is like a local judge who handles smaller cases.

In 1967, Nora became a District Court Judge for the state. This was a huge step, even though she wasn't a lawyer! She was the first woman and the first Alaska Native person to hold this position. Judge Guinn worked hard to teach law enforcement and other judges about the needs and rights of Alaska Natives. She often worked with another important leader, Sadie Brower Neakok.

In court, Judge Guinn would speak to people in English. If needed, she would also speak in Yupik. This helped everyone understand what was happening. She retired from her judge role in 1976. In 1978, the University of Alaska Anchorage gave her a special award called an honorary doctorate.

Later Life and Legacy

Nora Guinn received many awards for her work. In 1979, Bella Hammond, who was the First Lady of Alaska, gave her the First Lady's Volunteer Award. She was named Alaska Native Woman of the Year in 1983. The next year, she was named Calista Citizen of the Year.

Charlie Guinn, Nora's husband, passed away in 1993. Nora Guinn passed away in 2005. In 2009, she was honored by being inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame. The Alaska Bar Association even named an award after her! In 2007, the courthouse in Bethel was named the Bethel Courthouse after Nora Guinn, honoring her lasting impact.