Rita Pitka Blumenstein facts for kids

Rita Pitka Blumenstein (1936 – August 6, 2021) was a very important traditional doctor from Alaska. She was the first person to be officially certified as a traditional doctor in her state. Rita worked for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, an organization that helps Native Alaskan people with their health.

She was also a founding member of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. This is a special group of wise women from different native cultures around the world. They work to share ancient wisdom and protect the Earth. Rita was known worldwide as a natural healer.

Early Life and Yup'ik Roots

Rita Pitka Blumenstein was born in 1936 in Tununak, a village on Nelson Island, Alaska. Her mother was in a fishing boat when Rita was born. Sadly, Rita's father had passed away just a month before she was born. This made her feel sad and sometimes angry when she was growing up.

Rita was given a special Yup'ik name. It means 'Tail End Clearing of the Pathway to the Light'. Rita thought this name was perfect. She felt she was born at "the tail end of the old ways." This meant she was born when many traditional ways were changing.

Becoming a Healer

Rita's special healing gifts were noticed very early. The wise elders, especially the grandmothers of her tribe, saw her abilities. She began helping people heal when she was only four years old.

When Rita was nine, her great-grandmother gave her a very important gift. It was thirteen eagle feathers and thirteen stones. These were meant to be given to the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. Years later, when the Council first met, Rita shared these precious items with the other members. It was a very emotional moment for her.

After starting her healing work at age four, Rita also worked in hospitals. She helped doctors deliver babies in towns like Bethel and Nome. She kept learning from her elders. This learning helped her become the first certified traditional doctor in Alaska.

Teaching and Global Work

Rita Blumenstein traveled to more than 150 countries. She taught people about different cultures, basket weaving, songs, and dances. She used the money she earned to help Native American Colleges. Her teachings about the "Talking circle" have also been written down and shared. A talking circle is a way for people to share their thoughts and feelings respectfully.

In 2004, Rita was asked to join the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. This group works to protect the rights of native peoples. They also work to preserve traditional medicines and ancient wisdom. The Council even met with important religious leaders like Pope Benedict XVI and the Dalai Lama. Rita was interviewed about her work with the Council in 2011.

In 2009, Rita Blumenstein was honored for her amazing work. She was added to the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.

Personal Life and Wisdom

Rita Blumenstein was married for 43 years. Her husband was a Jewish man. Rita faced many challenges in her life. She also had her own health struggles. In 1995, she was diagnosed with cancer. This experience made her realize she needed to heal herself even more deeply. She understood that some of her illness was linked to the anger she felt about her father not being there.

Rita was dedicated to passing on her knowledge. She was training her granddaughter to become a healer. She wanted her granddaughter to continue their Yup'ik traditions.

Awards and Honors

• In 2006, Rita Pitka Blumenstein received a special honor. Both her Yup'ik tribe and her local mayor declared February 18th to be "Rita Pitka Blumenstein Day."
• In 2009, Rita was one of the first fifty women to be inducted into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.