Sinrock Mary facts for kids
Changunak Antisarlook Andrewuk (1870-1948) was an amazing Inupiaq woman. She was also known as Sinrock Mary or the Queen of Reindeer. She became one of the wealthiest women in Alaska because of her hard work with reindeer.
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Early Life and Skills
Changunak was born in 1870. Her mother was Inupiaq, and her father was Russian. He worked as a trader on the Seward Peninsula. Mary grew up speaking English, Russian, and Inupiaq.
She was raised in St. Michael, Alaska. Her mother taught her many important skills. These included tanning animal hides and sewing. She also learned about herbal remedies and Inupiat culture.
Starting with Reindeer
In 1899, Mary married Charles Antisarlook, an Inupiat man. They moved to Cape Nome. Mary worked as a translator for Michael A. Healy. Healy brought the first Siberian reindeer to Alaska. These reindeer helped feed and support the local Indigenous communities.
Charles Antisarlook became an apprentice in reindeer herding. After his training, the couple received their own reindeer. Sadly, Charles died from the measles in 1900.
Becoming the Reindeer Queen
After Charles's death, Mary faced a challenge. Because she was an Inupiat woman, some people tried to stop her from owning the property. But Mary fought for her rights. She managed to keep her reindeer herd, which had about 500 animals. This made her one of the richest women in Alaska.
Her herd was first kept near Sinuk (Inupiaq: Sinġaq). This small settlement was also called "Sinrock." That's where Mary got her famous nickname. For practical reasons, Mary moved her herd south.
She sold reindeer meat to the United States Army in the area. The region became very busy after gold was discovered. In 1901, Mary moved her family and reindeer to Unalakleet, Alaska.
Growing the Herd and Family
In 1902, Mary married Andrew Andrewuk, another Inupiat man. Mary adopted children and taught them how to herd reindeer. She also taught other members of her tribe. Under her care, the reindeer herd grew to 1,500 animals at its largest. She also trained ten apprentices.
The Sinuk settlement, where she first lived, did not do well. It was greatly affected by influenza in 1916.
Interpreter and Traveler
Mary was also very good with languages. She was often asked to be a linguist and interpreter. She worked on government-supported trips in Alaska. She even traveled beyond Alaska into Siberia. She also traveled with Sheldon Jackson, a well-known educator.
Legacy
Mary died in 1948. Her amazing life story was told in a documentary. It was called "The Reindeer Queen: Once the Richest Woman in Alaska – The True Story of Sinrock Mary." This film came out in 2000. In 2009, Mary was honored. She was welcomed into the Alaska Women's Hall of Fame.
