BSNC congratulates shareholder Etta Tall on receiving the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Della Keats “Healing Hands” Award for her work as a Tribal Healer. This award recognizes an Alaska Native who has demonstrated strong commitment, competence and sensitivity as a tribal healer or health care provider and whose accomplishments have most directly affected Native people in their home communities. Tall was nominated by BSNC and recognized at the 2023 AFN Convention in Anchorage, AK.
Tall, a Tribal Healer with Norton Sound Health Corporation, is renowned for her knowledge of medicinal plants and her ability to utilize them in crafting soaps, creams and teas. When traveling within the Bering Straits region, she generously shares her expertise on plants and their medicinal properties with communities. Tall’s passion for plants extends to her engaging conversations and knowledge exchange with community members. She actively participates in activities and discussions related to suicide prevention, showcasing her dedication to the well-being of her community.
Tall’s journey in the medical field began after her high school graduation in 1988 when she trained as a combat medic in the Army National Guard. Over the years, she has served in various capacities, including as a traveling Health Aid, Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist and Family Health Navigator.
Tall was born on Little Diomede to Andrew Kunayak Sr. and the late Justina Kunayak Sr. Her maternal Grandparents Lily Okpealuk and Michael Kazingnuk are from Big Diomede. Her paternal Grandparents are John J. Kunayak and Florence Kiminock from Little Diomede. Her husband is Michael Tall, and her children are Albert, Lily, Michelle, the late Zaphenath-Paneah, Jeremy and Connor. Her grandchildren are Diane and Holden. Congratulations, Etta, on this well-deserved honor.