Pauline
Dushkin was born in the village of Nikolski, to Steven
and Dora Bezezekoff. As a young lady during World
War II, she was evacuated along with her family and
other villagers to internment camps in Southeast
Alaska.
Her mother passed away while in the internment camps,
and she assumed the role of motherhood in raising
her siblings, there and upon returning to Nikolski.
In 1955 she married Valentine Dushkin, they celebrated
nearly 50 years of marriage and raised 6 children,
John, Dora, Marsha, Clara, David, and Susan. Val passed
away in 2005, and he is still dearly missed by all
that knew him.
Pauline learned the cultural ways of becoming an Unangan
lady. Pauline mastered Unangan basket weaving and
to this day still weaves beautiful Aleut baskets.
She not only passed basket weaving down to her children,
but she has also passed on the Unangan language to
them also.
Pauline was the Health aide in Nikolski for 25 years
and also an active school board member for many years
with the Nikolski School. In 1995 she retired as Health
Aide and today, still resides in Nikolski where she
is active in the community and is the eyes and ears
for Peninsula Airways.
Her
proudest and cherished times are contributing to the
activities at the St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in
Nikolski. She is a loving and devoted mother and grandmother
to her children and grandchildren, many whom reside
throughout Alaska and the lower 48. She is the kindest
and caring person you’ll have the pleasure of
meeting. She is an Unangan lady, mother and community
leader, bringing a high level of respect in her village
and through the Unangan region.
The Aleut Corporation
Board of Directors on behalf of the Aleut Shareholders,
congratulate you on becoming the 2007 Aleut Elder
of the Year. Congratulations Pauline...
Pauline and Family
