As a nurse for the past 12-years, I
first went to care for Ace's son who required dialysis and continual attention. Then years later, I again found myself
returning to his side when he had three-quarters of his lung removed. Ace was forced to retire early, sell his business
and relocate to a more climate-friendly environment.
I lived with Ace and his family and
charged them nothing for my nursing services -- and I expected nothing in return. So, believe me when I say I was blow
away when I came home to find a giant box with this fantastically beautiful regalia inside.
There was a big lump in my throat as
I read the letter inside the box. "...I want you to have my regalia," Ace said. "I can't dance with it anymore
so considerate payment for when you stayed with us taking care of me and my family. Do not send it back, you may do
with it as you wish..."
My decision to put the regalia up for
sale was very difficult. Finally, I reasoned that because I am Tlinget and Athabaskan of Alaska I would sell it because
I do not dance Plains style. Besides, I need the money desperately now. I am trying to make it home to Alaska
to live by my family. I currently live on the East coast and my father has serious health problems and I am needed.
Yeah, Ace said to go ahead and sell it or do as I wanted with the regalia, but the decision was still rough. I
still don't honestly think that if it were my own cultural/tribal regalia I would be able to sell it.
