Velma Wallis

Velma May Wallis is an American writer of Gwich'in Athabascan Indian descent. Her books have been translated into 17 languages.

Early life

Wallis was born and raised in a remote Alaskan village near Fort Yukon, approximately northeast of Fairbanks. This location could be accessed only by riverboat, airplane, snowmobile or dogsled.

Personal life

Wallis, who has three daughters and a son, now divides her time between Fairbanks and Fort Yukon.

Awards

2003 American Book Award, for Raising Ourselves: A Gwich'in Coming of Age Story from the Yukon territory River
1993 Western States Book Award