Kathryn Dyakanoff Seller

With her new husband, she sailed to Atka, Alaska in 1909 to open a new school for the bureau, the first government-funded schoolhouse in the Aleutian Islands.

In widowhood, Kathryn, as she became known, returned to teaching at remote Alaskan schools that served Native students.

She developed her skills as a basketmaker,[5] served at various times as a midwife, health officer, reservation superintendent, and photographer.

[6][7] In 1950, her lifetime achievements were recognized with an award from the Department of the Interior and a medal from the United States Congress.

[1] A former student, Mary Peterson, recalled Kathryn Seller's kindness later in life: "Mrs.