Peterson, Mary (1927–)

views updated

Peterson, Mary (1927–)

Native Alaskan midwife. Born Mary Peterson, Sept 18, 1927, in Akhiok, on Kodiak Island, Alaska; dau. of Ephrezenea Peterson and Teacon Peterson; m. Willy Eluska (died); Walter Simeonoff; children: (1st m.) 5; (2nd m.) 13.

Native Alaskan midwife, practiced midwifery in the Alutiiq village of Akhiok on Kodiak Island; elected Akhiok's midwife (1947) after having delivered roughly 25 children; respected traditional Native practices of midwifery (e.g., keeping mothers warm and relaxed); also served as a community nurse.

More From encyclopedia.com