I'm Nicole Whittern and I am an Aleut, a proud member of the Qawalangin Tribe. Native to Unalaska, Alaska. Unalaska is where I grew up, and the place I will always call home. My grandma, Kathryn Grimnes, was the head of the Aleut Corporation after WW1 when no one else would step in. She fought hard to save the corporation and support the people. My grandma is an Aleut elder, and she has taught me endless knowledge. I've learned how to stand strong in my beliefs, work hard, and that nothing is impossible. In 2006, my mother decided my siblings and I would move from Unalaska, AK to Bellingham, WA to give us a better opportunity to thrive athletically. I still visit the island every summer. In the summer I work for my grandma, attend an Aleut
