Altona Brown was born in 1904 in the midst of gold rush fever.  Miners moved in hoardes from the Klondike to Fairbanks to the Innoko to Ruby.  Steamboats churned the Middle Yukon in a frenzy to get the gold

Altona has learned to live with change.  The hardships she endured have left their mark on her tough but resilient character.  As a young girl she overcame polio.  And as elder her strong heart has already worn out several pacemakers.  Her ancestors were noted medicine people and many people think the knowledge was passed on.  She exudes a powerful presence.