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Rita Pitka Blumenstein



Rita Pitka Blumenstein (1936–2021) was an America-born traditional healer and spiritual leader. She was a Yup’ik tribal elder and a member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers since its founding in 2004. She was the first certified traditional doctor in Alaska and was a tribal doctor at the Southcentral Foundation, an Alaska Native–owned healthcare organization that serves Alaska Native and American Indians.

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04:51

Healing Prayer: Grandmother Rita Pitka

An audio prayer, from Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein .

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Grandmothers Counsel the World: Women Elders Offer Their Vision for Our Planet

We are thirteen indigenous grandmothers. . . .

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Doctor Rita

One patient had just left. Another was due in an hour. Rita Blumenstein -- Doctor Blumenstein -- sat in her easy chair and recalled her first memory of healing someone, the day almost 60 years ago when she prevented an infection from dog bites. The patient was her mother. Rita was 4 years old.

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For the Next 7 Generations

In 2004, 13 Indigenous Grandmothers from all four corners, moved by their concern for our planet, came together at a historic gathering, where they decided to form an alliance: The International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers. This is their story.

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Renowned Alaska Native Healer Blumenstein Hopscotches from Old World to New

In the years that I have had the honor of calling Rita Pitka Blumenstein "Auntie," I have felt privileged every time this renowned healer has invited me into her home.

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08:54

Elder Rita—Story of a White Raven

Yupik Elder Rita Blumenstein reads the story of a white raven.

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Grandmother: Rita Pitka Blumenstein | Yupik, Alaska/USA

Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein was the first inhabitant of Alaska to be certified as a traditional healer even though she had never attended an official school. Instead, she spent much of her time with the wise female elders of her tribe.

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14:26

Amaurluq Bamiovan: Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein - Yupik - Traditional Wisdom, Song & Prayer

This is a collection of audio & video segments from Grandmother Rita Pitka Blumenstein., with some additional photos and quoted words of wisdom, from Grandmother. There is also two different versions of a song "Yuiarraq" with Grandmother singing. and an audio prayer.

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