Unique story of Eskimo ’reindeer queen’ distributed nationally

Submitted by Tammy Tragis-McCook
Phone: 907-474-1890
12/05/07

KUAC-TV has partnered with independent filmmaker Maria Brooks to present "The Reindeer Queen," the tale of Sinrock Mary, an elderly Eskimo woman fighting to save her reindeer herd from the Gold Rush rumrunners and drifters. Rare archival photographs and film footage, combined with shared memories from Sinrock Mary’s granddaughters, bring this remarkable story to life.

The film will be distributed via American Public Television. As presenting station, KUAC-TV will assist with representation, communications and technical aspects of distribution. The film will be broadcast on AlaskaOne on Thursday, Dec. 13 at 9 p.m.

The daughter of an Eskimo woman and a Russian trader, Mary’s life mirrored the turbulent times in the Arctic in which she lived. Mary and her husband Charlie Antisarlook were the first Alaska Natives to have their own reindeer herd. When Charlie died in an epidemic, Mary became the owner of the largest reindeer herd in the North and the wealthiest woman in the territory.

About the producer
Maria Brooks currently lives in Oakland, Calif., not far from the docks. She is a former high school teacher who has produced, written and directed historical documentaries appearing on public television stations around the country. Her programs often focus on maritime themes and capture characters in conflict, responding to events beyond their control. The filmmaker is particularly drawn to true stories unknown to most television audiences.

About American Public Television
For 46 years, American Public Television has been a prime source of programming for the nation’s public television stations. APT is known for its leadership in identifying innovative, worthwhile and viewer-friendly programming. It has established a tradition of providing public television stations with program choices that strengthen and customize their schedules, such as "America’s Test Kitchen From Cook’s Illustrated," "Battlefield Britain," "The Big Comfy Couch," "Globe Trekker," "Great Museums," "Lidia’s Family Table," "Rick Steves’ Europe," "P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home" and other prominent documentaries, dramatic series, how-to programs and classic movies. For more information about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org.