Stella Krumrey
Stella Krumrey’s journey is a testament to her passion for preserving her community’s cultural heritage and language, a focus that has defined her life’s work and endeavors.
Stella was born in the village of Kaguyak and attended school in Old Harbor. Upon entering the workforce, she embarked on a diverse career path that has allowed her to build strong connections with a wide range of individuals.
In the late 1970s, Stella joined KANA as a Community Health Representative. After three years, she transitioned to a Community Health Aide, dedicating 33 years to the role and eventually becoming a Certified Community Health Practitioner and the Old Harbor Clinic Manager.
Stella’s contributions extend beyond healthcare. She served as President of the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor for six years and Council Member for ten, Vice Mayor of the City of Old Harbor for six years, and was a board member of the Old Harbor Native Corporation for three years. Her dedication to cultural preservation is evident in her contributions to the Alutiiq Museum’s publications and her participation in the 2018 Alaska Native Language Revitalization Institute workshop.
As a business owner, Stella runs the Mountain View Guest House, contributing to Old Harbor’s economic development. Married to Ray Krumrey for 34 years, they have one daughter and five other grown children from their previous marriages, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Stella emphasizes the importance of the Alutiiq language and culture for future generations: “The language is what is the culture; without the language, you wouldn’t have the culture.”
Stella Krumrey remains a passionate advocate for her community and culture. Her vision includes empowering individuals to take pride in their heritage, championing KANA’s impactful work, and increasing services to combat substance abuse in the rural communities of the Koniag Region.