Grace T. Andreoff Smith

How healing and learning can overcome the fear of remembering.

Grace T. Andreoff Smith is a storyteller, an ensemble actress with the New Native Theatre, and a boarding school survivor who has been active in her Twin Cities American Indian Community for many years. Grace embodies the Yupik values of spirituality, love, sharing, hard work, respect, and humor, and lives them out loud every day. 

At 80 years young, she relies on strong bonds of kinship and fortitude to courageously share her story of being a boarding school survivor, a story that is not often told. Her spirit embodies Indigenous values and brings joy to all younger Native people lucky enough to encounter her bright and kind energy. 

Her stories of boarding school survival are almost unbelievable and must be documented. This gift will give Grace the opportunity to return home to Alaska and reconnect with her land and people. The visit will provide a sense of healing and peace that quells the fear of remembering a dark past that is often overcome by strength, love and prayer.