Alaska Native Medical Center: A Place of Healing, A Celebration of Heritage

As Compass Group continues honoring Native American Heritage Month, we turn our focus north to the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) in Anchorage – a place where culture and care are woven together.

ANMC is more than a hospital; it’s a healing hub that serves Alaska Native and American Indian people from across the state’s 200-plus villages and communities. Its mission is grounded in respect, tradition, and holistic wellness – values that also inspire the Crothall Healthcare team members who support patients there.

Meet five associates – Irene Jackson, Bibiana Prince, Joseph Smith, Adrienne George, and Veneta Fox – whose stories reflect the spirit of Alaska Native heritage and pride in serving others.

“I’m Irene Jackson from White Mountain, Alaska. Being part of the Native American community means staying connected to my heritage, traditions, and the values of my ancestors,” Irene shares.

After 27 years as a housekeeper at ANMC, her pride in her work runs deep. “I’m glad to be working at the Alaska Native Hospital, helping Native people get well and seeing them happy,” she says. Irene hopes her story reminds others of the importance of resilience and preserving traditions. “I hope sharing this can inspire others to appreciate their roots and the strength that comes from cultural identity.”

Born in a small village near Kotlik, Alaska, Bibiana Prince learned early on the value of care and service. “Mother always showed me how to clean, and I fell in love with it ever since!” she says with a smile.

For nearly three decades, Bibiana has carried that same love into her work as a housekeeper at ANMC. “Now I get to serve her community doing what I love,” she adds – a simple but powerful reflection of devotion and continuity.

Born in Wasilla, Alaska, Joseph Smith moved to Anchorage in 2008. His family is from the Nome area, in a village called Mary’s Igloo.

“Now, I’ve been working here as an Administrative Assistant for five years and love every part of it!” Joseph shares. His story represents a bridge between Alaska’s rural roots and its larger communities – each linked by shared heritage and a commitment to caring for one another.

For Adrienne George, connection to her heritage began early on. “In middle school, I learned a lot about my Alaska Native heritage. My teacher’s name was Snowball, and it means a lot to me to stay connected with my culture,” she notes.

Through high school, Adrienne participated in Native dancing and community gatherings led by elders and teachers. “My grandma used to take me to Alaska Native gatherings – there were different spaces where I could experience the culture,” she recalls.

Now, in her role for the past three years as a linen attendant at ANMC, Adrienne continues that sense of community through everyday acts of service that honor her roots.

Two months into her role as a housekeeper at ANMC, Veneta Fox already feels at home. “My family is from Kotzebue, Alaska, but I was born and raised in Anchorage,” she says. “I love to work at ANMC because I get to know more of my culture through the people and the lovely artwork!”

Her enthusiasm reflects what makes ANMC such a meaningful place – where healing and heritage are woven together.

At the Intersection of Heritage, Healing and Compassion

At the Alaska Native Medical Center, the stories of associates like Irene, Bibiana, Joseph, Adrienne, and Veneta reflect the enduring resilience of Alaska Native people, and the strength that continues to guide and sustain communities. Their dedication and care honor generations who came before them and help create a place where heritage, healing, and compassion intersect every day.