In this quarter's feature, we are honored to share the reflections of Theodore Edwards, also known as “Eski” a respected elder who has lived a life full of hard work, responsibility, and invaluable lessons learned from his family and experiences. Eski’s parents were Teddy and Ida Edwards and his grandparents were Albert and Anna Edwards of Holy Cross Alaska. From his early days with his uncle at fish camp to his decades-long career as an electrician, Eski’s journey offers a powerful narrative of perseverance, family, and wisdom.
Lessons from the Past
Eski fondly recalls the summers spent with his Uncle Evan Edwards. "I trapped with my uncle right after 8th grade," he explains. "He taught me how to trap in winter and fish at fish camp in summer/fall, where we stayed from the end of May to August. We had to fish for our dogs, and in winter, we trapped to pay our bills. That was the only way we made ends meet." Those formative years spent in the outdoors, learning to fend for himself, shaped his approach to life and work.
As Eski grew older, his path led him to become an electrician. Some officials from Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) visited Holy Cross and offered trade school to anyone who wanted to learn. He accepted the invitation and went to school in Los Angeles, California. When he completed his training he returned to his home village to marry Eva Capsul. Together, they raised two children, Theo and Josephine. After years of hard work and dedication, Eski retired in 2020 from the Anchorage School District, where he spent 24 years of his career.
Family and Legacy
When asked about his proudest achievements, Eski immediately highlights his family. "My kids were the most important thing in my life," he says. "Getting an education and taking responsibility for my family were also major accomplishments." He credits his wife Eva for her role in his success. "When I quit drinking and had kids, Eva had a lot to do with that," he explains.
Josephine, Eski’s daughter, now has a daughter of her own, Maleah, continuing the family legacy.
Advice for the Younger Generation
When it comes to advice for today’s youth, Eski doesn’t hold back. He strongly emphasizes the importance of education and discipline. "Any opportunity you get to go to school and learn a trade, take it. But you’ve got to quit drinking," he said. "That’s why a lot of kids don’t leave the village – they don’t see what’s possible without alcohol." He stresses the importance of work ethic and responsibility. "Once you have a family, you must accept your responsibility. Having a routine and working hard is not hard once you get into it. Make your priorities while you’re young and pursue them."
For Eski, it all comes down to self-discipline, setting goals, and working towards them. "Get your high school diploma, get an education, and if you want to go further, pursue college. But no matter what, get your high school diploma first."
Reflections on the Changing World
Looking back at his life, Eski is most proud of his journey toward self-improvement. "Quitting drinking was the number one accomplishment for me," he shares. "And after that, taking responsibility for my family. I made a promise to myself that I could reach my goals and keep going further."
He also reflects on the changes he’s seen in the world around him. "The world is changing, especially the climate," he observes. Like last winter, "The fireweed doesn’t blossom all the way like it used to, birds come and go earlier, and the height of the grass changes year after year."
In the past, life’s challenges were met with a different pace and sense of respect for the community. "Long ago, when someone passed, no one did anything for a week. No movies, no dances, until the person was laid to rest. Nowadays, things move on quickly. The old ways of thinking are gone, but some things still hold on."
Final Thoughts
Eski’s life is a testament to the power of discipline, responsibility, and family. As he moves forward, he has a good message of wisdom and strength for future generations. His message is clear: work hard, make responsible choices, and always strive to improve on your best. His story is one of resilience, and his words serve as an important reminder for all of us to take care of ourselves and our families, to pursue our goals, and to always respect the lessons passed down through generations.
