Laura Beltz Wright

Laura Beltz Wright (1909–1996), Inupiaq, was born in Candle, Alaska. From 1942 to 1947, she was one of 23 women members of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) during World War II, which enlisted Alaska Natives as volunteers to patrol in case of a Japanese invasion. As a private in the ATG, she was best known as a sharp shooter, and also delivered mail. Later in life Beltz Wright became known for designing parkas.

World War II Beltz Wright was part of the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG) during World War II, which patrolled the coastline to provide intelligence on any enemy operations nearby and rescued any downed airmen. While most women were typically nurses, Beltz Wright stepped outside traditional norms and was a sharpshooter. The parkas incorporate traditional Alaska Native designs in them. Some of her parkas are in the collection of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Notable celebrity clients who wore her parkas included Elvis Presley, Willie Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Shirley Jones and Burl Ives. and currently owns and operates a storefront in Anchorage, Alaska.

Recognition It wasn't until 2000 that ATG members received veteran status. In 2017 Beltz Wright's family accepted her discharge papers from the government. In her obituary, it is mentioned that she was listed in Who's Who of American Women in 1967 and nominated for Alaska Mother of the Year award in 1968. After Hagberg died in 1948, she married Dallas A. Wright in 1951. Wright died in 1981. During this time, Beltz Wright also served as a midwife for her community.