Mae Wallis, an Athabascan storyteller who inspired an international best seller, died Friday, June 16. She was 78.

Wallis was from the Gwich'in village of Fort Yukon. She spent most of her life passing on the histories of the Athabascan people.

Her stories inspired her daughter, Velma Wallis, to write ""Two Old Women." Based on an Athabascan legend, the book has sold more than a million copies.

Mae Wallis suffered from a stroke and chronic kidney failure. She died in a Fairbanks, surrounded by family and friends.

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Athabascan storyteller Mae Wallis dies (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 6/20)