For nearly 40 years, Laura Wright, one of the most well-known and beloved Alaskans, had designed, sewn, and sold parkas to customers both in Alaska and worldwide.  In 1947, she began by working out of her home.  Her husband had died leaving her with six children, ages 6 to 16, so she taught herself how to make commercial quality parkas out of the designs she had always sewn for her family.

Since then she has marketed her coats to customers around the world, including singer Willie Nelson, actress Shirley McLean, and the son of the Emperor of Japan.  The late Elvis Presley bought three.

Laura was born in the mining town of Candle, not far from Nome.  One of her brothers, William Beltz, was the first President of the Alaska State Senate after statehood.

For her own accomplishments in business, for her leadership in continuing the traditions of Native dancers, and for her charity work, she was named by the National Congress of American Indians as "The Outstanding Living Eskimo" in 1971.

Granddaughter Sheila Ezelle made an "Olympic Parky" for Anna to commemorate Alaska's bid for the 1992 Winter Olympics.