From April 18th through April 29th, 2005, in preparation for conceptual design of the new Norton Sound regional hospital in Nome, Alaska, the design team of Robert Lober, Mike Smith, Anne Schopf, JoAnn Wilcox and Duncan Davidson of Mahlum Architects traveled to the villages of Brevig Mission, Elim, Unalakleet, St. Michael, Shaktoolik, Koyuk, Gambell, Savoonga and Shishmaref in the Bering Strait region of Alaska. In visits with elders, students, leaders, healthcare staff and the villages at large, our intention was to gain a deeper understanding of the values, traditions and challenges facing the region's people and to obtain a deep appreciation of the integration of this rich culture with the physical place. These insights will be carried in the hearts and minds of the design team as we form and shape the place of healing and community that is to be the new Norton Sound regional hospital. The following is a collection of villagers' stories and images with observations from the team. From Moon of the Bird Sling.