An Alaskan Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival
Ms. Wallis relates a story her mother shared with her when she was a youth. Ms. Wallis views stories from elders to youth as a gift. In her introduction she laments how television has stolen these opportunities to sit with elders and hear their stories. This book was published in 1993 before smart phones, tablets etc!
The People, part of the Gwich'in band in Alaska, were suffering from malnutrition and starvation during this hard winter. Food was scarce. Sometimes The People would leave behind the weak, elderly people for "the good" of the rest of the tribe. The chief decided that they must leave behind Ch'idzigyaak (in her 80s) and Sa' (in her 70s). The two women are shocked. They are not weak (although they have complained about their age and their inability to do work like they used to) and know they would not hinder the group.
The women set out to prove The People wrong and discover they are still strong and capable of survival. An amazing story of survival and forgiveness.
A good book to stimulate thoughts about complaining, aging, how to view and care for the elderly, and the importance of remaining physically active.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
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