"This book was originally published in 1993 by Epicenter Press"--Title page verso

Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine. Though these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community, and forgiveness "speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom" (Ursula K. Le Guin)

"Tenth anniversary edition published by Perennial in 2004"--Title page verso

1030L

Hunger and cold take their toll -- "Let us die trying" -- Recalling old skills -- A painful journey -- Saving a cache of fish -- Sadness among The People -- Stillness is broken -- A new beginning -- About the Gwich'in People