Two Old Women

In a tent beside Porcupine river, a family gathers after a day of woodcutting for a night of storytelling. The narrator explains that her hardworking mother, whom the narrator looks up to, often tells “bedtime stories” (XV) even though the narrator is no longer a child. They reflect on the perseverance of generations past before discussing the two women who star in her mother’s story. The narrator equates stories with “gifts” (XVI) that are exchanged between generations, and then laments the lack of this particular gift in modern, fast-paced society.

The People, a nomadic tribe living in the arctic area of Alaska, face starvation constantly. They often cannot access food in the winter because the animals are either in hiding or are consumed by other animals facing the same paltry food supply. Hunting is especially strenuous during this time, so hunters are fed first, leaving many women and children to die. There are two old women the tribe cares for: Ch’idzigyaak and Sa’, who are known for whining about the difficult conditions and relying on walking sticks when traveling, both of which are looked down upon by the group. During one particularly atrocious winter, The Chief decides to leave them behind because of the additional “burden” (5) they present.