Raising Ourselves: A Gwich'in Coming of Age Story from the Yukon River

This story reminded me of my own growing-up years, not in Alaska, but on a reservation, nevertheless. It is a powerful book and reminds me of the strength our people have to survive, despite the odds, and interference of another culture. Velma, thanks for sharing in an honest and sensitive way, and letting us know we were not alone.

Raising Ourselves: A Gwich'in Coming Of Age Story From The Yukon River is the personal testimony of Velma Wallis (a full blooded member of one of the Gwich'in clans that had settled where the Porcupine River flows into the Yukon) on what it was like grow up as a Native American in an Alaska dominated by white teachers, traders, and missionaries. The endless battle against despair, alcoholism, and the loss or forgetting of all the ways that were once practiced permeate this courageous and thoughtful memoir. Raising Ourselves is a welcome, engagingly written, and very highly recommended addition to academic and community library Native American collections.

This is a fine follow-up to Alaskan Indian Velma Wallis's best selling book "Two Old Women," which is based on a story her mother told her, just before she would go to sleep in their two-room cabin in Fort Yukon in the Alaskan north country.It was a cabin she shared with her parents and 12 brothers and sisters, and in this book, she helps us to see every nook and corner of that cabin, including all kinds of interesting items under the beds, and that Alaskan staple, the chilly Outhouse.She describes the struggles her parents make just to keep the family fed and warm ---a real subsistence life-style. Then the changes in the 1970s, when television and a liquor store came in.Early in the book, she says that there were many times in her childhood when she was happy, but also a good number of times when she was unhappy because of the alcoholism affecting those around her.As a resident of rural, or "bush" Alaska, I feel that we could all use many more stories about village life in this last frontier, especially stories told by the Native people who live there.I share another reviewer's conclusion thanking Velma for her courage and insight. Also her appreciation of the tiny details in our daily lives, and finally, her sense of humor. No matter how difficult the winters or family circumstances can become, I've learned that a sense of humor always helps.I'm eagerly waiting for your next book Velma, and a movie as well.

I read Velma's book with great anticipation of something real and revealing, I was not disappointed. In my mind's eye and my heart I could feel the anguish and fear of her story. Because her story is my also my story.I too know and remember the little pleasures of simple things in a world of want. I too remember the hunger, the drunken quarrels and the shame instilled in us by drunken families. The desperately desired moments of loving kindness rarely given.Velma's story is a great act of personal courage. I admire her strength to tell such a tale. It should be read by all Alaskan Natives.Velma's story is a legacy we have left to our children. It is sometimes a very sad legacy. Now is the time to change. Velma teaches us how; talk openly and honestly of how we feel. Talk of what makes sad or happy.Velma has shared something very deeply personal. In her telling she has demonstrated the power of sharing. And that power of sharing has been a cultural heritage of our people long before the white man. We all stand taller when we share.Thank you Velma for a very good book. Good job!Patrick J. HoneaFairbanks, Alaska