Two Old Women [Anniversary Edition]: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival Paperback – November 5, 2013

I admire those who follow the history of their ancestors, and, especially, pass down legends, stories to encourage the youth of specific cultures. After reading The Legend of Two Old Women, I wanted to learn about their present lives, so I found several videos that I enjoyed, and am sharing for your possible interest as well....on my blog...Velma Wallis, an Alaskan writer from the Athabascan people, has been writing the legends handed by her ancestors and has received wide attention. I was honored to learn of her heritage...and, as an older woman, not yet as old as the Two Old Women, I gained a new perspective--perhaps, even hope, as I read their stories.Is the legend totally true? To me it is irrelevant. It is clear that whoever the first woman or women who shared their story, wanted to make sure that change in custom needed to be made... just as some authors now write to bring about change in today's world.The Athabasca people were nomadic, moving as the weather changed, trying to keep alive by going where basic needs could be met. But some winters became so bad that death came on the winds, pushing the group to pick up and move again.The two old women were old, but they still provided for The People by tanning animal skins in trade for support by others. But the arrangements for the two women slowed the others down. Even the daughter of one of them had voted to leave them. Custom had been established, still the daughter and grandson were devastated they had to choose and the mother was heartbroken at their betrayal. Of course, both women felt they were providing support and should have been allowed to continue...This is the story of those two elders, as they watched The People walk away, leaving them with minimal support, assuming they would die soon...The book has small drawings to complement the story, while the writing is lyrically presented as gifted natural storytellers present. This is a book of despair, but courage that can only be found when a human is forced to deal with the reality that exists at any given time.Most of us will never know or comprehend this type of suffering and hunger, and fear as death walks behind, waiting. Yet, the stark reality of many of our ancestors shows us what we can really do if it is demanded. Even today, as we no longer fear the dangers historically faced, many of our elders, our older generation fear of hunger, fear of lack of medical support, homelessness...still exists!Two Old Women is recognition of the strength of women, in particular. We are able to recognize and learn from the legends of former women, and men, who have worked to learn from the past and establish what will be our present and future. It is important to remember the past, see what happened, and move on from there..."if we are going to die anyway, let us die trying!"Don't pass up this opportunity to read about Two Old Women... Highly recommended...GABixlerReviews

Short Book with lots to consider regarding Developmental Milestones of Our Older Generation.

Good book. Pleasant read. Nice book for book discussion group.

It's a stirring old Athabascan Indian tale. In the midst of a famine, the tribe regretfully decides they must leave behind those who are a burden for the tribe so that the tribe as a whole can be saved. Two old women are forced to remain behind while the tribe moves to hopefully better hunting grounds. They know this is a virtual death sentence for the two women, but they feel they have no choice or they will all die.It is not a political book but mirrors what happens with welfare as opposed to those who take responsibility for themselves and learn the self-esteem that comes as a result. These two old women were content to let others care for them and acted helpless while constantly complaining about their comfort levels, so the tribe came to believe that they were indeed a burden to the tribe that they could no longer support.The two old women, after their initial shock, decided they would not just passively wait to die but to do what they could to survive. They learned new survival skills and honed long-disused skills to keep themselves alive, and in the process, they learned self-esteem and independence, one day at a time.When the tribe came back in the spring, sadly expecting to find them dead, they were awed and thrilled to find the two old women proudly waiting for them, alive and in better shape than the rest of the tribe. They earned new respect, both from the tribe and for themselves, and a permanent sense of independence.The story is very touching and profound at a very simple level...one of my favorite books. I've bought several copies to give away as gifts. It's a testament to the human spirit and what it can do. No one knows if it is a true story or not, but the spiritual truths are obvious.The author states: "Within each individual on this large and complicated world, there lives an astounding potential greatness." The book demonstrates this truth beautifully. Thanks, Velma!

The story was good. Just wanted more.

This book has been 'borrowed' from me a few times. It is excellent for pre-teens and older ones. It is about and Indian tribe. They need to find food and shelter during the winter season. Unfortunately some elderly women are unable to travel with them.What will they do? How will they all survive, or will they?There's a surprise ending which gives you a lot to think about!Will teach the younger ones a wonderful lesson about their elders.This book can be read in one sitting. It's a keeper!

Looking to support local authors, this is a good read. While the storyline is similar, the descriptions about the land, weather, the clothing, foot coverings could have used more detailed descriptions. The best part, the tale and moral of the story resonates with many cultures and speaks of the human will to survive.