Where I’m From

I am from Cape Karluk

That I hiked when I was only 10

Where my uncle’s cross sits

Where he watches over us.

I am from the Karluk River

Where king salmon dance

Where us kids swim like sea otters.

I am from both the big and litte dipper

That shine bright overhead in the night sky.

I am from the low bush blueberries and cranberries

That I ditch school for with my auntie to pick

That taste both sweet and sour.

I am from the smoked red salmon

That fills my stomach

That smells like happiness.

I am from my parents’ hard work.

From my mom and auntie’s laughter

That sounds like crows talking.

I’m from the strong, independent women in my family

That fight every day like Amazonian warriors

From their cooking that feeds us

The ciduk

The peroq

The ologiks.

From their hands that comfort me

That braid my hair

That feel my forehead when I’m sick

That never seem to stop moving

That never seem to stop working.

I am from my little siblings’ smiles

That fill my heart with light.

But most importantly,

I am from my home.