I live and write on Lingít Aaní, and gratefully acknowledge the past, present and future caretakers of this beautiful place, the Jilkaat Kwaan and Jilkoot Kwaan.

It’s Good You Are Here

On Saturday the women’s choir sang “Precious Memories” and “How Great Thou Art” at the graveside funeral for Rowena Jones. Her daughter, Stacie Turner, asked us to just before rehearsal Thursday so we had one practice with the songs. (We...

The News From the Dog Walk

First of all, it was a beautiful morning, the kind that even if you live here takes a minute to sink in. The kind you might not believe exists without a photo– that still doesn’t do it justice. Then, as often happens when we walk our dogs my friend and I...

Home Again Dancing a Jig

Actually, I’m more of a jogger than a jigger, but you know what I mean. While I was away I missed a great wedding– Joanne and Phyllis got married on the Port Chilkoot Dock– and my friend Larry celebrated his 65th birthday. (Impossible!) And I...

Sweet Baby James Birthday Postcard

Well, we are all over the moon with little James Louis Lende Dorn — all 7lbs. 12oz., 21 ” of him—and especially all that red hair! I hadn’t notice that before I left them to get some sleep Wednesday morning. It had been a long eventful night at...

We Have a Grandson!

Sweet baby James was born at 4:55 this morning. He came out yelling and he looks like his cousins, and everyone is just terrific. Labor was strong and swift and we are all very happy with the outcome and taking long naps today.  (I will fill you in on his vitals...