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.

So, a few weeks ago I said to Chip, “I feel so bad for these women that live in deep red states.”

And he replied, “Heather, we do.”

I said, “No we don’t!”

And he said, “Yes we do, you just don’t see it in Haines and Juneau.”

And today? Don Young’s  seat went to a woman, a Native Alaskan, and a Democrat. It’s even her birthday!  I am over the moon. That is all .

Well, not quite:  To my Alaskan grandchildren girls ( and boys)  you now have your role model in Alaska’s one and only congresswoman: Represenative Mary Peltola. Let’s hope she keeps the seat.