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.

From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving… [some may even be in heaven] let’s take a moment of silence to think about those people now.” 

From Fred (Mr.) Rogers 2001 commencement address at Middlebury College (my alma mater)  on the 10th anniversary of 9/11 (and my husband’s 55th birthday.)