Two Old Women

In the 1993 novella Two Old Women by Velma Harris, the harsh Alaskan climate and rigidity of tribal life set the stage for a life-changing journey marked by perseverance and passion. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, two elderly women find themselves in the fight of their lives, a fight they rise to with beauty and determination. The story of these two women, Sa’ and Ch’idzigyaak, has come to reverberate through the ages. Part of an Alaskan Athabascan tribe referred to as The People, Sa’ and Ch’idzigyaak are initially looked down upon by the other members of this group. Known for complaining, rather than contributing, the women find themselves victim to the tribe’s dog-eat-dog mentality during one particularly brutal winter. Unable to procure enough sustenance at their current campsite, The People decide to move on in search of large game such as caribou. However, they decide to make this journey without the two old women because they do not contribute enough to equal out what they take. Even Ch’idzigyaak’s daughter and grandson agree to leave them behind.

Before parting, Ch’idzigyaak’s grandson leaves her a hatchet, and her daughter leaves her a loose knot of rawhide strips known as a babiche. Ch’idzigyaak refuses to acknowledge them, stunned by their actions. Alone and virtually helpless, Ch’idzigyaak starts weeping for all that she has lost. Sa’, however, takes a different tack and motivates Ch’idzigyaak to fight for survival, instead of succumbing to an otherwise certain death. 

The women begin by building a fire and hunting for small game. They manage to score a squirrel, setting off a chain of hard-earned successes. During the night, they let their fire go out and realize how quickly they could die if they are not constantly vigilant and at work. They then decide to relocate, fearing other tribes may find them if they stay in this central location. 

The women place everything they own on pulling sleds made of caribou skins and trudge for days trying to find an old fishing spot The People had formerly inhabited. Finally, after crossing a fragile layer of ice covering a river, they find their former camp. At first, the women’s activity is stunted by an overwhelming swell of happy memories tied to this now forsaken place. However, Sa’ insists they forget and forge forward despite the mental anguish tied to their location. The women work hurriedly to insulate their area and set up animal traps. As the winter winds on, their hard work pays off and they are able to spend some time enjoying each other’s company, instead of spending every second on sleep and survival. 

Spring and summer bring new obstacles, and the women meet them all with fresh vigor. However, they do not know how to respond to the voice of Daagoo, a former tracker for The People, calling their names through the woods. Knowing they will be unable to hide forever, Sa’ gives away their location in response to Daagoo’s calls. Upon meeting with Daagoo and three young men, the women find out that The People are suffering again and have returned to the camp where they had abandoned the women. Daagoo explains that they are a search party sent out by The Chief in search of the women. Suspicious of The People’s motives, the women agree to help them but only from a distance. The men agree to this and report their findings to The Chief. The Chief, as well as the rest of community, decide to respect the women’s wishes and accept their gracious help. Slowly but surely, the women and The People reconvene, leading to many hard-earned lessons and happy reunions.