Jeneen Frei Njootli
Q: Why did you choose this story?
"This story strikes a deep chord. It reminds me of my grandma, her strength and resourcefulness. I see that in a lot of women in the communities.
This is a story about never giving up. Whatever hand you are dealt, work hard, persevere.
Q: What did you learn?
I am impressed not only that the Abandoned Woman survived and became wealthy, but also that she was generous and helped her own people, despite how they treated her.
It is also a story about partnership, kinship, friendship. Her bond with another woman saved her life. I take that lesson. And it's good that she ended up with two husbands!
Q: What does 'Akwa' mean?
As a child, I enjoyed making things with my hands, drawing, sewing. I have always wanted to figure things out on my own, to understand how things fit together.
I wrote the Gwich'in word 'no' on the back of the cloak. For me learning how to say 'no' in our language is empowering. A tool, to be strong within ourselves. We can refuse.
Q: What does this story mean for young people today?
Young Gwich'in women have conversations around the idea of refusal. The Abandoned Woman is refusing death, refusing to let it overcome her. She is resilient.
The story inspires me to learn more survival skills, more about our traditional ways. I want to become stronger in myself."