Family, Fish, and the Art of Belonging

In a small Alaskan community, life revolved around salmon.

• The men and boys would venture out in boats to catch the fish.
• The women waited on shore.

The salmon they caught weren't the biggest, but there were plenty of them.

• The kids would play in the water.
• They would swim and enjoy the sunny days.

Life was simple and carefree.

The Return of the Boats

When the boats returned, heavy with the day's catch, the women would gather to cut the fish.

• It was a task that brought joy and laughter.

The writer remembers their first job at the cutting table, cleaning the fish with their cousins.

• It was a simple task.
• But it was an important one.

A Special Tool

One day, the writer's mom handed them a special tool, an ulu, a traditional Alaskan knife.

• It was a big moment.
• A sign that they were ready to learn the real craft of cutting fish.

With their mom's guidance, they cut their first fish.

• It wasn't perfect.
• But it was a start.

Their dad praised them, telling them they were doing important work.

• It was a moment they would never forget.

A Yearly Tradition

The writer's job of cutting fish has become a yearly tradition.

• It's a job they love.
• Because it's done with love.
• It connects them to their family and community.

It's more than just preparing food for the winter.

• It's a reminder that they are important and loved.

A Darker Side

But the article also hints at a darker side.

• The writer mentions that climate change wasn't a part of their daily vocabulary back then.

It's a reminder that things are changing, and not always for the better.

• The simple, carefree life they knew is under threat.