The Last of the Eyak - Annie's Lament

Annie was the last living member of the Eyak, a people who lived in Northwestern Alaska before the influx of American salmon canneries. Her people were displaced and died from exposure to western diseases. Old and frail, Annie walks along on the beach at low tide, wailing the tragic fate of her people.

My poor aunt - I couldn't believe you were going to die.

How would I hear you?

I wish this - to go back to you there.

You are no more.

I just break out in tears and lament.

All along here I'll go around

Life Ravens I'll live along.

My aunts are dying off on me and

along I'll be living.

[In Honor of Eyak: The Art of Anna Nelson Harry. Alaska Native Language Center, University of Alaska: 1982]