Review by Alexander Ketzler

My Own Trail
Howard Luke
Alaska Native Knowledge Network
Edited by Jan Steinbright Jackson
1998

Is this a fiction or non-fiction story?
This is a non-fiction story of the recounting of the life and times of the author Howard Luke.

Is this story based upon cultural, and/or Indigenous knowledge(s)?
Yes, it is a story that is based on cultural and Indigenous knowledge's, and in my opinion there could have been no better author to write about this story as this is basically an autobiography of Howard's life in his own words.

Is the story an infringement on cultural intellectual knowledge(s)?
I personally feel that the story does not. Howard Luke is telling the story of his life and life's events and I believe that he is entitled to do so.

What is the author's background, i.e.: reliability, credibility?
Howard Luke was born at Linder Lakes, in the early years of his life he lost his father; it was soon after the death of his father his family moved to his mother's home village of Chena, Alaska. Howard then learned about the area of Chena and the inhabitants both Indigenous and immigrants. He has lived there at the old village site for the remainder of his life. Unfortunately, he is the last sole remaining Indigenous inhabitant. He has in the mean time created a culture camp at his home site that is used by the University of Alaska, and various education departments throughout the United States.

What are the character(s), theme(s), and plot(s) of the story?
The book is dedicated to his mother Susie Silas, and stepfather John Silas. He talks of his early years when they hunted and trapped in the outlying Chena area, and the hardships that they all endured. He talks of the early years spent at Fairbanks, Alaska and learning how to work for wages at various places around the town.

What is the purpose of the story?
I personally believe that this book is Howard Luke's attempt to document the knowledge that he holds, and also is trying to pass on his information on his family's genealogy as he has a big extended family. He is generously giving them his story and information. As a strange coincidence as I was writing this paper, Anthony Brown who is the great-great-grandson of Howard's grandmother who for the first time saw pictures of his family, and I have given him my copy of Howard's book.

Are the characters in the story real people?
I have not come across a fictional character while I was reading the book. In another coincidence this summer while I was cutting fish at camp a woman got out of a car and said "does anyone here know me?" I said "well, who are you?" She said, "I am Mabel Andrews!" I told her that I have heard of her and her family and that I knew her family was from Chena, and related to me by my step-great-grandfather. She went on to say that she read Howard's book and was suppressed that he had written about her. She had a small criticism about the book and I said to her, "Now, now, Mabel he can say and write about whatever he wants, and when we sit down to write ours, we will do the same thing."

Are the illustrations/photographs accurate and/or appropriate?
Yes, they were! And I might add that the photographs and illustrations gave a lot of merit to the book as he has photographs that span over a hundred year span.

Are there any stereotypical and demeaning portrayals in the story?
There is only one instance where that is the case, and he carefully alludes to it to himself, when he was talking of his drinking days.

What was your overall feeling of the book? Did you like/dislike the book?
I very much enjoyed the book and my only regret is that I felt it was too short. Howard has a wealth of information and stories, and perhaps in the future he will write more.

How did the story make you feel?
The story has given me a sense of history and a feeling of belonging. There were a lot of areas that he could expound on and elaborate more. However, I do see him every once in a while, and I always try and talk to him and ask him questions.

Was the story respectful of its subjects?
Yes, for the most part he was very respectful of his subjects in the book, save for himself in certain places, pages 83-87.

Was the language, vocabulary, used correctly?
Yes, they were all used correctly and there was also a hint of village vernacular throughout the book that really encapsulated Howard's style.

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