Warrior Girl Unearthed

by Angeline Boulley

“My parents own the motel,” Erik clarifies. “My mom and I are tribal members.” I correct him. “Tribal citizens. Members belong to clubs. Citizens belong to nations.”

I stare at random tourists and wonder how they would react to their ancestors being stolen for research. I’m guessing they would see it as sacrilege. So why were my relatives fair game?

PAULINE: Still not telling. ME: Seriously. #mmiw stands for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. You’re an IW at risk of getting M+M. Duh! PAULINE: Not telling, but someone we both know and like.