SOLVED. YA fantasy novel involving selkies and feminist themes? [s]

[Haruhi]

Except they weren't actually selkies, they were a tribe that gave seal skins to children when they were born, and the skins represented standing etc (the LI was a member of the tribe who was cast out when he lost his skin). The main character was a young woman who lived with her father (they slept in latched boxes). She met a woman who lived in town who enlightened her to woman power. At the end of the book she told the LI to wait for her. There was at least one sequel featuring a bear tribe similar to the would-be selkies?

Cover was of the main character standing on a foggy beach. That's all I've got, hope it's enough 0w0

[Andria]

hmmm, maybe the Seeker Chronicles by Betsy James? The first one is Long Night Dance and I think the second one, Dark Heart has something to do with bears.

[Haruhi]

Holy crap that is totally it. Thank you so much!