 Poems
by Maricia Skinna
Here are a selection of poems written by Maricia
Skinna, originally from Mountain Village and now living in Klawock,
Alaska.
Eloquent, gifted, robustly alive.
Legendary, bravely beautiful and proud.
Intelligence projected socially, politically.
Zealously protected the inherent rights of her people.
An extraordinary example of leadership.
Beacon of light she rose and stood among high.
Everlasting voice of freedom and choice.
Together we carry the mighty banner of truth.
Honor, presence and called to stand.
Peratrovich
from Wanamaker she became.
Elizabeth blessed, knew who she was.
Raven – wise, clever and strong.
Alaska Natives today stand in unity and might.
Tomorrow will bring alive the voices of the past.
Reflecting on yesterday, a time long gone…
Oh what trials and journeys it took!
Villages of today continue on as best we can.
Indians, Eskimos, and Aleut, subsistence, jurisdiction unbound.
Chants from each of our drumbeats unleashed.
Honor, glory and thanks be to our Ruler on High.
Elizabeth
Peratrovich 1911 - 1958
Written by Maricia Skinna
February 15, 2007
“I would not have expected that
I, who am barely out of savagery, would have to remind gentlemen
with five thousand years of recorded civilization behind them of
our Bill of Rights….No law will eliminate crimes, but at
least you legislators can assert to the world that you recognize
the evil of the present situation and speak your intent to help
us overcome discrimination.” ~ Elizabeth Peratrovich |
