Read Online [Song of Alaska 02] - Morning's Refrain by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

I haven’t worked hard enough to overcome. Do you come from a large city?”
    “No. Well, large compared to this place,” Phoebe admitted. “We lived in the capital of Vermont—Montpelier. It isn’t anything like Boston or New York, certainly.”
    “I’ve not ever been to either of those, but I do know something about Seattle and Portland. Those were big enough places for me.”
    Phoebe felt herself relax. Miss Rockford was openly honest, and Phoebe found that refreshing. “Miss Rockford, I was interested in what you had to say about the Tlingit people. I’d very much like to know more.”
    “Please call me Zerelda. Or better yet, Zee.” Zerelda shifted and picked up the sewing she’d earlier deposited on the table. “I’m making some flannels for the girls. Winter will come soon enough, and they’ve both grown a great deal since last year. But as for the Tlingits, I’m not sure what to tell you. They have a rich history that is quite different from ours. Their cultural practices stand as a barrier between us at times, but I’ve come to care a great deal about them.”
    “What are they like? Mother is afraid, you know. We had one woman approach us, trying to sell us something, and it sent Mother into a fit of nerves.”
    Zerelda nodded. “The Tlingit are an industrious people. They’ve been quick to learn various trades—first from the Russians, and now from the Americans. My most sincere concerns for them are related to education, medicine, and spiritual matters. Father Donskoi and Sheldon Jackson have become rivals for their attention.”
    “Who are they?”
    “Father Donskoi heads up the Russian Orthodox Church here, while Mr. Jackson established the Presbyterian mission and is the general agent for education in Alaska. Both are good men who have benevolent regard for the natives. However, both have issues when it comes to how they perform their duties.”
    “I see. Are the Tlingit people interested in what our churches and schools have to offer them?” Phoebe asked.
    “Yes, I have found them to be very interested. They are no different from anyone else in seeking a better life for their children. They have been receptive to Christianity, although some are hard-pressed to put aside their old traditions. This is one of the reasons Brother Jackson wants to contract the Tlingit children to live at the Industrial School for five years. He wants to get them away from the customs and cultural issues of their people. He believes they will be better suited to learn and accept our ways if their own aren’t presented constantly in conflict.”
    “I see.”
    Zerelda shook her head. “Unfortunately, Jackson’s method of ministering has turned many away. The Orthodox Church doesn’t demand as many changes and tries to come alongside and serve the people as an addition to their own culture. At the same time, they are encouraged to put aside the more harmful or less beneficial traditions. The Tlingit find that Father Donskoi meets them where they are—spends time in their village. He shows them respect and honor. They do not feel the same way about Brother Jackson and his people—at least not most of them.”
    “That is sad. I suppose, too, that the Tlingit have had a longer understanding of the Russians. Perhaps that also helps them to trust them more.”
    Zerelda nodded. “I believe it can. Of course, the man in charge prior to Father Donskoi was not as well liked. Many of the Tlingits who were a part of the church left because they felt he held them in contempt. There was a time when they believed the Russians only cared about them for the furs they could provide. The fur trade here was substantial. Now it has diminished, but you still see quite a bit going on.”
    “Oh yes, I know something about that already. My father has his eye on some nice pieces and hopes to have a coat made for my mother.”
    “She’ll find a fur coat to be too hot for this area. A nice cape would serve her