A River Lost tells the familiar story of an ancient culture infringed upon and altered forever by modern technology. It is the story of how the construction of Grand Coulee Dam led to the destruction of a way of life for members of the Arrow Lake Tribe.
“Sinee mat” and her great-grandmother “Toopa” tell of the culture and day-to-day activities of life on the Columbia River before and after the dam.
Engagingly written and beautifully illustrated, this book gives a true life account of Pacific Northwest history written at a level to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Author Lynn E. Bragg’s heart-felt depiction of life on the Columbia River comes from first-hand knowledge obtained by living among the Arrow Lake Tribe, now part of the Colville Confederated Tribes. Together with the illustrator, Virgil “Smoker” Marchand of the Arrow Lake Tribe, Bragg has created a compelling and wonderful book that emphasizes the importance of culture, family and respect for the earth and all its creatures. A River Lost gives the reader a stark reminder of the fragility of the environment and shows man’s precarious relationships with nature and technology.
Book Review: Writers NW–Summer ‘96:
‘In A River Lost a young girl and her great-grandmother, Toopa, watch the waters rise behind Grand Coulee Dam as it implacably swallows their village, their livelihood and their way of life. The language is easy to understand and without affectation. This true story carries added impact through Virgil “Smoker” Marchand’s vivid, culturally accurate illustrations.
A beautifully illustrated history of The Arrow Lake Indians, and the loss of their river, salmon, and land; this book is ideal for elementary school teachers and curriculums dealing with: Native Americans, Environment, Pacific NW History, The Columbia River, or Grand Coulee Dam.’
- Also available through Native American book site: www.oyate.org
- Published by Hancock House Pub Ltd
- (800-938-1114/sales@hancockhouse.com)
- Publication date: November 1995
- Paperback, 32 pages
- ISBN: 0888393830-10;
- 978-0-8883-9383-8
