"I have much gratitude for the lives and legacies of these true elders, the matriarchs whose stories grace these pages. Their narratives, rich and varied, gentle and fierce at the same time are a distillation of love for their peoples. The examples of their lives offer guidance on a path of healing, of resilience and courage. In my language, our word for elder women means ‘They hold everything together.’ We are better for their presence.”

– Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass