Synopsis

Up River is about an Inupiat Eskimo family. A narrative story line as seen by Miinglu, the lead character from the age of seventeen to that of an elder. His story merges with history and personal experiences. Up River is a documentation of the Native peoples of Northwestern Alaska.

Content and Themes

Up River is about dog sledding, dog sled races and Iditarod Mushers. Up River is written with linguistic references to the Inupiat, Iwevemute, Yupic and Siberian Yupic experience and culture. A full Glossary and Chapter footnotes are available for definition.

Structure and Setting

Up River presents a juxtaposition of the past and present life on Northwestern Alaska as we follow the story in two-time frames, 1934 and 1997.