Ahtna shareholder Mary Tony, known by her pen name Aurora Hardy, has made an inspiring entrance into the literary world this year with the release of two powerful works: Windswept: A Chitina Childhood and Windswept: Tales for Children. Through these books, Mary weaves together vivid personal memories, cultural traditions, and timeless lessons that speak not only to her fellow shareholders but to readers everywhere.
A Journey Through Time in Windswept: A Chitina Childhood
Windswept: A Chitina Childhood is a beautifully crafted memoir that offers a rare glimpse into life in Chitina, a remote Alaskan village where Mary spent her formative years. Through her eyes, readers are transported to the sweeping landscapes of the Copper River Basin, where towering mountains, glacial rivers, and wild tundra stretch as far as the eye can see. But it’s not just the stunning environment that makes Mary’s memoir so compelling; it’s her ability to capture the spirit of her upbringing, grounded in the customs, stories, and wisdom of the Ahtna people.
In this book, Mary reflects on the teachings of her Elders, recounting the lessons she learned from the land, the animals, and her close-knit community. Readers are treated to rich narratives of subsistence living, hunting and fishing, gathering food for the long winter months, and the rituals that have sustained her family and community for generations. Mary also bravely explores the challenges of growing up in a rural, Indigenous community, discussing how she balanced traditional ways with the pressures of modernization. The memoir offers a heartfelt portrayal of the joys, hardships, and enduring strength of Alaska Native families, a powerful testament to resilience and cultural survival. For more details and to order, visit here: https://a.co/d/03QO4Ey.
Storytelling with a Purpose in Windswept: Tales for Children
Mary’s second book, Windswept: Tales for Children, demonstrates her extraordinary talent for connecting with younger audiences. This collection of stories blends the wonder of childhood with the values and knowledge passed down through her Ahtna heritage.
Each tale draws readers into a world filled with adventure, nature, and important life lessons—whether it’s learning to respect the animals that share the land, understanding the changing seasons, or discovering the power of friendship and community.
What sets Windswept: Tales for Children apart is Mary’s ability to make these lessons accessible and entertaining, while staying true to the oral storytelling traditions of the Ahtna people. Her stories are infused with the magic of the Alaskan wilderness—where rivers speak, animals teach, and the wind carries the wisdom of the ancestors. Through these narratives, Mary hopes to inspire curiosity and a sense of wonder in young readers, while also imparting values such as respect for the environment, kindness, and the importance of family. For more details and to order, visit here: https://a.co/d/6iq1foS.
A Passion for Storytelling and Cultural Preservation
Mary Tony’s journey as an author began with a simple yet powerful desire: to preserve the stories and experiences of her people for future generations. Writing under the name Aurora Hardy, Mary has taken on the role of cultural ambassador, using her voice to share the beauty of Ahtna traditions with the world. In both of her books, her love for the land, her people, and her heritage shine through, offering readers a deep sense of connection to Alaska’s history and its Indigenous cultures.
In an era when many Indigenous stories risk being forgotten, Mary’s work is a vital contribution to the preservation of Ahtna knowledge and values. Her books reflect a deep respect for the Elders who shaped her understanding of the world and a commitment to passing those teachings on to the next generation. By documenting her personal experiences and cultural insights, Mary is helping to ensure that the stories, language, and traditions of the Ahtna people continue to thrive in the modern world.
Encouraging Shareholders to Support Local Authors
Mary Tony’s literary contributions are not just an achievement for her personally but also for the entire Ahtna community. Her work reminds us of the importance of storytelling in preserving our cultural identity and educating others about the values that have guided us for generations. Her books, now available for purchase, provide an opportunity for shareholders and the broader public to connect with the rich history and stories of the Ahtna people. Her stories are not only a source of entertainment but also a vital link to our collective past and a celebration of the resilience, beauty, and wisdom of our culture. Through her writings, Mary has given us all a gift—a chance to experience Alaska through her eyes and to carry forward the lessons that have shaped her life.
Both Windswept: A Chitina Childhood and Windswept: Tales for Children are available for purchase now, and her latest book, The Ghost of the Kenai, will be released on January 14, 2025, by Epicenter Press. This historical fiction novel is now available for pre-order on Amazon. For more details and a look at the cover, visit here: https://a.co/d/avSPzsa. We are proud to recognize and celebrate Mary Tony for her outstanding contributions to Alaska Native literature.