My Father's Smokehouse: Life at Fishcamp in Southeast Alaska

My Father's Smokehouse is a book that tells the stories of family, food, and culture in Southeast Alaska, interwoven with personal recipes and photographs taken by the author. It emphasizes the importance of learning traditional values, gratitude for the land and sea, and sharing with the community. The smokehouse at Mickey's Fishcamp holds more than fish; it is filled with traditions, memories, and stories of a thriving Southeast Alaskan life. The author is a student and teacher of the natural environment who combines traditional practices with modern knowledge. The book is heartwarming and introspective, telling the stories of Traditional Knowledge that is learned and passed on from one generation to the next.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Prescott's book is a captivating tapestry of traditions, memories, and stories that envelops the vibrant tapestry of Southeast Alaskan life. Within its pages, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of a family's unwavering perseverance, the profound wisdom of the Sámi and Tlingit cultures, and the profound respect for Elders and their invaluable knowledge of the natural world. The smokehouse at Mickey's Fishcamp, a testament to three generations of Prescott fishermen who have plied the waters of the Inside Passage, holds not only fish but also a treasure trove of traditions, memories, and stories that define the essence of Southeast Alaskan living.

Nestled near one of the oldest Tlingit settlements in Wrangell, Alaska, Mickey's Fishcamp finds its place in the world amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the rainforest and the majestic sea. Author Vivian Faith Prescott, a student and teacher of the natural environment, seamlessly blends traditional practices with modern knowledge, harvesting spruce tips, berries, sea lettuce, and goose tongue, and processing salmon, halibut, and hooligan. Her heartfelt and introspective narrative, My Father's Smokehouse, unfolds as a testament to the transmission of Traditional Knowledge, from one generation to the next.

Through her personal recipes and photographs, Prescott weaves a vivid tapestry that captures the essence of Southeast Alaskan cuisine. The reader is transported to a world where the flavors of wild-caught seafood, locally sourced herbs, and indigenous ingredients dance harmoniously on the palate, creating a culinary experience that is both nourishing and soul-stirring. Prescott's book serves as a reminder of the importance of learning the traditional values of our place of residence, expressing gratitude for the bountiful land and sea that sustains us, and embracing the responsibility to share our knowledge and traditions with our community.

In this enchanting memoir, Prescott invites readers to embark on a journey of discovery, where the lines between tradition and modernity blur, and the beauty of the natural world intertwines with the stories of a family and a community. My Father's Smokehouse is a testament to the enduring power of heritage, the resilience of the human spirit, and the profound connection between generations. It is a book that will inspire, educate, and delight readers, reminding us of the rich tapestry of our shared history and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.

Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513128610