Irigaks

Growing up in the rural village of Unalakleet, we were always exposed to native folklore, such as Irigaks (little people). This sparked my interest in writing a fictional book about them. All we ever knew was that Irigaks existed, but we never saw them. We only feared them because we did not know too much about them.

There is a history of missing people in Alaska, who leave without a trace: no footprints, no bodies, nor clues, which leads people to think they just vanished into thin air. My book explores what may happen to people who disappear in the wilderness in rural Alaska, but it does so in a delicate way, which targets young audiences.

The moral of the story is using safety precautions while out in the country. Children should always stay close to adults and other people when berry picking or hunting: mostly to prevent being attacked by wild animals or from being abducted by Irigaks.

My story opens the minds of readers, young and old. It also passes along the oral tradition of little people.