Hey, everyone-- it's me, Molly!

♪ Molly of Denali ♪ Let's go!

♪ She's Molly of Denali ♪ (laughing): Whooo!

♪ By plane or sled or snowshoe ♪ ♪ She is ready to explore ♪ ♪ From Kaktovik down to Juneau ♪ ♪ Always wanting to learn more ♪ Yeah!

♪ Together with her best friend Tooey ♪ ♪ Always by her side ♪ And Trini!

♪ Discovering the outdoors ♪ ♪ On adventures day and night ♪ ♪ Come along with Molly ♪ ♪ Molly ♪ ♪ Through fields of fireweed ♪ ♪ Come along with Molly ♪ ♪ Molly ♪ ♪ From tundra to the sea ♪ Mahsi'choo-- le t's go!

♪ Molly of Denali ♪ Yeah!

♪ She's Molly of Denali ♪ ♪ Come on ♪ ♪ Let's go!

♪ ♪ Molly of Denali ♪ ♪ She's Molly of Denali ♪ MOLLY: "Wise Raven and Old Crow."

(cawing) ♪ ♪ (cawing) (cawing) ♪ ♪ (caws) Grandma... (cawing fades) Grandchild, I have something for you.

Shitsuu.

(caws) Huh?

(caws) Huh?

(cawing) (both sniff) (gasps) (whines) You smell that, Suki?

(barks) (sizzling) Greasebread!

My favorite!

(chuckles) I'm making some to take on our trip to Old Crow.

Mmm.

I should take some over to Shchada'a!

Great idea.

He'll love that.

I'll get you a bag.

Mom, where's Grandma's village?

Hmm.

Old Crow is right here, along the Porcupine River.

I can't wait to see it!

They're naming a new building after Shitsuu Catherine?

It's a brand-new birthing center.

Your grandma was a traditional midwife.

She helped deliver a lot of babies.

It's really special that they're remembering your grandmother's work like this.

I can't wait to go to the naming ceremony.

Me, too.

(sighs) I wish Shitsuu was still here.

(sighs) She passed away when you were only three.

We all would have loved to have more time with her.

But Shahnyaa, our loved ones are always with us.

Mm.

I'll take these over to Shchada'a's while they're still hot.

Better ride fast.

(door bell chimes) (cawing) (bike bell rings) (cawing) (panting) (raven cawing) Race you to Shchada'a's.

Whee!

Look, Deetrya'!

I'm almost as fast as you.

♪ ♪ Shchada'a!

I brought you some khwaii luh chyaa.

Ooh!

Still warm.

Why don't you take over scraping this hide for a while?

Okay!

I remember Grandma Catherine letting me do this.

You remember that?

You were so young then.

Your grandma was an expert when it came to tanning hides.

Taught me everything I know.

(chuckles) Just like Nitsuu used to make.

All I need now is some tea to go with this.

You okay working on the hide for a while?

Yep, I got this, Shchada'a.

(scraping) ♪ ♪ (caws) ♪ ♪ (breathing deeply) (softly): Oh!

(laughs) Just like this.

Good.

♪ ♪ (raven cawing) Huh?

Deetrya'!

(cawing) I was just remembering Shitsuu Catherine.

(caws) (mimicking): Caw!

(chitters) (caws) (laughs) I'm just learning how to speak Raven.

But I sure do wish I knew what you were saying.

(cawing) ♪ ♪ (whines) (whining) (laughs) Oops!

Sorry about that, Suki.

(panting) (yawns) All packed for a big trip to Old Crow.

(sighs) I wonder what Old Crow is going to be like.

(sighs) ♪ ♪ (cawing) (raven cawing) (caws) ♪ ♪ Shicheii!

♪ ♪ Ah, it's good to see you.

(gasps) Shitsuu Catherine!

Grandchild, I have something for you.

What is it, Shitsuu?

You have to come get it.

♪ ♪ KIDS: Molly!

Huh?

Huh?!

KIDS: Molly!

(pebble clatters) TRINI: Hurry!

TOOEY: Quick, Molly!

You gotta come see this.

Okay, okay.

Be right down.

You're not gonna believe this, Molly.

It's the most amazing thing I've ever seen!

Shh.

(whispering): We should keep our voices down.

It was right around here.

What am I looking for?

You'll see.

(calling): Here, little fella!

Come to Trini!

(bush rustles) (squeaking) A squirrel?

You woke me up to show me a squirrel?

(leaves crunching) (gasps) Over there.

(squeaking) (bush rustling) (bleating) (gasps) (whispering): A baby moose!

Dazho tsoo.

Isn't he adorable?

I wonder if he'll let me pet him.

Not a good idea.

Its mom is probably somewhere around here.

I don't think she'd like that.

Oh.

(sniffing) What should we do?

I don't know.

Do you know, Molly?

Hmm... Let's ask an elder.

(bleats) AUNTIE MIDGE: Uh-huh.

Well, mahsi'choo for all your help, Dr. Begaye.

We will do what we can.

(phone button beeps) What did she say?

She said the first thing we should do is leave the calf alone and wait for the mother to come back.

Mmm, I don't think Mom's coming back.

A newborn calf needs to nurse every few hours, and I heard it crying all night.

What do we do if the mom is gone?

I don't know.

Huh?

Huh?

Hmm.

Hmm.

We can move the calf to a moose rehabilitation or release center, but Dr. Begaye has to supervise that.

And she can't come out here for at least a week.

(sniffs) (yelps) (gasps) (kids yell, moose bleats) The dazhoo tsoo!

Where'd he go?

Over there!

(giggles) He's not very good at hiding yet.

(whimpers) Mahsi'choo, Connie, for letting us keep the calf here.

CONNIE: Of course!

Anything to help out.

Do moose and turkeys get along?

Well, these turkeys are pretty mellow, so I think there's a good chance.

(sniffs) (clucking softly) (bleating) (gobbling) (chuckles): It might take a little time, though, right, little fella?

(bleats) His name is Bonky.

Bonky?

Why Bonky?

He likes to bonk his head against things.

See?

Bonk.

(laughs) (laughing): Bonk!

(laughing) Oh, watch out.

Breakfast coming through.

(laughs) Good thing Maurice had some goat's milk at the co-op.

Dr. Begaye said we could use that in a pinch.

Hopefully the moose milk formula I ordered will arrive by then.

(laughing): There you go.

Eat up.

Wow!

He's so hungry.

Yep.

And he's gotta be fed a big bottle four times a day.

That means we'll need some help.

No problem.

I volunteer!

Me, too!

Oh, wait, I can't help.

We're leaving for Old Crow first thing tomorrow.

That's okay, Molly.

Trini and I have got this.

Right, Trini?

Trini?

Now drink up, Bonky.

We're gonna make you big and strong.

(laughs) Yup, you got this.

(grunts) ♪ ♪ (cawing) You again?

Well, drin gwinzii, D eetrya'!

(caws) (cawing) Raven, I'm not sure what you're trying to tell me, but it sounds kind of important.

(cawing) Maybe you're just excited that we're going to Old Crow?

(raven cawing) (sighs and grunts) All right.

Is this it?

Yep, these are the last bags, so you can all hop in and buckle up.

(buckle clicks) Okay, ready to go, Molly?

Aaha'.

(caws) (gasps) (cawing) Time for takeoff.

(engine starting) (engine stuttering, banging) (propellers stuttering) What was that?

Hang tight, everyone.

I'll check on the engine.

(sighs) Looks like there's a problem with the ignition.

I can fix it, but I'm going to have to special-order the part.

It's gonna take a few days.

Maybe even a week before we can get the part out here.

A week?

But we'll miss the naming ceremony for Shitsuu Catherine.

I know.

(raven cawing) ♪ ♪ The river!

What?

Huh?

I had a dream last night.

I was traveling on the river.

Grandpa, you were driving the boat.

What else do you remember from your dream?

Shitsuu Catherine and Raven.

Deetrya' are powerful messengers.

And you saw Nitsuu, my mom?

Yes!

She, she said she had something for me.

Hmm.

And you were on the river?

Uh-huh.

Hey!

Maybe we could take the boat to Old Crow.

And make this a river trip!

Yes!

A river trip.

(barks) (cawing) How long would it take us?

Well, with our boat, I'd say about three days.

If we made good time, we could still make the naming ceremony.

Oh, it's such a beautiful trip, with lots of opportunity to show a certain young person how to live off the land.

Looks like it's gonna be a real Mabray family adventure.

Wahoo!

We're going on a river trip.

An epic river trip to Old Crow.

(barks) Oh, I almost forgot.

Molly...

This is for you.

Shchada'a, y ou made this for me?

(chuckling): I did.

Out of the caribou skin you helped me tan.

Wow, it's so soft.

Mmm.

And it smells so good.

Mahsi'choo, Shchada'a.

Mmm.

(chuckles) Thanks for taking the time to help.

(bleating) (gasps) That's Bonky.

Dad, can I say goodbye to him really quick before we leave?

Sure thing.

(laughs): Just hurry back.

(gasps) Tilt the bottle higher.

He's not getting enough milk.

Quit backseat-milking, Trini.

(cries) (yelps) (gobbling) Eew.

That was too high.

Hey.

Hey, Molly.

We're having trouble feeding Bonky.

He either gets too much milk or not enough.

Any idea what to do?

TOOEY: Ow.

(turkeys gobbling) Mm-mm, sorry.

I've never fed a moose calf before.

Hey, let's look it up.

"How to feed moose calf."

Oh, here's a site.

"Caring for Moose Calves."

This site is organized by problems and solutions.

"Problems with grooming moose calves."

"Problems with housing moose calves."

Is there a section about feeding moose calves?

Mmm, yup.

Here it is.

"Problems with feeding moose calves."

"Solutions: "When feeding the moose calf from a bottle, it's important to hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle."

What's a 45-degree angle?

There's a picture.

TOOEY: Oh, okay.

Hold on.

It's working.

(sighs) What would we do without you, Molly?

Well, I guess you're gonna find out.

We're just about to leave.

Want to come see us off?

Of course.

Sure.

Oh, I'll take over.

Have a great trip, Molly.

Mahsi', Connie.

Nenahaal'yàa, Bonky.

You might not be here when I get back.

Happy trails.

I'm really gonna miss you, Molly.

I'll miss you, too.

But I won't be gone for that long.

Plus, you'll be super-busy taking care of Bonky.

Wish you could stay to help.

You guys'll do fine without me.

I'm sure Bonky will tell you what he needs.

Just pay attention and look for clues.

Okay.

Okay.

(grunt) WALTER: Mahsi'!

AUNTIE MIDGE: Stay safe.

Take care.

Have a great time.

See you soon.

Nenahaal'yàa.

(barks) (cawing) Where are we now, Shchada'a?

We're here, where the Kantishna joins the Tanana.

And it'll be three days on the river to Old Crow.

♪ ♪ (whines) Molly, this is the Yukon River.

Shroonchyaa.

It's so beautiful here.

♪ ♪ Dry dead spruce is good for starting fires.

It'll be easy to make kindling with this.

Uh... Like this?

(laughs): Gwinzii.

Just like that.

Ah... And birch bark.

Birch bark burns really good.

How do you learn all this, Shchada'a?

I was raised out here, on the land.

Everything we need to survive is right here.

As long as we respect the trees, water, plants, and animals, they will continue to provide for us.

(ringing) (Trini gasps) (groans) (yawns) Come on, Four Spots.

Time to make the moose milk.

(yawns) ♪ ♪ Huh?

Hey.

I thought I was supposed to give Bonky breakfast.

You're Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, remember?

I'm Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

And Connie does Sunday.

Oh.

Yeah.

Well, I guess Bonky will have two breakfasts today.

(laughs): It's a good thing, too.

He's so hungry.

(bleats) (gasps) No!

Wait, Bonky, don't.

(groans) (sighs): I guess it'll just be one breakfast, Bonky.

(bleating) He's still hungry.

I wonder if there's something else we could feed him.

Dr. Begaye didn't mention anything.

(sighs) I wish Molly was here to ask.

She always knows what to do.

Yeah.

Well, if she was here, what do you think she'd do?

Hmm...

Uh... She'd look it up.

To the library!

Okay, I think this is the website Molly visited before.

Oh!

TOOEY: Click on that section.

"Problems with feeding moose calves."

"Solutions: "As well as drinking milk, "a moose calf will also eat "leaves and branch tips from trees and bushes.

They particularly like willows and aspens."

Let's try it.

♪ ♪ (whines) (laughing) (gasps): Look over there.

(boat engine stops) MOLLY: Zhoh.

Oh, look at that.

Zhoh.

(gasps) Wow.

(boat approaching) Hey... Is that Cliff?

Hello!

Uncle Cliff!

(Suki barks) LAYLA: Vahn gwinzii.

GRANDPA NAT: Well, hello!

Shalak naii.

Where are you all headed?

We're on our way over to Old Crow.

Oh, for the naming ceremony.

Catherine sure helped a lot of our people.

I'm on my way to Beaver for fish camp.

It's supposed to be a good king salmon run.

It's Molly's first big river trip.

Well, Molly, you stay on this river too long and you'll become a river rat like me.

(all laughing) Aw.

Safe travels, everyone.

Nideevee gozu'.

This is the best trip ever!

TRINI: Look, Bonky, we brought you a salad.

(sniffs) Eat up.

(bleats) Maybe he wants dressing on his salad?

Come on, Bonky.

Try this nice willow branch.

Mmm, mmm.

(sniffs) (bleats) Tooey, quick, get on all fours and act like a dinjik.

Huh?

Why me?

Because you're more his size.

(groans) Mmm, these leaves are so crunchy.

Crunch, crunch, crunch.

(sniffing) Crunch, crunch, crunch.

(chewing) Atta boy, Bonky.

Hey, you're a really good moose, Tooey.

Promise me you'll never tell my brothers I did that.

Why?

You should be proud.

I do a really good chicken.

(clucking) (laughs) ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ (gobbles) (bleats, banging fence) (rattling) ♪ ♪ (turkeys gobble) ♪ ♪ (raven caws) (caws) GRANDPA NAT: Fort Yukon.

♪ ♪ Here we are, Gwichyaa Zhee.

We're almost to the Porcupine River, and then it's not too far to Old Crow.

I'll go refill our water jug.

Be right back.

MARY: Is that Nat Kidelee?

LAYLA: Mary!

Hey!

Wow.

Ah, ninjit dôonchy'aa, Mary.

Sheenjit gwinzii.

Ah, Molly, this is your relative Mary.

Really?

It's like we're related to everyone on this river.

(laughing) (barks) Well, what brings you up to Fort Yukon?

We're on our way to Old Crow.

They're naming their new birthing center after my Grandma Catherine.

Llyaa lee?

Well, guess what?

Your grandma helped deliver me!

What?

She was there when you were born?

Aaha'.

Your grandma helped deliver so many babies.

(laughs) Wow.

That's amazing.

Well, you all have a fun trip.

Nenahaal'yàa.

See you, Mary.

Nenahaal'yàa.

Take care.

(barks) (sighs) Was Grandma there when I was born?

Of course.

Mom helped deliver you.

I wish I could remember her better.

Do you ever miss her?

All the time.

But sometimes you remind me of her, like when you do your research.

She was really curious, like you.

She loved to learn.

Sometimes I'll remember something she said or did, and I know there's a part of her that's still with us.

Just like the Yukon River.

It never leaves us.

It's a part of us and we are a part of it.

(raven cawing) ♪ ♪ GRANDMA CATHERINE: Shicheii, I have something for you.

(gasps) We gotta get to Old Crow.

Okay, then, let's load up.

We're almost there.

(barks) (wind howling) ♪ ♪ Wind's really picking up.

Hold on tight.

(whines) (chortles) Whoa!

(laughs) (water churning) Ooh, that was rough.

You okay, Molly?

Actually, that was kind of fun.

But Suki didn't like it too much.

(barks) (laughing) Let's make camp here.

I think we've earned some rest.

(phone chirps) Ah, we have cell service!

Go figure.

Oh.

Molly, you got a message.

It's from Tooey and Trini.

Hi, Molly.

Hope you're having a great time.

Tooey and I really miss you.

Someone else misses you a lot, too.

(bleats) (gasping): It's Bonky.

Wow, he looks great.

Say hi to Molly, Bonky.

(bleating) Bonky, no, that's not food!

(laughing) Ugh, sorry about that.

He tries to eat everything.

He's chewed through four of these nipples so far, although these might be some of Tooey's bite marks.

We read you should chew them a little first to make them softer, right, Tooey?

(growling) Tooey, say hi to Molly.

Hey, Molly.

We miss you.

(laughs) Well, that's the news from Qyah.

Come back soon, okay?

Love you.

Mwah!

(phone camera chirps) (laughs) Aww.

(laughing) (grunting) Hey, Molly, can you tie up the boat?

Sure, Dad.

(croaking) Aww, little neeghaii.

You need help getting out of that hole?

(croaks) You are such a cute little wood frog.

(sighs) ♪ ♪ Hey, I think he's gotten bigger.

Really?

Yeah, I'm sure of it.

(chuckles) You're growing up, little fella.

I guess we've been doing a pretty good job taking care of him.

Bonky-boo deserves the very best.

(bleats) Good night, Bonks.

Sleep tight.

Don't let the turkeys bite.

(bleating, turkeys gobbling) (rattling) (thunder rumbling, wind howling) (thunder crashing) (wind howling) (rattling) (bleats) (thunder crashes) (bleating) (rattling) (bleating) (thunder crashes) (bleating) (Suki barks) LAYLA: That was quite the storm last night.

Yeah, I was really grateful to be nice and dry inside our tent.

Uh, where's the boat?

Molly... Did you tie it up like I asked you?

Uh, yes?

And you tied it secure, like I showed you?

(croaking) (gasps): The frog.

There was a little neeghaii, and he was stuck in a hole.

I, I got distracted.

Molly, you know tying up the boat is an important job, and you know how to do it the right way.

(sighs) We'd better start looking for the boat.

Does this mean we're not going to make it to Old Crow in time for the naming ceremony?

I'm not sure.

Let's head downstream and hope it got lodged along the riverbank.

(groans) (whines) ♪ ♪ (Trini humming) (gasps) (gobbling) Oh, no!

Okay, everyone.

Listen up.

Bonky was last seen yesterday at... What time?

About 8:30.

So he might have been gone for 12 hours.

Let's spread out and search the area.

Let's get to it.

♪ ♪ LAYLA: Any sign of the boat?

Not yet.

(sighs) You know, once, when I was your age, I went hunting with my uncle.

He tasked me with bringing matches and drinking water.

And guess what?

You forgot?

No.

I had grabbed a matchbook and one canister of drinking water.

When my uncle asked for a sip of water, that's all that was left: a sip.

Oh.

Was he upset?

Sure he was.

A good thing we passed a little creek and were able to get more water.

But that night, we went to start a fire, and I handed Uncle the matchbook.

Lo and behold, there was only one match.

One match?!

Yep, just one.

My uncle was really good with starting fires.

He got it going with just that one match.

But from then on, I learned that we always have to be prepared, and we can never be too careful.

(raven cawing) Deetrya'.

(cawing) (gasps): Look, Shchada'a.

An animal track.

A very recent one.

(Suki barks) I think Deetrya' wa nts us to follow him.

Mmm.

Well, we want to respect this big animal, so, I think it's a good idea to give it some space.

Let's keep going.

(trilling) (cawing) Hey.

(whispers): You guys, look.

MOLLY: Wow.

(snorts) (chortles) Molly, you listened to what Deetrya' was trying to tell us.

You paid close attention to the signs of the land, and it helped us.

You and Deetrya' ju st saved us from a run-in with that big bear.

Good job, Molly.

I'm proud of you.

(pants) (barks) (cawing) (caws) It's funny, but I feel like Raven was really talking to me.

Oh, he was.

You know who else talked to Deetrya'?

Who?

Nitsuu Catherine.

Mmm.

AUNTIE MIDGE: Bonky!

Bonky!

(rumbling) (creaking) (chittering) Bonky!

Oh, Bonky.

Bonky!

Oh, Bonky!

Bonky!

Bonky!

(Trini crying) (crying, sniffling) Oh!

Hey, what's wrong?

(crying): What's wrong?

Bonky's lost and it's my fault.

(cries) No, it isn't.

(sniffs) Then it's your fault?

Um, I'm not sure... Well, it's one of our faults.

We were the last ones to see him.

(sighs): Yeah, I guess you're right.

I miss Molly.

She'd know what to do.

What do you think she'd say, like, right now?

(sighs) Well, first, she'd give me a hug.

It's not totally the same, but it helps.

Baasee'.

Then she'd say, "Trini, "you can cry later, and I'll cry with you.

But right now, we have to find that moose."

Yeah.

And then she'd tell us to pay attention and look for clues.

(gasps): Look!

Those could be baby moose tracks.

(gasps): You're right!

Come on, let's follow them.

Not now, Mr. Cluck.

(squawks) I'm looking for Bonky.

Wait a minute.

What are you doing out of your pen?

(clucks) (clucks) (both gasp) (snorts) Bonky!

Bonky!

(bleating) Aww, Bonky, we were so worried.

(laughs) (flies buzzing) Hm.

Ugh.

(grunts) MOLLY: It's getting buggier and buggier.

WALTER: And still no sign of the boat.

Uh, we do have the satphone.

We could always call for someone to pick us up.

♪ ♪ Hey.

These trees are broken, like something banged into them.

(gasps): A piece of rope.

It's our boat!

Whoo-hoo!

We did it.

(barks) (Grandpa Nat exclaiming) Good job, Mollydoodle!

Now we can make it to Old Crow in time for the ceremony.

(raven cawing) (Molly cawing, laughing) (raven cawing) Molly, we're entering the Porcupine River.

(gasps) (gasps) Vadzaih!

WALTER: The Porcupine caribou herd!

Molly, we have a special relationship with this herd.

They have taken care of our people for generations, and we must respect and take care of them.

Catherine always spoke of how excited the entire village would get in the spring and fall when the vadzaih were close.

So Shitsuu Catherine saw this herd before?

And now I'm seeing it.

And may all the generations to come see these vadzaih.

(caws) You remember all this?

Oh, yeah.

It feels like I'm coming home.

(phone ringing) (phone chirps) Tooey, Trini, hi!

Molly!

Hey, Molly.

(Bonky bleats) Hi, Bonky.

He looks great.

You guys have done a great job taking care of him.

Well, he kinda ran away for a little while.

But then we asked, what would Molly do?

So we looked for clues, like you said, and we found him.

Where was he?

In my chicken coop.

I guess he likes being around birds.

Show her the house.

Right.

Mr. Patak helped us make Bonky a house.

A hay house!

Now if there's another storm, he can cuddle up in there and won't get spooked.

How's the trip going, Molly?

Where are you?

On the Porcupine River.

It's been amazing.

Although I did kinda get our boat lost at one point.

But then... GRANDPA NAT: Shahnyaa.

We're here.

(gasps) We made it to Old Crow!

Gotta go-- can't wait to see you guys.

Bye, Molly!

See you soon.

(phone button chirps) (raven caws) (cheering and exclaiming) All these people have come to greet us?

(people exclaiming) (talking in background) (barks) Aunt Merna, Randall, Uncle Jack.

You're here?

Of course!

We're all here.

What a dream to be back in my home village, honoring my sister Catherine.

Layla.

Mmm.

Mmm.

Jii t'eii shiyetsi, Shahnyaa.

Molly, this is your Great-Auntie Cecelia.

(lively music playing) (laughing) Gee, your daughter dances good.

Just like your mom.

(sighs): I sure do miss her.

She'd be so proud of you, Dak Niighit, raising a girl so confident and proud of her culture.

(music continues) (sighs) Well, I guess it's time to say goodbye.

You're going to your new home now, Bonky.

And then someday you'll go back into the woods to be with all your dinjik friends.

(crying): But he's my friend, too.

Oh, come on, Trini.

What would Molly do?

Molly would cry her eyes out.

Yup.

(sniffles) She would.

(groans) (sighs): Okay, come on, Trini, you can do this.

I'm so glad I met you, Bonky.

We'll see each other again someday.

I just know it.

Happy trails.

(giggles) (sighs) (sniffs) (bleats) (door shuts) Thank you, Dr. Begaye.

TRINI: Goodbye, Bonky.

(panting) We'll write you letters!

(Bonky bleats) Oh, we forgot to teach him how to read!

Oh, well.

It's a good excuse to visit.

Yeah.

♪ ♪ Shalak naii, mahsi'choo for remembering my sister Catherine in this way.

She helped so many people in her life.

She helped bring so many babies into this world.

(Grandpa Nat and Jack murmur in agreement) My heart is extra-happy that her daughter is here, and my great-niece Shahnyaa.

Aanaii.

These were your grandma's tanning tools.

I know she'd want you to have them.

♪ ♪ (raven caws) ♪ ♪ Mahsi'choo.

(sighs) I used to be sad because my grandma passed when I was little.

But this trip made me realize that she's still here with us.

Shitsuu Catherine inspired us to come here by boat, to be on our rivers, to see the Porcupine caribou, and to be here with all of you.

Now I feel like I know her, and I'm going to do my best to learn our Gwich'in language and continue to take care of the land and animals, just like her.

(raven caws) ♪ ♪ Hey, everyone!

Molly here to answer your questions about life in Alaska.

Reef from Mendon, Massachusetts, asks, "How do you get ready for a river journey?"

My friends are by the river now and can show you.

ALL: Hi, Molly!

JASON: Today we're going rafting on the Upper Chena River.

TAYA: We are on Upper Tanana Dene land.

My name is Conan.

These are my friends Taya and Jason.

And my Auntie Jody's gonna take us on this fun trip.

Let's go.

JASON: These are pack rafts.

TAYA: They're called pack rafts because they pack down really small.

You can take them anywhere.

First, we unfold them, and then we blow them up.

(generator whirring) (inflating) (laughs) JODY: Gather round!

Anytime you're doing something, you always have to remember, safety first.

So we'll fit you guys in life jackets right now.

There are straps on the side, too, that I'll help you guys tighten to make sure it's a good, tight fit.

You don't want a life jacket to be loose.

If something happened, and you ended up in the water, you don't want to slip out.

What are the whistles for?

The whistles are a safety feature that you use in case you need to call for help.

(blows whistle) (blows whistle) ALL: We're ready for the river!

One, two, three-- lift!

TAYA: We need to work together to get the boat in the water.

JODY: Okay, so when you're getting in and out of the boat, sit down and then bring your legs over.

You don't want to have one foot in and one foot out, 'cause you could do the splits and fall in the water.

♪ ♪ Forward paddle.

Get as much of your paddle in the water as you can.

TAYA: I had to use my arm muscles to paddle.

♪ ♪ JASON: Look, a sweeper.

Sweepers are logs in the water.

Sweepers are dangerous.

Look, over there.

JODY: Oh, yeah, what did all that?

JASON: Beaver?

Beavers chew on sticks because their teeth need to be worn down.

TAYA: Hey, there's a beaver dam.

CONAN: They use those logs to make a dam.

TAYA: Whoa, there must be lots of beavers around here.

JODY: Ooh, a hazard, paddle forward!

Nice.

TAYA: We're pulling up on a sandbar so we could eat lunch.

JASON: First, we have to make a fire.

JODY: So gather dead, dry wood.

I got one.

JODY: If there's a birch tree around, that's what you want to start with.

Birch bark makes the best fire starter.

What else did Alaska Native people use birch bark for?

To make baskets.

JODY: Yeah, very good.

♪ ♪ CONAN: Now we're gonna go cook some salmon, veggies, rice, and tea.

I hope it's gonna be pretty good.

To stay safe while you're cutting, you have to make sure an adult is watching.

JODY: And then we're gonna roll up the sides nice and tight, okay?

CONAN: We saw some cool animal tracks, and we're going to go look for some more.

Let's go.

This one is from a moose right here.

And you can tell, 'cause right here are the toe hoofs.

And then this is a beaver track coming out of the water.

And that's very cool.

JASON: Lunch is ready, time to eat!

JODY: Ooh, cooked to perfection, guys.

TAYA: Boating makes you hungry.

Yum!

JODY: Did you guys have fun today?

KIDS: Yeah!

JODY: Did you guys like being on the land?

KIDS: Yeah.

Yeah?

Do you know what one thing I want you guys to always, always remember?

Never be ashamed of being Native, of your culture, of your people.

Always be thankful for who you are.

You know, part of our traditional values as Native people is to respect the land, and I think one thing that's really important is also to have, like, that gratitude.

I'm thankful for the smoke so it keeps all those bugs away.

The fish.

I'm thankful for the food!

I'm thankful for the good weather, too, huh?

Yeah.

CONAN: And it's time to get back on the water.

(cheering) TAYA: I love being on the river.

ALL: Mahsi'choo, Molly!

Mahsi'choo.

Thanks for asking, and see you next time.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪