The dark outside was lifting as Junavik shivered awake. Even with the heavy fur blanket covering him, he was chilled and could tell the fire had gone out in the small potbelly stove used to heat the tiny cabin. His face was a little numb and frosty cold. He yawned a small warm breath, that quickly materialized into a wispy cloud, then slowly faded away. Junavik had found himself bored lately and planned to go exploring today. With that in mind, he quickly got out from under the covers. He threw a couple small logs in the stove, lit them, then quickly dressed for his adventure.

His parents were still sleeping, so Junavik wrote them a short note: Going exploring today–heading south, it said. His parents were used to him going out exploring and trusted him to do so on his own. He was young, but they had taught him well. He knew how to find his way home, how to find shelter under any circumstances and where and when to find food in this rugged wilderness. Junavik was a natural lover of all things wild and couldn’t get enough of the great outdoors. He grabbed some smoked salmon slices, cookies and water, then headed for the door. 

Alaska has it all, he thought, as he closed the front door, and waded into the powdery snow. He loved the mountains, forests, rivers, glaciers, and lakes of Alaska. But his favorite thing of all in his northern home, was the abundance of wild animals. 

Today was a perfect day to explore. To his left, the sun was almost up, lighting the mountains near his small village, with a soft blue glow. As he walked, the crisp winter air cooled his lungs with each breath. Frost tinted the furry ends of his hood ruff. Maybe I’ll see a moose or a fox today, he hoped.

Junavik had a canyon in mind where he wanted to explore. He’d explored the area around and beyond this canyon, but was always curious what wonders he would find there. As he approached the canyon, a twinkling of sunlight finally hit the mountain tops and changed their color from soft blue to light orange. He enjoyed the beauty of colors, especially during winter, when most everything else was white. 

A beautiful stand of trees beckoned him into the narrow canyon. As he approached the forest he heard an “OO-OO, OO-OO. . . !” He looked up into the trees for the source of the sound. 

“Oh, hi, Mr. Owl. I’m Junavik,” he said to a large snowy owl perched on a nearby branch. “How are you today?”

“OO-OO! I am Bess-see-nee, and I’m happy and warm, young Junavik,” the owl answered. “How are you-OO this fine cold day?”

“I’m excited, Bess-see-nee!” the boy replied. “I’m adventuring today. I’m going to explore this canyon.”

“Good for you-OO, young one,” the beautiful, white feathered bird hooted. “Just be wise, for the valley widens beyond, and you-OO can easily get lost–OO-OO, OO-OO.”

“I will, Bess-see-nee,” Junavik said, then continued into the forest and the quiet hush of the snow-covered trees. “Goodbye, and thank you for your concern!” 

“You-HOO are welcome, young Junavik,” the owl said, as he twisted his head and winked with one eye at the young explorer.

Junavik walked for quite some time through the deep forest. A light snow began to fall and filter down through the trees. The woods grew darker from the clouds that moved into the valley. He loved the snow and always wished it would never stop falling. As the snow piled up on the trees, the woods became ever quieter.

As the brave young boy stepped out of the forest, the snow was still falling steadily but had begun to lighten a bit, and the valley had widened enough that Junavik couldn’t see the steep mountainsides to the left or right of him. Even so, he felt confident and continued on. He stopped for a moment when he saw something dark up ahead. Is that a moose? he thought. He continued on toward the dark figure. It was walking slowly through the deepening snowfall. 

“Hello there, moose,” Junavik said, as he drew close enough for the lumbering animal to hear him. “My name is Junavik . . . Who are you?”

“I am Den-nee-gee,” the large moose said. Then she shook her head and neck to shake off the accumulated snow. “What are you doing way out here in the valley, young human?”

“I’m exploring,” Junavik replied. “Am I still heading south, Den-nee-gee?”

“You are . . . ” she replied, looking concerned. “But be very careful, Junavik. With this snow storm, you could lose your bearings very easily.”

“I will, Den-nee-gee. Thank you so much for your concern.” 

With that, Junavik continued on his way. He walked into the white storm with much confidence. He looked up occasionally to catch a falling snowflake with his tongue, and blinked when one hit his eyelashes.

He trudged and trudged through the deepening snow. Finally, he stopped and looked around him. Hmm, he thought, I’m not sure which way is south now. He looked around and around . . . I don’t know which way is north either. I know I have to go north to get home, but now I’m not sure which way is which, he thought.

Then, out of the snowstorm, a thick-furred lynx walked up to him.

“You look lost,” the big cat said.

“I . . . I . . . um,” Junavik stammered. “Yes, I think I am. I need to be heading north.”

The tufts of hair on her ears perked up and she purred . . . “Prrrrrg”

 “I’m Junavik from Aht-na-to,” he said. “Who are you?” 

“Prrrrrg . . . You’re from the great Copper River,” the cat replied. “I’ve visited that area—too many people for me. I like it better out here in the wilderness. I am Nee-do-yee. Prrrrrg . . . It’s very nice to meet you, Junavik.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too. Do you know where I am, Nee-do-yee?” Junavik asked. “I really need to head back home now, but I don’t know which way is north.”

“I mostly wander with the help of my hearing, smell and sight–looking for food. So I don’t know directions well,” she replied. “But that way . . . ,” she said, looking off to her right . . . “you’ll find a small forest. New-nee, the porcupine, lives in a tree there. He is better at directions than I. Maybe he can help you find the way.”

“Oh, thank you, Nee-do-yee! I am very grateful. Good day!”

“Prrrrrg,” Nee-do-yee purred, then turned and trotted off, staying high in the snow with her big furry paws.

Junavik easily found the small forest, and there, about half way up a white spruce tree, was a porcupine. He was munching happily on spruce needles. The spiny creature stopped, and looked down at the young human below him.

“Are you New-nee?” Junavik called up to him.

“I am,” the portly porcupine stated in a soft tone. “Chit chit chit. I’m eating my lunch needles. How can I help you?”

“I am Junavik from Aht-na-to, and I am lost,” the boy stated.

“Hahaha!” the porcupine laughed. “It’s a big world out there, Junavik from Aht-na-to. I’m sorry, but I can’t help you. Chit chit chit. I only know my way around these trees. I do know where you may find help though,” the porcupine chittered. He turned his head to the left. “That way . . . you’ll find an otter scurrying around down by the frozen creek. He knows his way around very well . . . chit chit chit.”

“Thank you New-nee! I am very grateful,” Junavik responded, then turned away from the small forest and headed down toward the frozen creek.”

“You are welcome, young human. You should hurry now, Junavik from Aht-na-to. The darkness will arrive soon . . . chit chit.”

Junavik waved back at New-nee as he walked away, fading into the snowfall. “Thank you again . . . !”

The snow began to let up a little as Junavik came upon the frozen creek. He looked left and right as he waded through the snow down to the creek. He didn’t see or hear anything. He trudged out onto the blanketed ice. “Hello . . . is anybody here?”

He thought he heard a muffled He“Hello.” He looked around and couldn’t tell where the sound came from. Suddenly, right in front of him, a head popped right out of the snow. It startled him. 

“Hi!” the creature said, “I’m Tawt-kay! Sorry I scared you.” 

The long thin creature popped out of the snow and then dove back in, only to reappear several feet away. Junavik realized it was the otter and watched it frolic in the deep snow. It was funny. The otter loved playing in the snow. Suddenly, it popped up right in front of Junavik . It had snow on it’s whiskers and a big smile, with little white fangs poking out.

“Hi, Tawt-kay! I am Junavik. It’s nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” the otter said, rolling over, then popping up again. A small pile of snow on it’s head looked like a Santa hat.

Junavik laughed. “Tawt-kay, I am lost. New-nee the porcupine told me that you may be able to help me find the way back north. Do you know the way north?”

The silly otter jumped up high in the air, then dove head first into the snow, arched it’s back and came right back up, popping it’s head out again.

“Nope,” he said.

“No?” Junavik said with a sad tone.

The otter shook the snow off his face.

“No, I don’t know the way north,” the otter smiled gleefully. “But follow my creek that-away . . . ,“ he chirped, pointing with his long tail. “Make a left at the fork in the creek and head for the big hill. You will find a big snow-covered hump next to a large boulder. Under all that snow is a sleeping bear. His real name is Ursas Arctos, but we call him Chaw-nee. He is very wise, so maybe he can help you. He can be a grumpy one, that Chaw-nee–so call him out gently.”

“I will,” Junavik said. “Thank you so much, Tawt-kay! I am very grateful.”

With that, the cheerful otter turned and dove back into the snow. Junavik could see the humps of snow as Tawt-kay played underneath.

What a happy otter, Juni thought as he headed downstream on the frozen creek. It took a while for him to arrive at the fork in the creek. It was starting to get a little dark out now, so he was getting concerned.

Gee, I hope mother and father aren’t worried, he thought.

It was easy to find the big hump on the hillside, next to the big boulder. Junavik approached carefully. He stood just close enough to the big hump of snow, and with a soft voice asked:

“Is anybody home?”

Nothing happened . . . No noise . . . No movement.

He raised his voice a little this time.

“Is this the home of Chaw-nee?”

Suddenly–the ground shook. Junavik took a step back. Little balls of snow rolled down the hill from the shaking. A hole began to open up on the side of the hump. It got bigger. Then . . . Junavik saw a huge paw with huge claws swipe at the snow. He stepped back some more. He saw movement inside the hole.

A giant, furry bear head popped out. 

“Who wakes me?” the bear bellowed. “I was sleeping!”

“P–Pardon me,” the boy said shaking. “I am Junavik from Aht-na-to, and I’m looking for Chaw-nee.”

The big bear yawned, and Junavik saw it’s sharp, ivory-colored teeth. They scared him.

“I am Chaw-nee,” the massive head said. “What do you want?”

“I . . . I’m . . .  sorry to wake you Chaw-nee, but I am lost and Tawt-kay the otter said you are wise and may be able to help me. I need desperately to head back north.”

“Oh, that.” The bear calmed down a little. “Lost, huh? Well, little human friend–yes, I can help you. I have a relative that will help point the way for you. You’re looking for Ursa, but you will have to find Aurora first. She is his best friend. Where Aurora is, Ursa won’t be far behind. To find them, follow this hillside around to the three valleys, and keep your head up. Now hurry! Darkness is upon you.” 

“Thank you so much, Chaw-nee! I am very grateful,” Junavik said with a smile.

“Welcome,” Chaw-nee grunted. Then the big bear pulled his head back inside the snow cave. Junavik saw the huge paws and the huge claws filling the snow back in, until the hole was invisible against the the big hump. He thought he heard snoring inside as he turned to walk away. 

He followed the hillside toward the three valleys. As he was walking, Junavik noticed the snow had nearly stopped. He looked up and saw a few stars through the broken clouds. He hurried on.

Back on the Copper River, the little log cabin was hunkered down in the cold, dark evening. Fresh snow covered it’s roof. A single light inside glowed a soft yellow, mixing with the orange firelight. Through the front window, the comforting light glinted on the cold snow outside. Inside it was cozy warm.

“Do you think he’ll be alright?” Junavik’s mother asked as she put another log into the potbelly stove. He’s been gone for some time now. It’s not like him to take this long on an adventure.”

“He is tough like bull,” her husband said, making a hard fist. “He’ll be fine. We have taught him well; the ways of our ancestors—survival skills and safety. I trust he will be home soon.” He hugged his wife. 

Stars began to shine over the little log cabin on the Copper River. Smoke trailed up and out of the chimney and then paused and held firm in the frigid evening air.

Junavik walked and walked and walked. He wondered . . . Who IS Chaw-nee’s relative, Ursa?  His father had told him of Nell-ee, the black bear. Could it be Nell-ee? His father had also taught him about polar bears, but he knew they were way north of here, and he doubted that he’d run into a polar bear. So who was this Ursa? Junavik was curious.

He was getting tired, and leaned against a small outcrop on the hillside. He watched his breath turn to ice fog in the frozen air. 

“Psst,” he heard to his left. He looked, but didn’t see anything.

“Over here!”

He looked more closely, and saw a fox. It was so white it blended with the snow. It was almost invisible in the fading light.

“Oh–hi!” Junavik said. “Who are you?”

“C-Call me Nag-get-see,” the fox said. “Are y-you c-cold? I’m n-not,” the fox stuttered.

“No,” Junavik answered. “I’m very warm and comfortable, as I have been walking for so long. I’m just lost.”

“Oh . . . uh . . . oh . . . that is a problem.” the fox said. “A r-real p-problem. Wh-Where are you h-heading?”

“Well, I’m looking for the three valleys. I’m trying to find my way back home, to the north. Chaw-nee the bear said I could find his relative, Ursa there, and that Ursa could help point the way. Do you know where the three valleys are Nag-get-see?”

“Uh . .  uh, y-yes, actually! I know the way.” He looked toward a small ice canyon to his right. “G-Go through that little c-canyon and y-you will enter the three v-valleys. Y-your welcome in advance."

“Oh, thank you, Nag-get-see. I am very grateful,” Junavik said.

He headed down toward the ice canyon. It was very dark as he entered the tight canyon and he could just barely see at all. He looked up at the opening high above him. He could see a couple stars. Juni had to use his hands to feel his way. Slowly, carefully, he worked his way through the long narrow slot until he came to the end. There it opened into the three valleys. In the fading light he could just make out the three valleys disappearing between the mountains like fingers. One to the right, one straight away, and one to the left. He didn’t know where to go from here. He thought back to what Chaw-nee the bear had said: 

Keep your head up.

Junavik thought: Keep my head up? It’s hard to keep my head up when I’m lost. 

He was getting worried now, and thought of his parents. They taught him many things about survival, and always told him: Find a way. That thought gave him incentive to keep going—to find his way home. He started to walk, and looking up, noticed the clouds were completely gone. The night sky was full of stars. Then he saw them. The bright green, shimmering lights of the aurora borealis. They were stunning: waves and waves of dancing curtains; bright green with tinges of red and purple at the bottom. He was mesmerized by the scene.

Suddenly it occurred to him–Aurora! Chaw-nee said to find Aurora. He was talking about the aurora borealis! Junavik remembered that his mother called it Yad-ee-bay.

“Keep your head up,” Chaw-nee had said. THAT’S what he meant–Keep your head up and you’ll find Aurora! Junavik smiled. He looked back the way he had come, thinking about the gruff bear, and whispered in that direction: 

“Thank you, Chaw-nee.”

Looking up into the night sky again, Junavik called out:

“Aurora . . . I am Junavik from Aht-na-to. I am looking for someone. Chaw-nee the bear told me that you are friends with Ursa, and that Ursa could point the way north to my home. Can you tell me where he is, please?”

From far away came a soft motherly voice: 

“Junavik from Aht-na-to, I am Yad-ee-bay, the Aurora. Yes, I know Ursa very well. He is Ursa Major–the Great Bear constellation. We call him Nek-kel-tan. He carries the Big Dipper. The Big Dipper is a star map and it points toward the North Star. Follow the North Star and it will take you north, to your home”

Junavik understood. He remembered now. His father had taught him about Nek-kel-tan and the Big Dipper, and how it pointed to the North Star. The Big Dipper and North Star could even be found together on the Alaska state flag.

“Oh, thank you so much, Aurora! I am very grateful!” Junavik called out to the marvel in the sky. 

“You are welcome, Junavik. Now, stay right there,” Aurora said.

He watched Aurora. She was beautiful. This time, as she waved her brightly-colored curtains of green and red, they parted, and there behind her was the Big Dipper. Junavik immediately recognized it. He lined up the end stars, and found the bright-shining North Star. It sat directly above the valley to the left. He started walking.

He heard a soft whisper from high up in the sky:
“Good luck, young human!”

“Thank you, Yad-ee-bay!” he replied.

Junavik followed the valley by keeping the North Star in front of him. He walked and walked. He came to where the valley veered left and opened onto a high ridge. At the edge of the ridge, he peered down and saw the great Copper River. There, on the bank at the edge of the woods, was the small cabin, with one light glowing in the window. He headed down the slope.

As he got close to the cabin, smoke swirled out of the chimney, as if reaching for the North Star. 

He had found the way. Junavik was home.