In 1944, thirteen-year-old Ilse Schweder got lost in a snowstorm while checking her family's trapline in northern Canada. How did a young Indigenous girl defy the odds and endure nine days alone in the unforgiving barrens? Ilse's story is now being told in a powerful new graphic novel from Orca Book Publishers.
Written by Ilse Schweder's granddaughter, Trina Rathgeber, Lost at Windy River details the many challenges Ilse faced, including freezing temperatures, wild animals, snow blindness and frostbite. With no food or supplies, Ilse relied on Traditional Indigenous Knowledge passed down from her family to find her way home.
We had the pleasure of talking with Trina Rathgeber about the story behind Lost at Windy River.
Many writers have appropriated and exaggerated parts of Ilse’s story over the years. What motivated you to reclaim this story and tell it accurately?
This story is fascinating and unique–it’s no wonder folks wanted to write about it. But sadly, it was never in the way she wanted and not with permission either. I know my grandma wanted her story told in a way that was true to her experience, and no one else but a family member would be able to create that…except her, of course. She told it best!
Lost at Windy River brings together many family stories and anecdotes from my grandma’s own life. I highly value participating in preservation of culture and in Truth and Reconciliation. It means alot to provide an educational book like this–that preserves the legacy of an Indigenous woman–for teachers and parents to share knowledge via Ilse’s story.
You did much research to bring rich historical details to the story. What’s the most interesting thing you learned that didn’t make it into the book?
This journey started with the most special kind of research–sitting with my Grandma and asking her to describe to me in as much detail as possible what happened! Having heard only bits of it from her and others as a child, I had never taken the time to ask detailed questions. What did she see, hear, feel? She had a remarkable memory and saved a lot of things from her past. She had heaps of photos for me to look at and items she had saved including the wool blanket that she carried with her on the journey.
I also read books about the North, found details in newspaper articles, and explored the Hudson Bay Archives. I connected to people from back home who are fantastic historians and knowledge keepers of the area. One thing that didn’t make it into the book was more of the day-to-day life at the trading post. My grandma talked about sawing out a block of ice from the lake or river. Then they’d drag it into the cabin and put it in a big basin to melt to be used for water. I pictured that scene from the beginning of Frozen where the townsfolk are harvesting the ice.
When I originally wrote this story, I just wanted to get all the information down on paper as best I could. When Orca Book Publishers suggested a graphic novel, I was skeptical at first. Then I started looking at other graphic novels that were out there tackling serious topics. It began to feel like the right avenue to share this story.
Graphic novels are also very accessible to kids and their different learning styles. My grandma was a respected community elder, always in the schools teaching beadwork, traditional arts, and telling her story. It seemed like a natural fit for her story to land in the hands of school-aged children. I feel this is part of her legacy and she can continue to teach!
Alina Pete and Jillian Dolan brought my words to life through pictures. When you’re dealing with real people–and those you are personally connected to–the imagery becomes a point of focus. There are so many details that needed to be researched and perfected based on the setting and the time period. I’m grateful for everyone involved in bringing the graphic novel to fruition.
Survival stories are always popular with young readers. What do you think it is about survival stories that capture young readers' attention?
Most people feel inspired and uplifted by survival stories and often learn more about human potential, including their own! This one is unique, it’s real, and it’s downright exciting. The landscape, time period, and Ilse’s Indigenous culture add elements to the survival story that will be new to many readers.
Young readers experience a range of emotions while reading Ilse’s story–excitement, worry, care, fear, and relief. What part of Ilse’s story do you hope will stay with young readers after they finish the book?
I imagine people will be in awe of her character. The immense amount of courage and wit it took to navigate her journey is remarkable. I think how connected Ilse was to the land and animals holds a wonderful message about how special Mother Nature is and that there are lessons to be learned by spending time outdoors. I hope readers might feel this and find themselves paying more attention to their surroundings.
I also hope readers are inspired to talk to their grandparents and elders to learn the stories that are part of their family history. Chat over a cup of tea, no devices. Ask questions and listen to the answers.