Perma Red has had a long journey and I’m humbled by all who continue to believe it’s a story worth sharing. My deepest gratitude to Lynn-Wood Fields, my dear friend and steadfast advocate, who doggedly believes the story needs to be told and retold. For Wenonah Wilms, friend and sister writer, who ignites the page. For the incredible filmmakers and social justice warriors, Ivan and Ivy MacDonald (my ghost story friends), who have so much electrified soul that to be near them is to be illuminated. For Veyanna Curley Bundy, who gives me hope for better outcomes. For Alishon Kelly, who will lead a new generation forward and onward. For Maya Dittloff who has a magnificent lens on the world. For Michelle Mitchell, who has read Perma Red so many times she has become a part of it. For Eldena Bear Don’t Walk’s generosity and brilliance. For Lily Gladstone, who lights a path for all women. For Johnny Arlee, esteemed elder, prayer leader, language protector, cultural advocate and advisor, you give breath to the stories so that we can go on. For my sister Cheryl, so much like Louise, who is stronger than anyone I know. For Adrianne Harun who enriches my life with stories. So many thanks to many people who have carried this story. I’m grateful to Daniel Slager for bringing Perma Red back into print and to Sally Wofford-Girand, my remarkable agent, who has championed my work. You are truly the agent writers dream of having. Thank you to Kachina Yeager for shepherding the journey, and to all the remarkable people at Milkweed Editions, including Broc Rossell, Mary Austin Speaker, Joanna Demkiewkz, Katie Hill, Meilina Delit, Tijqua Daiker, Anna Thorsen, and Claire Laine. I am humbled by your dedication and hard work. Every one of you are exceptional.

I also thank Greg Michalson, my friend and former editor. Where would I be without you?

This story was gifted to me by my mother who has gone on to a better world. She was the ultimate storyteller—no day was complete until she had spun it into story. She was magic.

And, always, for Dennis and Gayle.

About the Author

DEBRA MAGPIE EARLING is the author of Perma Red. She has received both a National Endowment for the Arts grant and a Guggenheim Fellowship. She is retired from the University of Montana, where she was named professor emeritus in 2021. She is Bitterroot Salish.

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1980, Milkweed

Editions is an independent publisher. Our mission is to identify, nurture and publish transformative literature, and build an engaged community around it.

Milkweed Editions is based in Bdé Óta Othúŋwe

(Minneapolis) within Mní Sota Makhóčhe, the traditional homeland of the Dakhóta people. Residing here since time immemorial, Dakhóta people still call Mní Sota Makhóčhe home, with four federally recognized Dakhóta nations and many more Dakhóta people residing in what is now the state of Minnesota.