The book: Dancing with Shadows



### Introduction

In the heart of the Gitxsan territory, where the rivers flow like the lifeblood of our ancestors and the mountains stand as silent witnesses to our history, there exists a legend that has been passed down through generations. It is a tale of resilience, of strength forged in the fires of struggle, and of the unbreakable bonds that tie us to one another and to the land we call home.

Long ago, when the world was still young, the Great Spirit bestowed gifts upon the Gitxsan people. Among these gifts were the powers of the natural world—the ability to connect with the spirits of the land, the wisdom to heal wounds both seen and unseen, and the strength to face the darkness that sought to overshadow their existence. It was said that those who embraced their heritage and honored the teachings of their ancestors would find themselves walking between worlds—navigating the realms of reality and spirit, where the past and present intertwine.

As I share my journey through the pages of this book, I invite you to step into that space with me—a place where life experiences shape our realities and where resilience becomes the thread that weaves our stories together. My path has been marked by challenges, heartache, and moments of profound beauty. It is a tapestry of laughter and tears, woven with the memories of my children, Kaila and Conan, whose spirits continue to inspire and guide me each day.

Kaila and Conan were not just my children; they were my teachers, illuminating the way through the shadows that sometimes enveloped my heart. Their laughter echoed in my soul, reminding me to find joy even in the toughest of times. In their honor, I share this story, for it is a testament to the strength of our lineage and the power of love that transcends the physical realm.

Through my words, I hope to convey the lessons learned in the face of adversity, the importance of community, and the unwavering connection we have to our ancestors and the land. Together, we will explore the mystical realities that exist alongside our own, where the spirits whisper through the trees, and the echoes of our past guide us toward a brighter future.

May this journey awaken the resilience within you, and may the stories within these pages serve as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, we have the power to rise, to heal, and to embrace the fullness of life. In memory of my beloved children, Kaila and Conan, may their spirits live on in our hearts and continue to inspire us to walk the path of hope and strength.


————


Closing Credits

Title: Dancing with Shadows  
Author: Ugh'de'wil'gal'um Stephanie A. Morgan  

Genre: A Contemporary Indigenous Fiction Novel

### Acknowledgments
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Gitxsan community for their wisdom, strength, and support. This book is a reflection of our shared stories, struggles, and victories.

To my beloved children, Kaila and Conan, your spirits guide me every day. This book is dedicated to you, and may your light continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who read this.

### Special Thanks
Thank you to my mom, Chief Woo'sim'lax'ha Peggy Mowatt Morgan, my dads Willis Morgan and Chief Gaklxh Verny Morgan, and my grandparents Arthur Mowatt, Mary (Green) Mowatt, and Martha (Lowrie) Morgan, who taught me everything.

### For More Information
For more stories and updates, please visit https://linktr.ee/IndianStatus531 (https://linktr.ee/IndianStatus531)

Copyright © 2025 Ugh'de'wil'gal'um Stephanie A. Morgan. All rights reserved.  
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.

Cover Design and Edits by: ChatBox AI  

Printed in the traditional unceded territories of the Coast Salish people's, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Watuth Nations, Canada.

ISBN: 978-1-234567-89-0

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