In 2010, Aucha Kameroff and her brother rode snowmachines from Kotzebue to Stebbins. Aucha had never been on a long-distance snowmachine trip before. It was an adventure – something new and fun for a brave set of siblings to do.
Then, in 2011, Aucha’s son died by suicide. It hurt her in unimaginable ways. As she began the journey to recovery, she realized that the best way to heal was to spend time connecting to nature and to her culture.
So this year, Aucha returned to the trail, accompanied by her son’s best friend. They rode all the way to her son’s grave in Emmonak. This time, the snowmachine trip brought Aucha not just adventure, but peace. This is a story of pain and loss, but also of looking forward.
To hear more about Aucha’s journey, tune in to Story49 on KNOM (780 AM, 96.1 FM) on Sunday, April 16th, at 6:00pm, and then again on Thursday, April 20th, at 3:00pm. You can also listen online using the audio player above.
If you or someone you know has a story to share, contact KNOM at 443-5221 or by email at story49@knom.org.
Story49: Sharing your story, your voice, your Alaska.
(If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, get the support and help you need. Call the Anchorage NorthStar Crisis Line, 1-800-478-7575, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255.)
