These cedar giants hollowed out by flame at the hands of Alaska Natives untold years ago ... were they repositories for life-sustaining fire in a cold land? Beacons for ancient mariners braving the sea in magnificent carved canoes? Armed with an artist's insight, an explorer's curiosity, and a deep-seeded understanding of anthropology, lifelong Alaskan Mary Henrikson takes readers along on her quest to understand these special trees and their importance to the ancient cultures of Southeast Alaska.

"Mary Henrikson has pulled together some fascinating material regarding the mystery of the fire trees. There are many stories told by the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian that provide a window into their relationships with the forest and specific trees. Mary's work is an important contribution to the exploration of the interaction between the peoples of Southeast Alaska and their natural world of forest and oceans."

—Priscilla Schulte Ph.D.

Professor of Anthropology, University of Alaska Southeast Ketchikan

The Mystery of the Fire Trees

of Southeast Alaska

"Mary provides a landscape for exploration, living closely to the land and its people, and gives a powerful and fascinating perspective that could not be accessed by most researchers. She shows us a powerful way of combining methodology and personal insights, bringing the world alive for those who join her. I have spent hours in discussion with Mary, and each time leave inspired, fascinated and motivated to dive into the mysteries of this world. I believe that by reading this book, you will as well."

—Joshua Cogan

Emmy-Winning Photographer and Anthropologist

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Photos and Illustrations 

featured in the book, The Mystery of the Fire Trees of Southeast Alaska