Omakayas and her family live on the land her people call the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. Although the “chimookomang” white people, encroach, more and more of their land, life continues much as it always has. In between, Omakayas fights, with her annoying little brother, Pinch, plays with the adorable baby Neewo, and tries to be grown up like a big sister, Angeline.  but the satisfying rhythms of their life are shattered when a visitor comes to their lodge, one winter night, bringing with him and invisible enemy that will change things forever.