Chapter Twelve, The Spirit Horse's Bridle Summary and Analysis

Chapter Twelve opens as Alvord is driving to Tuba City to see a medicine man. She mentions that they decided to name her baby Kodiak, for the great black Alaskan bear. Despite the risk to 'Kodi', Alvord felt that she had to go see the medicine man, that it was best for them both. Alvord had always dreamed about the trip. She was going to see a medicine man or 'hataalii' named Thomas Hataathlii. He performed the Beauty Way ceremony and was a counselor at the Tuba City Hospital with the Indian Health Service. He'd also sponsored workshops for Dartmouth Native American students.

Thomas was a cool, young medical professional who kept traditional Navajo ways. He was young, but had wisdom and shared Alvord's duality. Thomas was a handsome, incredibly young...