On June 12, 2020, our esteemed friend and colleague, Thomas Doty, passed away at his home in Ashland, Oregon.

Our association began in the 1980s through my work as an anthropologist/archaeologist in southern Oregon and his performances as a native storyteller throughout the state. It was at this same time that I also met Takelma elder, Agnes Baker Pilgrim, who decades later became my inspiration for Upriver to Morning.

Thomas Doty’s cultural and educational contributions to Upriver to Morning over the past four and a half years were vital to the project’s evolution. At its onset in March, 2016, his vision for my book idea exceeded even my own. Not only did he edit my draft manuscript, he offered vital cultural content to keep the book, and its accompanying education program, accurate, compelling, and in alignment with native Takelma believes and practices.

Tom grasped the project’s potential early on. As a touring native storyteller, he witnessed a dire need for authentic indigenous curriculum in public education at every grade level. He tirelessly helped me forge a path from concept to near-completion. He was resolute in his passion and commitment to provide content for Upriver to Morning while honoring native ways in modern times. His rich storyteller’s voice created the audiobook.

The seeds of Tom’s research, teachings, storytelling, and programs have sown deep and lasting roots of awareness, respect, and understanding of our region’s cultural heritage. His attention to accuracy and interpretation of Oregon’s indigenous cultures reflects his personal integrity, passion, and wit. His life’s work literally fills volumes.

Yes, all who knew Thomas Doty, and all who heard him share stories of Salmon, Coyote, and Rock Old Woman, unite in this profound loss. He was a one-of-a-kind educator, a two-legged archive of indigenous culture, a prolific writer, a revered public speaker, and life-long wanderer.

Thomas Doty, may you rest in peace among the stories and stars, with no beginning and no end. You will be profoundly missed and lovingly remembered here on earth as your life carved a story in stone that will never fade.

Tish McFadden