It is a sad and little known fact that during World War Two a portion of the Native American population of Alaska were rounded up and placed in what became known as Duration Camps. This was done at least offically for thier own safety but comditions in these camps were horrible and manhy died before seeing thier homes again. The Us goverment eventually paid settlements to the survivors of this grave misjustice. The Origin of the Wind is about a young Native American girl who after arguing with her mother about attending heritage night is given the diary her grandmother kept while living in one such camp. Through reading this diary the girl comes to have a better understanding of the importance of knowing ones heritage and the value of family and community.