Daniel H. Wilson, a Portland author and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, has released a new thriller titled “Hole in the Sky.”
The book is set against the backdrop of the Great Plains of Oklahoma, specifically the Spiro Mounds, and weaves together elements of Indigenous knowledge and science fiction.
The Spiro Mounds, once an outpost of ancient mound builder civilizations, are rich in history and mystery.
These mounds are remnants of a culture that laid the foundation for many North American tribes and contain artifacts and ceremonial significance from a past largely forgotten.
Wilson, who grew up near Spiro and spent time on his grandparents’ farm, describes the site as akin to having the Egyptian pyramids in his backyard, making it an ideal setting for his story.
In preparation for writing the book, Wilson revisited the mounds with his brother and conducted research in Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation’s capital.
Interestingly, Wilson is also adapting the novel for a Netflix film, collaborating with Sterlin Harjo, the director known for works like “Reservation Dogs.”
As part of their research, they explored the mounds together, discovering that while they may not be as visually imposing as anticipated, they are steeped in cultural significance.
Wilson’s narrative traverses the often-separate realms of science fiction and Native culture, offering a fresh perspective that intersects both the past and the future.
He emphasizes that these two worlds are not mutually exclusive; each enriches the other.
Wilson believes this intersection is vital, particularly as Indigenous perspectives have historically been marginalized or reduced to stereotypes in the realm of sci-fi.
As a researcher with a PhD in robotics and a background in threat forecasting for the U.S. Air Force, Wilson seeks to illustrate how Cherokee oral traditions and cosmologies contain elements that can be viewed through a futuristic lens.
For instance, the layout of the Spiro Mounds, which mirrors the Pleiades constellation, showcases how historical Indigenous knowledge can inform and enhance modern narratives about the cosmos.
Throughout the book, Wilson weaves the theme of looking up at the stars to contemplate the unknown, indicating that this connection has always been present.
Characters in “Hole in the Sky” grapple with very human reactions to the unknown, reflecting a profound sense of personal struggle and cultural identity.
Jim Hardgray, one of the central figures, is portrayed as struggling with his cultural ties and family relationships as he attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter, Tawny.
Their dynamic serves as the emotional core of the narrative, with Jim’s personal growth intertwined with the larger theme of first contact with an unknown force.
Wilson crafts Jim’s journey to rediscover his cultural traditions while facing the unknown.
He acknowledges that in times of crisis, individuals might abandon their cultural frameworks, but finds that reconnection can provide clarity and understanding.
Drawing from his own familial experiences and relationships, Wilson endeavored to present a relatable and deeply human character in Jim, who serves as a vessel for larger thematic explorations.
In creating the characters, Wilson reflects on his experiences and relationships within the context of cultural expectations and scientific inquiry.
Gavin, a CIA analyst in the book, is representative of the typical governmental response to unknown phenomena, a character crafted from Wilson’s own experience in threat assessment for the military.
His arc reflects a deconstruction of stereotypical heroism, as he learns that not all answers are within grasp and that the approach to the unknown cannot solely be one of control and destruction.
Another pivotal character, Mikayla Johnson, serves as an astrophysicist at NASA, challenging conventional images of scientists.
Her identity as a young, Black woman in a science field introduces additional layers to the exploration of how individuals relate to knowledge and the unknown.
Mikayla struggles to balance her scientific endeavors with human connection, symbolizing the potential for science to draw her away from interpersonal relationships.
Through these characters and their diverse experiences, Wilson aims for readers to grasp the idea that Indigenous perspectives can provide valuable insights into our relationship with the universe.
He wants to challenge the notion that fear must govern our understanding of the unknown, instead promoting the idea of curiosity and connection.
Wilson asserts that Indigenous peoples have a place in the future, and that first contact—a theme resonant in many human histories—can inform and shape our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Ultimately, Wilson’s “Hole in the Sky” transcends traditional narratives to offer a unique view of science fiction through the lens of Indigenous knowledge, promising a story where both the cosmos and cultural identity converge.
image source from：opb
