Who is Etta Adams as noted in the memoir, You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me?

Etta was Lillian's mother and Alexie's grandmother, who was born in 1904 in Nespelem, Washington. At over six feet tall with a matching matriarchal power, everyone called her 'Big Mom." She had a commanding presence and was famously known for her spiritual powers, ancient stories and songs. In 1980 she was diagnosed with lung cancer and died holding on to her desire to be remembered.

Along with her parents, Etta was close friends with the Nez Peace leader Chief Joseph (known for famously leading his 700 followers on a 1,100 mile flight from 2,000 U.S. Cavalry soldiers in 1887 until he was captured and exiled to the Colville Indian Reservation where he later died) and his family.