How had all their complaining worked against them?

The People are a tribe of Native Americans, who live north of the Arctic Circle. This particular winter, The People are struggling to find enough food to avoid starvation. The Chief announces one day that it is time to move on in search of caribou, but this time they must leave behind two old women because they have become a drain on The People.... they are a burden, and they complain all the time. The old women, Sa' and Ch'idzigyaak, however, cannot believe that they are to be left to the mercy of the elements around them. Ch'idzigyaak especially, because she has a daughter and grandson in the tribe, is hurt beyond description. Before The People move on, Ch'idzigyaak's daughter gives her a babiche, and her grandson leaves his hatchet with her.