8/17/2017 0 Comments #7: Read an autobiography written by an Indigenous person and #36: support local Indigenous authors by purchasing their books.I chose to read Morningstar Mercredi's autobiography. Her account of her young life, although filled with pain, abuse and alcoholism was told with such clarity and almost sharpness (but not in a bad way) that allowed you to hear her voice. As I read more I could almost hear her as a young girl, a youth and woman grow, finding her way in an uncertain world. The poetry throughout was mesmerizing, connecting the reader to a spiritual realm that was just on the periphery of the story. The book is aptly titled "A Warrior's Spirit". She is a warrior, having survived extreme generational trauma caused by the residential school system, been subjected to sexual and emotional abuse, and overcoming alcoholism. The strength coming from the positive and loving relationships she had with her grandparents, who often cared for her in Fort Chipewyan. Her memoir is a living example of how systemic racism in Canada has impacted the lives of so many, from generation to generation. Indigenous women in particular are the victim of colonial patriarchy, seen as lesser than beings, and preyed upon. Her life story took place mostly in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McMurray, Uranium City, Edmonton and some time in Saskatchewan. It helped me to understand the life of many people who due to their parent's addictions and trauma based behaviours were moved from community to community cared for by family or friends. The inconsistency of her life was the only constant. I'm so fortunate to have always had a place to call home, never fearing where I would next rest my head. Her son, Matthew, she didn't provide that same consistency initially but grew as a mother and overcame so much to provide him with that consistent and loving home. Her love for her son, showing such incredible personal strength is what I believe will begin to heal the trauma that residential schools left upon families. One story in particular fascinated me, her account of her mother's use of cleaning as an unspoken punishment or penance. Speaking with former students from the same school, Convent of Holy Angels Indian Residential School, they too recounted that cleaning was often used as punishment at the school and they themselves often used cleaning as a disciplinary parenting strategy. It was at that moment that I began to self-reflect on my childhood and how clean my father always kept everything. His desk perfectly organized, pens lined up neatly beside each other. I don't know if it is something that was impressed upon him by my grandmother who attended residential school (not necessarily as a punishment) but as something that we are all impacted by in some way. Throughout the book, I felt very honoured that she chose to share her story, as terrifying and sad her early life had been, she made a choice and today lives by that choice. All of our parents, who didn't have parents in some cases, chose to parent differently. We are so fortunate to be the generation after that generation, all of whom are warriors in my eyes. Here are the links to buy her book: Amazon and Indigo
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About me
I grew up in Athabasca, AB and have spent the majority of my life in Northern Alberta or Montreal, PQ. My husband has been in Fort McMurray since the 70s and continues to love this town and all that it has to offer. We are avid outdoor enthusiasts, spending our summer weekends quadding and camping. As Opimian members we thoroughly enjoy wine pairings and tastings and are working on our wine collection. Ralph is a carpenter by trade and has framed more houses in Fort McMurray than I could count and knows the city inside and out. I work all throughout the region from the NWT to Janvier for the tribal council. My passion is doodling and photography which is featured throughout the website (various mediums), writing, Indigenous studies, and learning in general. Categories |