From the Shores of the Ottawa River

My family are Densuline from northern Saskatchewan. The Dene are a proud people who lived off the land hunting and fishing prior to (and even after) European contact. I am one of sixteen children: ten brothers and five sisters.

When I was young, we would have Dene tea dances which involved drumming and storytelling. In addition, just before bed my older sister would tell creation and prophecy stories in our Indigenous language, Denesuline. 

I will describe what I know for sure from an Indigenous perspective

1. My ancestors are  listening to my prayers- I burn smudge (sweetgrass) daily and connect with my ancestors. It is deeply personal and spiritual. I begin with summoning family who have journeyed into the spiritual realm, calling each by name.
2. Circumstances in my life, like childhood illness, a tumour growing in my heart, and a stroke during surgery are not personal.
3. Nature provides the best example of living in harmony.
4. My Indigenous Denesuline family tap into humour in difficult times
5. Residential schools and trauma resulting from it do not define who I am.
6. I admire my brothers’ will power and connection to our culture.
7. Fish, and tea  taste the best cooked on open fire.
8. The sacred role of storytelling is dying, with the introduction of IPads iPhones and gaming Nintendo, PSP.
9. I am the youngest female of 5 sisters and the 14th of 16 children but I felt protected and loved.
10. Indigenous spirituality and culture are instrumental in healing.