From the Shores of the Ottawa River

One evening, under the radiant full moon that has observed countless generations, I sat in quiet reflection. I felt both small and connected to the vastness of life. As I often do I imagined the Algonquins who roomed the traditional territory we live on.

In this sacred moment, I began to contemplate profound questions: What is the purpose of life? What is our true purpose as Dene people? Does our purpose shift as we journey through life? Our existence begins with our first breath, and each breath that follows sustains our spirit. I ponder the question but answers allude me.

We are reminded of the preciousness of life when we face the unexpected. This includes events like the death of a loved one. We recognize the fragility of life.

In my culture, death is seen as a transition. It is a return to the earth and the spirit world. This reminds us that life is a cycle. Death is merely a part of that cycle.

My search for the meaning of life deepened with the passing of my grandmother, a guiding light in my life. One moment she was here, sharing her wisdom, and the next, she had joined our Dene ancestors.

The loss was profound, and I was overwhelmed with sorrow, questioning the significance of her life. What is the purpose of loving someone deeply only to have them taken away? Why must we endure this pain when our connections feel so vital?

As I have experienced more losses in the last five years, I navigate the same cycle of grief. This cycle is marked by confusion. I often wonder: What does it all mean for us as Dene people? We hold a rich connection to our land and ancestors.

Death evokes a complex blend of fear and fascination within me. I fear the finality of it, yet I am also drawn to the questions it raises. In our traditions, we believe in the continuity of the spirit. Do our souls journey to the spirit world, where they reconnect with those who have gone before us? or is this a notion brought on by religion? Is there a blending of time and space when we leave this life? Why do we continue to feel the essence of those we’ve lost? It’s as if they linger in the whispers of the wind. Or they are in the rustling of the leaves. When I light my sage in prayer, I speak to Annie, Roger, Liz, Patrick, Maxi, Rossi, Billy, and Chris. They are my most recently departed family. Afterward, I talk to my parents and finally my grandparents. I ask for protection and clarity of heart and mind.,to live a compassionate life.

In our communities, we often avoid discussing death directly. Many people avoid the word “died.” They prefer phrases that soften the reality. For example, they say “has moved on” or “is with our Dene ancestors in the spirit world..

For me,I feel comfort in knowing that behind the frail veil of this realm exist, a new reality.

I believe we are energy and as such we change form when our body dies. So never dying but changing form. We are taught our ancestors are always with us. and if we dream of them, we look for the message they send us through our dreams. Every night we die to be reborn in the morning.

Nonetheless death is a part of our journey that can’t be ignored. When someone we love passes on, we are confronted with the reality that our lives have changed forever. In the midst of our grief, we often think more deeply on the nature of existence. We also consider our responsibilities to those who stay. In fact what we lose is the possibility of a future with that person. That loss like a divorce is devastating. but unlike divorce it can’t be remedied. The lesson for me is always be grateful for people in your life.

The flip side of living is death. How can we embrace life fully without acknowledging this truth? We become more aware of life’s fragility. We cultivate a greater appreciation for our connections, our land, and our traditions. We become more aware, wanting our lives to matter. We seek meaning. We feel compelled to express our feelings openly. We say “I love you” more often. We share stories and honor our heritage.

Yet, this awareness can be fleeting. Once the grief subsides, we return to the routines of daily life. Sometimes, we forget to live with intention and connection. Often, we settle for existing without fully embracing our cultural identity and the lessons it offers.

As I sit beneath the illuminating full moon, I feel both inconsequential and profoundly connected. I realize that the question of life’s purpose not have a singular answer. As Dene people, our purpose is intertwined with our relationship to the land, the spirits, and our community. In honoring our ancestors and embracing the cycles of life and death, we continue to carry their wisdom onward.

Live your life large. Do things that make you scared. Laugh more and dance. Find joy in simple things like a sunset.

“Death is the only immortal who treats us all alike. Its pity, peace, and refuge are for everyone—the soiled and the pure, the rich and the poor. It is for the loved and the unloved.” — Mark Twain