From the Shores of the Ottawa River

my dad, Isidore Deranger with my older brother Freddy.

Indigenous teachings hold significant value in today’s world, offering profound insights into sustainability, community, and respect for nature. These teachings emphasize a deep connection to the land.

They foster a holistic understanding of life that can guide us in addressing contemporary challenges. By prioritizing these traditions, we can foster greater environmental stewardship, enhance community resilience, and cultivate a more inclusive society. Embracing indigenous wisdom honors the rich cultural heritage of these communities.I have always been connected to nature; it is in my DNA and is who I am as a Dene. My father was a hunter and trapper. He danced with nature in synchronicity with the natural flow of the seasons. His life depended on this cohesive interdependence, and he respected that he was helpless against Mother Nature.

It also provides us with essential lessons for living harmoniously with our environment and each other. Recognizing and implementing these teachings is crucial for achieving a more equitable and sustainable future.

I have always been connected to nature; it is in my DNA and is who I am as a Dene.

My father was a hunter and trapper. He danced with nature in synchronicity with the natural flow of the seasons. His life depended on this cohesive interdependence, and he respected that he was helpless against Mother Nature.

My life overall is far removed from my parents’ hunting and trapping lifestyle. I live a comfortable life with modern conveniences. That said, I still talk to the trees. I also talk to the plants. I whisper thanks to water just before I drink it. This connection to nature is integral to my identity. It reflects the teachings passed down from my father. He understood the delicate balance of life.

Even in my modern life, I keep that sacred relationship with the natural world. Embracing these practices fosters a sense of gratitude and awareness. They remind us of the significance of nurturing our bond with nature. This is important regardless of the lifestyle we lead.

He once told me about a violent storm on Lake Athabasca. He had to go ashore for 4 days until the storm passed. He was prepared and brought enough supplies to last him. He had tea and cooked bannock over fire and drank his tea under the stars.

My brother on Lake Athabasca 2022.

My life overall is far removed from my parents’ hunting and trapping lifestyle. I live a comfortable life with modern conveniences. I still talk to the trees and to the plants. I whisper thanks to water just before I drink it. A connection to nature is a profound part of my identity. It reflects the teachings passed down from my father. He understood the delicate balance of life.

Even in my modern life, I maintain that sacred relationship with the natural world. Embracing these practices fosters a sense of gratitude and awareness. They remind us all of the importance of nurturing our bond with nature, regardless of the lifestyle we lead.

I keep in mind how Indian residential school period tried to rid me of my indigenous identity. by writing about it,I hope to keep it alive.

I have always been connected to nature; it is in my DNA and is who I am as a Dene. My father was a hunter and trapper. He danced with nature in synchronicity with the natural flow of the seasons. His life depended on this cohesive interdependence, and he respected that he was helpless against Mother Nature.

He once told me about a violent storm on Lake Athabasca. He had to take refuge ashore for four days. He stayed there until the storm passed. He was well-prepared. He had brought enough supplies to last him. He spent those days sipping tea under the stars. He also hunted small game.

I keep in mind how the Indian residential school period tried to erase my Indigenous identity. By writing about my experiences and heritage, I hope to keep that identity alive. My life overall is far removed from my parents’ hunting and trapping lifestyle. I live a comfortable life with modern conveniences. That said, I still talk to the trees and to the plants. I whisper thanks to water just before I drink it.

This connection to nature is a profound part of my identity. It reflects the teachings passed down from my father. He understood the delicate balance of life. Even in my modern life, I keep that sacred relationship with the natural world. Embracing these practices fosters a sense of gratitude and awareness. They remind us of the importance of nurturing our bond with nature. This holds true, regardless of the lifestyle we lead.