Category: Indigenous spirituality
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The Last Denesuline Traditional Marriage
My extraordinary mama “In every marriage, there is not only the joining of two people, but of two worlds — one visible, one spiritual.”— Joseph Campbell IMy mother, Therese Deranger (née Adams). She was the matriarch of our family. I also write about my father, Isidore Deranger. Their union was one of the last traditional…
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Rose — Survivor with an Indomitable Spirit
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus In this chapter, I write about my sister Rose, the strongest person I know. She is dynamic, fearless, and deeply committed to protecting both people and the land. Her life has been marked by struggles. No…
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A Journey to Australia: 2008 Beauty, and the Shared Grief of Stolen Children
picture of my niece, elder Summer, Daniel, Nanton, Australia has always held a special place in my heart. Though it’s a 27-hour trip from Ottawa, I’ve been fortunate to walk on that beautiful land four times. Each visit has left a lasting impression. Yet, this particular journey was different. It was deeply personal, profoundly emotional,…
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From Grief to Action: Fight Against Addiction
I dropped a tear in the ocean. The day it is found is the day I will stop missing you. – Unknown It shattered my world when you died. The world as I knew it changed forever in an instant. Tears cascaded down my face as I try to process that your beautiful spirit is…
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Embracing Nature: A Dene Perspective
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,…
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Happiness is yours to grab
What Brings Me Happiness I come from a small northern helmet, Fort Chippewa, Alberta. It is the little things that bring me happiness. I am a proud Denesuline (Dene) Happiness to me is when I feel the warmth of these little moments. They fill me with joy. It sparks a sensation akin to tiny butterflies…
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Rambling-Rose: An Inspiring Activist and Survivor’s Journey
Rose is providing me with invaluable life lessons by example. We don’t get to see each other often but when we do get together, her stories and laughter sustain me for months, the sub text is we love and support one another. No matter our differences we will always encourage and support each other in a loving…
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We Should Never Forget The Impact of Indian Residential Schools
Dene Youth drummers There is no worshiping of idols, or of a God, only the deepest respect and appreciation for Natural Law. What that means for me, as an Indigenous person is to respect nature, the trees, the water, the wind, the sun, and all living beings, the bears and birds to name a couple. This is the…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 