Category: Life
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Resilience Through Oral History: The Dene Experience
Oral traditions are the vibrant essence of our Denesuline culture. Long before written words existed, knowledge flowed from mouth to ear, from Elder to child, and from heart to heart. These narratives were not merely for amusement; they were vessels of law, memory, instruction, and prophecy. In our family, storytelling was a means of survival.…
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Mama – Therese Deranger (1919–2016)
Mama, whose full name was Therese Deranger (née Adams), was born on May 8, 1919, in Old Fort, Alberta. She married young—at the age of 14—and became the matriarch of a large family of sixteen children. She raised us with discipline and strength. She could be as strict as a drill sergeant. Once, my brother…
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Sister Rose Desjarlais
Sister Rose – Resilient Spirit (1954–) This is a picture of her. It includes our late brother Roger and her late son James. Rose Marina was born in 1954. She is more than my sister. She is my confidante and my companion. We share stories, joys, and the hardships that shaped us. Rose is a…
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Discovering Your Ikigai: A Journey to Purpose
Finding purpose in life Human beings are inherently social; a sense of belonging is a fundamental psychological need. Whether through relationships, family, or professional environments, connection to others shapes our identity and well-being. In Japanese culture, the concept of ikigai—meaning “reason for being”—describes the intersection of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. I attended Holy Angels Indian…
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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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Trees and Humans: A Unique Connection
Trees and humans share remarkable similarities despite their differences in form. Like humans, trees have unique life cycles, growing from small beginnings into strong, mature beings. Their roots anchor them to the earth, much like human foundations—our families, cultures, and experiences—that shape who we become.Recently I’ve read several books on trees, I speak for Trees,…
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Stroke and Recovery in 2019
This blog is my personal observations. They come from my time as a patient at Elizabeth Bruyère Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hospital, Clinic. I also received care from Ambulatory Stroke Services. I experienced excellent care after suffering a stroke. I later became an outpatient under the care of Dr. Hillel Finestone. I also give some…
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LIFE’S MOMENTS
Mid-February Musings Lately, I’ve been reflecting more deeply on life’s fleeting nature. I grapple with the idea of a purposeful life—what does it truly mean? I believe we must be intentional in how we live, yet purpose manifests differently for each of us. This contemplation led me to reevaluate what is truly important in my…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 