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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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Isidore Deranger
Chapter 7: Baba’s Traditional Lifestyle and Its Influence on Our Family Baba’s traditional lifestyle profoundly influenced our family dynamics and values. As a trapper and hunter, he was deeply connected to the land, relying on its resources to supply for us. His way of life was rooted in the teachings of our ancestors. They understood…
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Letting Go of Control Through Mindfulness
Non-Attachment We are creatures of habit, often living on autopilot. But until we start paying attention—until we become mindful—life can pass us by in the blink of an eye. For me, mindfulness means being available and aware in each moment. It hasn’t always been easy, but with regular meditation practice, it has become more natural…
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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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Life’s Value: Lessons from Loss and Love
We search to find meaning in someone’s life. We search for answers to their existence. At times, especially during moments of loss and grief, we look for meanings in their life to ease our pain. That is the human condition. We search because we think if we can attach value to their life, then their…
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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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Honoring Mama: The Guardian of Our Dene Culture
She came into this world on 8, of May, 1919, in Old Fort, Alberta, the eldest of eleven children. With two sisters and eight brothers, she quickly learned the weight and responsibility of caring for others. At just 15, she entered into marriage with Isadore Deranger in 1933 in Fond du Lac. Their union began…
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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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From the Shores of the Ottawa River 