Tag: love
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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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Cultivating Empathy: Steps to Center Yourself During Conflict
Finding our Soul’s purpose We must stay centered and grounded when experiencing a conflict. Respond with kindness and give space for others to express themselves. It is easy for a traumatized person to get traumatized by something someone said. When an older person chastised me, I felt like a powerless child. There wasn’t space allowed…
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JOYFUL SOUL
MY SOUL’S PROFILE I’ve had several conversations with friends, and the common thread is people are searching for their purpose. – “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Pablo Picasso I listened to a podcast, and the guest said you can’t find your purpose…
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Honoring My Grandparents Chris and Christina Adam
Grandparents Chris Christina married 60 years Grandparents — Chris and Christina Adam “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” – Joseph Campbell In this chapter, I write about my grandparents, Chris and Christina Adam, from Fond du Lac, Saskatchewan. They were the roots of our family.…
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Mama
Mama: Matriarch of Strength (1919–2016) “What I think is that a good life is one hero journey after another. Over and over again, you are called to the realm of adventure, you are called to new horizons. Each time, there is the same problem: do I dare? And then if you do dare, the dangers…
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FREEING EGO
“Life will offer you with people and circumstances to reveal where you’re not free.” — Peter Crone“Nothing is either good or bad; it is thinking that makes it so.” — William Shakespeare In this chapter, I write about the lifelong work of freeing myself from ego. This is the voice that seeks validation. It clings…
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HUMAN SPIRIT
Human beings are inherently social. A sense of belonging is a basic psychological need. Whether through relationships, family, or work, our connections to others shape our identity and well-being. In Japanese culture, there is a concept called ikigai—meaning “reason for being.” It describes the intersection of purpose, passion, and fulfillment. I attended Holy Angels Indian…
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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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The Flipside of Death is Life ( I wrote 10 years ago) These are my grandparents, married 60 years.
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…
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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…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 