Tag: spirituality
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First Nations? Why it is a Big Deal
Indigenous Identity — A Necessary Reckoning the picture above is my dad and older brother Freddy Thomas King’s admission that he falsely claimed Cherokee identity forces a hard truth back into the light. And I will say it plainly: Indigenous identity is not an aesthetic. It is not a performance. It is not something you…
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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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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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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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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,…
From the Shores of the Ottawa River 