In My Own Moccasins: A Memoir of Resilience: 11 (Regina Collection) - Softcover

Helen Knott

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0889777314 ISBN 13: 9780889777316

Publisher: University of Regina Press, 2020

Synopsis

A nationally bestselling book on the struggle of addiction and the power of Indigenous resilience. Helen Knott, a highly accomplished Indigenous woman, seems to have it all. But in her memoir, she offers a different perspective. In My Own Moccasins is an unflinching account of addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the wounds brought on by sexual violence. It is also the story of sisterhood, the power of ceremony, the love of family, and the possibility of redemption. With gripping moments of withdrawal, times of spiritual awareness, and historical insights going back to the signing of Treaty 8 by her great-great grandfather, Chief Bigfoot, her journey exposes the legacy of colonialism, while reclaiming her spirit. "" In My Own Moccasins never flinches. The story goes dark, and then darker. We live in an era where Indigenous women routinely go missing, our youth are killed and disposed of like trash, and the road to justice doesn't seem to run through the rez. Knott's journey is familiar, filled with the fallout of residential school, racial injustice, alcoholism, drugs, and despair. But she skillfully draws us along and opens up her life, her family, and her communities to show us a way forward. It's the best kind of memoir: clear-eyed, generous, and glorious….Bear witness to the emergence of one of the most powerful voices of her generation."" — Eden Robinson, author of Son of a Trickster and Monkey Beach (from the foreword) ""Helen Knott speaks truth to the experience of Indigenous women living through the violence of colonized spaces and she does so with grace, beauty and a ferocity that makes me feel so proud."" — Leanne Betasamosake Simpson , author of This Accident of Being Lost ""Helen writes beautifully and painfully, about her own life and the lives of many of our sisters. A strong, gentle voice removing the colonial blanket and exposing truth."" — Maria Campbell , author of Halfbreed ""An incredible debut that documents how trauma and addiction can be turned into healing and love. I am in awe of Helen Knott and her courage. I am a fan for life. Wow."" — Richard Van Camp , author of The Lesser Blessed ""Heartfelt, heartbreaking, triumphant and raw, In My Own Moccasins is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt lost in their life… Actually, it's a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of struggle, redemption and healing. Knott's writing is confident, clear, powerful and inspiring."" — Jowita Bydlowska , author of Guy: A Novel and Drunk Mom ""Powerful, filled with emotion."" — Carol Daniels, author of Bearskin Diary and Hiraeth ""A beautiful rendering of how recovery for our peoples is inevitably about reconnecting with Indigenous identities, lands, cultural and healing practices."" — Kim Anderson , author of Reconstructing Native Womenhood

About this title

About the Author

Helen Knott is a Dane Zaa, Nehiyaw, and mixed Euro-descent woman living in Fort St. John, British Columbia. In 2016 Helen was one of sixteen global change makers featured by the Nobel Women's Initiative for being committed to end gender-based violence. Helen was selected as a 2019 RBC Taylor Prize Emerging Author. This is her first book.

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Regina Press
• Publication date: 2020
• ISBN 10: 0889777314
• ISBN 13: 9780889777316
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304