My extended family's ancestors, father, grandparents, and elders spoke Ililiimowin.
My father, who experienced eight years in Canada's aggressive assimilation practice known as the Indian Resident School, concluded that Ililiimowin wouldn't help me secure meaningful employment.
He instructed me to learn English and French.
My father was certain that my future did not reside in Moose Factory where I was born and raised.
My father, who experienced eight years in Canada's aggressive assimilation practice known as the Indian Resident School, concluded that Ililiimowin wouldn't help me secure meaningful employment.
He instructed me to learn English and French.
My father was certain that my future did not reside in Moose Factory where I was born and raised.
My father passed in November 2006. In the spring of the same year, my father apologized to me.
“I am sorry that I never taught you our language”
I didn't think much of the apology at the time.
Since his death, I have had this empty space grow larger each year.
Since his death, I have had this empty space grow larger each year.
In 2020, the first step into learning Ililiimowin proved fulfilling and exciting for me. Learning, reading papers and other bits of information lead me down many rabbit holes. My own empty space is slowly filling up with decorations, stories, ideas, and dreams.