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.
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"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
Longlisted for the RBC Taylor PrizeWinner of a Saskatchewan Book AwardShortlisted for the First Nation Communities READ Award
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)Intelligent, courageous, emotionally searing.
— Globe and MailProclaims healing a revolutionary act.
— BooklistAn incredibly forceful and moving book, the embodiment of what it means to reconcile, both with oneself and with others.
— Quill & QuireHelen 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 Noopiming: The Cure for White LadiesHelen 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 HalfbreedAn 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 BlessedPowerful, filled with emotion.
— Carol Daniels, author of Bearskin Diary and HiraethA 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