Tag Archives: Albert Dumont

Black Bear Man

A day for Mike (Black Bear Man) usually began with him being mechanically lifted out of bed, then washed, dressed and fed by staff at the longterm care hospital where he resided. Mike was a quadriplegic. His paralysis occurred when … Continue reading

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Val-d’Or Snowstorm

The snowstorm I feared might occur was there to greet me when I reached the southern outskirts of Val-d’Or as I made my way to Kitigan Zibi. I braced myself for a long, dangerous, late-night drive home. Snowflakes of varying … Continue reading

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Singing Pebble Storytelling: 16 March

I knew an old man long ago, with leather-like skin, who would dip his fingers into a tin of Copenhagen snuff and then, with unwashed fingers, gingerly stuff a large pinch of it into a toothless mouth already overflowing with … Continue reading

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Sobriety and the Boulet Boots

I remember a summer day back in 1970, going into a shop in the Byward Market (Lowertown Ottawa) and telling the shopkeeper, “I want the meanest cowboy boots in the store and I don’t care about the cost.” The proprietor, … Continue reading

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Hero – Are You One?

A white man I have a lot of respect for mentioned to me recently that he doesn’t believe Chief Theresa Spence was really on a liquid fast for 44 days. “Looked too healthy at the end of it,” he snorted. … Continue reading

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Chief Spence: The Fast is Complete

Chief Spence has ended her fast, the ceremony is complete. But far into the many tomorrows will the benefits of her sacrifice run like painted mustangs on an open range. Our thoughts which bring tears, our tears which bring a … Continue reading

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Who is Guilty of Terrorism?

Our voices communicating honour for all life, the sound of our singing drums, the sight of our people dancing, the power of our circles and our growing pride are apparently terrorizing Canadians. This according to a definition of the word … Continue reading

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Chief Spence: The Fasting Ritual

The men of Millhaven Institution’s (CSC) Native Brotherhood have found a hero, perhaps for the first time in their lives. Chief Theresa Spence has become a mighty source of inspiration into their rehabilitation goals. Her messages to them is that violence only … Continue reading

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Imagine 60%

According to a recent poll, 60% of Canadians believe that the First Nations themselves are responsible for the misery and dysfunction found in their communities. This tells me that 60% of Canadians are a pretty hard-hearted bunch. What must they … Continue reading

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Chief Spence and the Sacred Fire

I had an awesome visit at Victoria Island today, January 16, 2013. The sun was warm and shining bright, not interfered with by even the smallest clouds. Large geese, unafraid of people around them, walked about like military brass inspecting … Continue reading

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