Living In Two Worlds
A GWICH'IN WOMAN TELLS HER TRUE STORY
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
HERE IS THE FIRST FEW PAGES OF THE BOOK SHOWING THE CHAPTERS AND COMMENTS BY WELL KNOWN AUTHORITIES WHO ENDOURSE THE BOOK Preface These days it seems the bad news gets around so quickly! So when something positive happens it is a pleasure to hear of good news for a change. One of the recent items sure to receive a warm welcome is that Therese Remi- Sawyer born on an Arctic trap line near Arctic Red River deep in the Canadian North, has written her recollections of life in her region. Canadians crowding to make homes on the 200 mile- wide corridor along the 49th parallel have been slow to take the vast and distinctive North to their hearts; too many of them have not seen the northern half of their country. If there are false views about our North being a cheerless land of perpetual winter, it is unfortunate and certainly underlies the importance of the story that this author brings. No one is better qualified than Terry to tell about spring moving in on the heels of a long winter or the rush of birds returning to nest in the North. She can tell us about the appearance, as if by magic, of a million fresh water lakes; the glory of sub-Arctic waters. owers; the unbelievable reality of the midnight sun and the abundance of the Northern Arctic berries. Canada has an urgent need for people who can explain the spell of the North. We welcome Th erese Norwegian (Sawyer) a genuine daughter of the North, to the unique brand of authors who give us their personal and profound perspective. Grant Mac Ewan Calgary, Alberta (In memory of ) CHAPTER 1 My Early Life on the Land CHAPTER 2 Residential School Days Immaculate Conception School CHAPTER 3 Mackenzie Delta CHAPTER 4 Arctic Red River CHAPTER 5 Learning Th e Ways Of Th e White Man Chapter 6 My First Bout with Tuberculosis Chapter 7 First Encounter Chapter 8 Forbidden Fruit Chapter 9 Fort Destiny Chapter 11 Th e Beginning of a Nightmare Chapter 12 Wife and Mother Chapter 13 A New Start Chapter 14 Centennial Year Chapter 15 A Doomed Affair Chapter 16 Th e Last of his Generation Chapter 18 A Friend and Protector Chapter 18 Seeking Knowledge at Henwood Chapter 19 My Troubled Children Chapter 21 Home to Inuvik Chapter 22 I Am Too Young To Have a Heart Attack Chapter 22 Chairperson for the Drug & Alcohol Association Chapter 25 Native Crafts Chapter 25 Mother’s Greatest Sorrow Chapter 25 My Uncle Amos Chapter 27 Ben Calf Robe Junior High School 1989 Chapter 27 Who Am I? 264 Chapter 28 Th e Gwich’in Land Claim Agreement Therese Remi- Sawyer was born on the trap line near the Arctic Red River and spent her childhood along the lower Mackenzie River. Raised by her grandparents, she learned from an early age how to live on the land, to dry meat and smoke and dry fishh, to tan animal hides, to snare rabbits and sew hide garments. As Terry recounts her childhood, we learn the hardships and joys of these traditional Gwichya Gwich’in ways. We learn too of her grandparents’ spiritual teachings and life values they taught her to respect. Terry tells of significant events in Gwich’in history. The election of the first chief, her paternal grandfather Paul Niditchie; dealings with missionaries, Hudson’s Bay Company traders and the RCMP, and the signing of Treaty 11 are all presented from the Gwich’in perspective. Thoughly rooted in traditional upbringing, Terry’s story is also that of an aboriginal woman making her way in the non-aboriginal world. A skilled artisan and storyteller, her life as addictions counselor, Dene spokesperson and single mother has been remarkable, given her early challenges. Life at the residential school, racism, extended hospitalization and a series of poorly -paid jobs put Terry’s spirit to the test. Most devastating of all was her .first marriage to an abusive husband. Terry’s description of this relationship is unflinchingly honest. Her account of her escape from this marriage and its legacy of helplessness and fear resonate with the determination of one who will survive and become and individual in her own right. When she was a young girl, Terry’s family hoped that she would become a messenger for her people, a bridge between the Gwichya Gwich’in and the outside world. With the publication of “Living in Two Worlds,” Terry fulfills those early dreams. The message that she delivers is one of resilience, caring and respect. It comes from the teachings of the Gwich’in elders. Its power and wisdom speak to us all. Thank you, (Ma’sii) Terry. Susan Berry Provincial Museum of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
The story of an aboriginal woman born on the trap line near Tsiigehtchic, Northwest Territories, 1935. See life on the land through Terry's young eyes Travel by dog team with her grandparents who adopted her. You will understand how she felt loved living in the remote wilderness . She lived with all that was wild and free. Never lacking anything she had fresh air,sky,hills,valleys,rivers,lakes,nature and animals. Her people were rich in traditional food, good health and freedom. Maps,pictures illustrations legends,and stories make the north come alive The reader learns, of the values and spiritual teachings, they taught her to respect. We learn of her sadness and losses in Residential School. Here nuns and priests were unsuccessful trying to break Terry's cultural spirit The experiences she had through spousal abuse, many women goes through. Terry here speaks out against violence, unfairness and injustice. Despite many illnesses and obstacles she was determined to win, no matter what. Writing this book, caring and respecting one another's beliefs and culture is Terry life dream . Learn Respect for Land, Water, Nature and all life on it, so our children and future generations will enjoy Mother Earth. Find inspiration in Terry’s message of personal courage.
About the Author
An aboriginal Gwich'in woman has broken the silence writing her unique story. Therese was born at bush camp Her grandparents adopted her, and traditionally raised her, giving her the best years of her life. Therese later survived traumatic experiences at Residential school ,four years hospitalization with tuberculosis and an abusive and violent first relationship. All of these events greatly affected her life. Therese believed writing her story was the only way to heal her heart. Therese has gone on to live an interesting varied life. She presently writes, sews,travels,and translates on a hobby farm in Alberta. An email can be sent to< terry sawyer> terese35 @yahoo.com if there are any questions about her book Terry presently sews Traditional aboriginal crafts, translates Gwich,in language, makes cbc radio broadcasts,and is writing another book Silent Tears silent Cries.