Katherena Vermette explores profound human connections and societal issues with urgency and empathy in her writing. Her poetic language, often drawing from her Métis heritage and native Winnipeg, weaves intricate tapestries of human experience. Through her works, Vermette positions herself as a voice for marginalized communities, using literature as a tool for activism and understanding. Her writing is powerful, poignant, and resonates with a deep comprehension of the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
Echo Desjardins, a Métis teenager, embarks on a time-traveling journey that immerses her in significant moments of Métis history while also contemplating her future. This omnibus edition compiles all four volumes of Katherena Vermette's series, showcasing Echo's unique experiences as she navigates her identity and heritage in a new environment. The narrative blends historical events with personal growth, offering a rich exploration of culture and self-discovery.
"From the bestselling author of The Break comes a staggering intergenerational saga that explores how connected we are, even when we are no longer together--even when we're forced apart. Cedar has nearly forgotten what her family looks like. Phoenix has nearly forgotten what freedom feels like. And Elsie has nearly given up hope. Nearly. As Cedar floats between foster homes, and eventually goes to live with her estranged father, she grapples with the pain of being separated from her mother, Elsie, and sister, Phoenix. From a youth detention centre, Phoenix gives birth to a baby she'll never get to raise, and finds herself trying to--or wondering if she even should--forgive herself for all the harm she's caused. Elsie, struggling with addiction and determined to turn her life around, is buoyed by the very idea of being reunited with her daughters and strives to be someone they can depend on, unlike her own distant mother, Margaret. These are the Strangers, each of them haunted in their own way by the death of Elsie's youngest daughter, Sparrow, a sweet, boisterous 8-year-old who died suddenly of pneumonia, leaving the family reeling from the weight of her loss. Between flickering moments of warmth and support, the women diverge and reconnect, fighting to survive in a fractured system that dares them to succeed, but expects them to fail. Facing the distinct blade of racism from those they trusted most, and a severe ignorance that surrounds them and confines their every move, they urge each other to move through the darkness, all the while wondering if they will ever emerge on the other side. A breathtaking companion to her bestselling debut The Break, Vermette's The Strangers brings readers into the crushing and dynamic world of the Stranger family, the shared grief in their past, and the light that beckons from the horizon. This is a searing exploration of race, class, intergenerational trauma, and matrilineal bonds that--despite everything--refuse to be broken."-- Provided by publisher
The third graphic novel in the A Girl Called Echo series, Northwest Resistance follows Echo Desjardins and her travels through time. Going back to 1884, Echo finds herself in the thick of a new M tis resistance led by leader Louis Riel, who has returned from exile to resist encroaching forces from the East and to ensure his people's rights are honoured. For Echo, the experience is empowering, focusing her own identity and giving her the strength to confront the challenges in her life.
"In the fourth volume of A Girl Called Echo, Echo Desjardins resumes her time travel and learns more about Metis history in Canada, including the "road allowance" land set aside by the crown, and the former community known as "Rooster Town" in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She also witnesses the trial of Louis Riel in Regina, Saskatchewan."--
A stunning debut novel by multi-award-winning poet Katherena Vermette about a multigenerational indigenous family dealing with the fallout of a shocking crime.
Exploring the Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe, this book delves into the profound truths that shape Indigenous identity and community. It emphasizes the importance of family and interconnectedness, presenting a rich tapestry of cultural wisdom. Through engaging narratives, readers are invited to reflect on the principles of respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, and truth, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and their relevance in contemporary society.
Exploring the Seven Teachings of the Anishinaabe, this book emphasizes the importance of honesty within Indigenous culture. It highlights the interconnectedness of community and family, illustrating how truth serves as a foundational value that strengthens relationships and fosters understanding. Through rich storytelling and cultural insights, readers are invited to reflect on the significance of these teachings in their own lives and communities.
Exploring the rich wisdom of the Anishinaabe culture, this book delves into the Seven Teachings that guide Indigenous life. It addresses the historical impact of residential schools on communities and the importance of reclaiming home and identity. Through storytelling and cultural insights, the narrative emphasizes resilience, connection, and the teachings that foster healing and understanding within Indigenous communities. The themes highlight the significance of tradition and the enduring strength found in communal ties.
