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Chii Migwetch!!

Revisado: 01-21-22

As a fellow Shinob I always wonder what this kind of story would look like from the voice of my Anishinaabe people. Waub tells a gripping story that really takes you to that place. Some major themes like family, community, disaster preparation, and looking within ourselves really came out. There’s a lot to learn from this story.

I hope there is a sequel on the way but I also believe this story is fine as-is. I can really imagine what happens next.

This was my first time listening to something from Waub and I look forward to reading more from this excellent author!

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Reviewing “Call Me Indian” as an Indian

Revisado: 05-27-21

When people think of Native American/First Nations athletes they consider two of the great gold medalists - Jim Thorpe and Billy Mills. Hardly does one have the honorable privilege to learn of Cree hockey legend Fred Saskamoose, the first Indigenous hockey player in the NHL [Chicago Blackhawks.]

I like how Fred begins his story plainly stating, “Call me Indian.” Acknowledging the gravity of that labels affect upon his life personally and upon the greater community of Indians. Fred does not condone the usage of the “Indian“ term for non Indians. As you listen to his story you will learn that he like many others were forced to wear this label like a cloak to diminish what lies beneath - a human being but also a proud member of the Cree community.

Fred Saskamoose was a skillful hockey player of Debden, Saskatchewan and grew up on the Ahtahkakoop Indian Reserve in Saskatchewan. And a Survivor from the Duck Lake, Saskatchewan Catholic residential school. He survived a time when Indigenous children were being ripped from their families at the age as young as 5 years old. had heard horror stories of the Catholic residential schools but there were some things that I learned from this story: like kids were only ALLOWED to return to their families after two years spent at the residential school. So if a child was stolen at the age of 5 they could not even visit home until 7. Also, I knew of the beatings and sexual abuse but didn’t know that Indian children were essentially slaves serving not just the church grounds but were farmed out into the community; Fred alluded to intensive labor physically toughening him up to play hockey at a high level an attribute gained and recognized by the young priest at his residential school who would become his first and maybe his most fearsome coach. I learned that kids could attempt to escape only to be snitched on by townsfolk who were rewarded for turning in Indian children as runaways. Fred and his brother did attempt escape after a particularly tragic episode in his life that I am sure would have a tragically profound effect upon Fred’s life.

My favorite part of the story is hearing how Fred felt when he was called up to the big leagues as he arrived in Chicago - seeing all the skyscrapers, smelling the air, and how he was approached by people in this foreign world to a 1950s Indian. In this world he was only referred to as , “Chief” never as Fred. From the beginning he was treated as a spectacle by the whites and a trail blazer for Indians. He was rightfully adored by his community.

I loved hearing the voice of Fred the hockey fan making his way in the big city even though it was fleeting. Although it was jarring to learn that the Blackhawks paid him indirectly through a 3rd party like a sponsor who signed his contract with Fred. Fred seems to gloss over this occurrence but I think that this dehumanizing act had a greater impact on Fred than he lets on.

I can best describe Fred’s story as a beautiful tragedy. Being an Indian myself this story was familiar. Ironically (or not) as I write this story, First Nations hockey players are in the NHL doing great things on the Ice. But just last week Ethan Bear and the NHL had to make a statement denouncing racist remarks directed towards Ethan of the Edmonton Oilers and a Cree nonetheless. I think the NHL should strongly encourage the reading or listening of “Call Me Indian”. Maybe then the hockey world would KNOW we Indians BELONG!

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Exceptional work of YA Fiction

Revisado: 01-24-19

I think this book is essential. HS freshman should be reading this book across the nation to better engage students and adults in dialogs centered on racism and violence. I would have give 5 stars but gave 4 as the voice speaks to a younger audience than myself.

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Love!!!

Revisado: 01-08-19

I love Michelle Obama. Hearing her tell the story of her life made for a poetic and vivid experience for the listener. My favorite part was hearing Her Story of growing up in Chicago, learning about her family and childhood. Details that made her one of the most remarkable human beings ever. If you have a passion for H(er)story this is for you. If you are anticipating a politically driven manifesto you will be disappointed.

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Classic Boudain! Therapy for the tormented soul.

Revisado: 06-20-18

Classic Boudain! Therapy for the tormented soul. Recommend for anybody wanting to know more,about the life of a chef. Bourdain holds nothing back. We will be missing you Chef Bourdain, Presente!

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