In My Own Moccasins - (Regina Collection) by Helen Knott (Paperback)

About the Book

"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. "--

Book Synopsis

Long-listed for the 2020 RBC Taylor Prize

A memoir of addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the lasting wounds of sexual violence

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.

Review Quotes

"Helen Knott, a woman of Dane Zaa and Nehiyaw heritage, seems to have it all. But while many people from the outside seem to think her life is perfect, she knows the truth. In this incredibly intimate memoir, Knott examines the long-term effects of sexual violence and intergenerational trauma."-- "Booklist, praise for the paperback edition"

"In My Own Moccasins never flinches. The story goes dark, and then darker. We live in an era where Indigenous women routinely go missing, our youth are killed and disposed of like trash, and the road to justice doesn't seem to run through the rez. Knott's journey is familiar, filled with the fallout of residential school, racial injustice, alcoholism, drugs, and despair. But she skillfully draws us along and opens up her life, her family, and her communities to show us a way forward. It's 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 "on of a Trickster and Monkey Beach (from the foreword)"

"A beautiful rendering of how recovery for our peoples is inevitably about reconnecting with Indigenous identities, lands, cultural and healing practices."--Kim Anderson, author "Reconstructing Native Womenhood"

"An 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 "The Lesser Blessed"

"An incredibly forceful and moving book, the embodiment of what it means to reconcile, both with oneself and with others."-- "Quill & Quire"

"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 "Guy: A Novel and Drunk Mom"

"Helen 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 "Halfbreed"

"Helen 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 "This Accident of Being Lost"

"Powerful, filled with emotion."--Carol Daniels, author "Bearskin Diary and Hiraeth"

"Proclaims healing a revolutionary act."-- "Booklist"

About the Author

Helen Knott is a Dane Zaa, Nehiyaw, and mixed Euro-descent woman living in Fort St. John, British Columbia. In 2016 Helen was one of sixteen global change makers featured by the Nobel Women's Initiative for being committed to end gender-based violence. Helen was selected as a 2019 RBC Taylor Prize Emerging Author. This is her first book.