One Native Life by Richard Wagamese

“Drink it all in, but make it your own.
Find your own chunk of the sky, then flap, flap, soar. Flap, flap, soar.”

One Native Life by Richard Wagamese is a memoir that reads more like a collection of short stories.

He separated his memories into short, powerful moments while illuminating their impact on his life. The memoir is divided into four sections, but each memory story is only a few pages in length. Just enough for you to be pulled into the story, connect to it, and be presented with the power it held for him on his journey. Then you move on to the next.

They are not chronological and some span over years, whereas others are times that he has pinpointed where his worldview changed, his identity shifted, or he felt such strong emotions that they were seared in his mind with clarity .

One Native Life is a beautiful memoir for more than just the gorgeous structure. I love Richard Wagamese's works and have read a few of his other books. A theme that prevails throughout them is a desire for peace, and unity.

He recognizes the struggles and injustices faced by the Indigenous community. He knew first-hand the generational trauma that exists in Canada and his works are clear in pulling that message forward. They also serve as a call for peace. In many of the short sections of this memoir, he ends it with a message of belonging - of connection to a communal humanity between us all. So many of the lessons that we learn throughout our lives transcend race and politics.

"But politics does not nurture identity, because rhetoric is not teaching."

page 131

What I have taken away from this book is the importance of slowing down, listening, and lifelong learning.

So much of this memoir explores identity, generational trauma, and cultural disruption faced by the Indigenous community. Other parts of this memoir talk about the human experience of connection with nature, of overcoming fear, and of appreciating the power of community. With those - I can relate.

This memoir was published in 2008 and I couldn't help but wonder how he would feel about today's political climate, what wise words he would have to share. That is the point of writing though isn't it? Your words live on to be interpreted in new ways, and remembered.

If you haven't read this memoir yet, it's a journey in itself.