In My Own Moccasins

A Memoir of Resilience

By: Helen Knott

Narrated by: Helen Knott

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.

©2019 Helen Knott (P)2021 Knopf Canada

Critic reviews

2020, RBC Taylor Prize, Long-listed

2020, Saskatchewan Book Award for Non-Fiction, Winner

“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 of The Lesser Blessed)

“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 of Guy: A Novel and Drunk Mom)

Many can learn from this

As I reconnect to my indigenous roots, every single book is important. This is no exception. In most indigenous books, family and community are a staple. It's always great to see. And men, we need to be better. Love the pace and soft voice of the reader.

POWERFUL

Of the last 12 books I have read, this is hands down my favorite.
Just re-read for a third time. Each time, something new hits me and I wonder, “how did I miss this last time?”
It is because there is an enormity of profound content.

Empowering and Moving

This is a important story that needs to be heard. Even more so for us white people. I've always held a respect and love for Indigenous people and thought I knew so much. This book taught me so much more. Never stop educating yourself with the voices of the oppressed. Beautiful book.

Warning: Explicit sexual violence, drug and alcohol abuse and language.

eye opening

for those who have and have not experienced trauma: no matter your skin color. as well as an example of the effects of history and cultures play in shaping individuals thus continuing cultural habits. while demonstrating how the trajectory of a life can either supported or thwarted. just amazing! so grateful for this warrior ❤️

She turned victim into victory

The book was hard to listen to but then the abuse of a child, women or anyone should never be. It should however activate one to take steps to end it and to heal. That’s what this writer did. She turned victim into victory.

Healing

I have listened to this book twice in the past 3 months, and will likely keep returning back to it. This book is medicine for my own journey, which is full of indigenous trauma, grief, motherhood, loss and addiction. Listening to Knott’s words in her own voice is powerful. Many of her stories are sickening, brutal and ugly but very common in indigenous families. Her path to healing and reclaiming indigenous medicine in a modern world is empowering. 10/10 recommend if you’re feeling a little (or a lot) lost, at rock bottom, at a plateau, need a little inspiration or if you’re feeling completely alone in this world. This book will push you to where you need to be.

just read it.

this book is really hard to get through at parts so if you're currently not ready to hear trauma of another person on a deep detailed level at least take it slow. it was hard to listen to things that happened to the author it made me want to shut down turn it off and not finish the book. but if you can get through it there is the most amazing and important message at the end. this is well worth the read.

A brave indigenous woman

I was mesmerized by this story. There are so many indigenous women who have similar stories and wish for them to hear/read this book. This story is about one woman’s journey to healing and it is a story that so many more indigenous people need to have. I pray for healing of all us who have similar stories. Thank you for sharing your story. Yawako