The Secret of Your Name: Kiimooch ka shinikashooyen

David Bouchard
Red Deer Press (2010)
ISBN 9780889954397
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (06/10)


When this book came in for review I immediately picked it out of the stack for several reasons.  One was the picture on the cover of a man (the author) wearing a Hudson Bay blanket coat.  The second was that it was pertaining to the Metis of Canada.  As a child I lived in Canada, and our area was surrounded by Metis settlements.   I wanted to learn more and needless to say I wasn’t disappointed.

The foreword by David Bouchard states “Canada’s Metis are the only mixed blood people in the world recognized by every level of government as being a nation. We Metis have our own language, flag, songs and stories... Unfortunately, we have grown up in the aftermath of the resistance of 1885, an event often referred to in history books as the North West Rebellion.”  Furthermore, since the Rebellion and the humiliation, many of the Metis denied their heritage and did all they could to appear white, like their European fathers.  It is presumed many of the European explores and adventurers took Native wives.

The book, and narration on a CD (in English and Michif,) is an internal journey as the author speaks to his grandmother, his Kokum, while seeking his heritage.   He talks directly to her:

But years and miles have washed away
All signs that should have led to you
Years and miles have hidden
All the clues that would have told of you.

Years and miles and people
Who are not like me and not like you
People in my life who knew
Who should have told the truth of you.

This is a beautiful book with illustrations by Dennis J. Weber that bring you closer to understanding the trials and tribulations the Metis people go through in attempt to find out who they are, and where their ancestors came from.  The fiddle music on the CD is by John Arcand and a delight to listen to.

Reading “The Secret of Your Name” and listening to the accompanied CD while I looked at the illustrations gave me a greater understanding of the Metis peoples as they seek to find out who they really are.  Growing up in the area with many Metis around, it was always a mystery to me where they came from.  Being from a Caucasian community, I only heard rumors of their origins and was taught to shun them.  I am saddened that the Metis was so persecuted at one time and I commend all those that are proud of their heritage, fight for their rights, and are on a mission to preserve the stories and lives of their ancestors.

Reflective, touching, poignant – that’s what David Bouchard’s “The Secret of Your Name” is.  I am so grateful I had an opportunity to have a better understanding of the Metis peoples of Canada.

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