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.

Critic reviews

Longlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize
Winner of a Saskatchewan Book Award
Shortlisted for the First Nation Communities READ Award

"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 of Son of a Trickster and Monkey Beach (from the foreword)

"Intelligent, courageous, emotionally searing. " —Globe and Mail

"Proclaims healing a revolutionary act. " —Booklist

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

“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 of Noopiming: The Cure for White Ladies

“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 of Halfbreed

“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

“Powerful, filled with emotion.” —Carol Daniels, author of Bearskin Diary and Hiraeth

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

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 ❤️

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.