Friday Memories

Born in 1931, at a time of ongoing change for Indigenous people all over the continent, this Ojibway Elder from Bear Island, in northeastern Ontario, started writing her memories so that her grandchildren and their descendants would know about her life and that of her family.

These engaging stories provide snapshots of a world in which hunting and fishing were still sustaining the Ojibway people. They are also a testimony to the hard work, resourcefulness and devotion of her parents and relatives who were able to create a good quality of life for themselves and community members.

Now in her 80s, June tells her stories with humour and a candid, no nonsense approach to storytelling. She has lived through tragedy and overcome serious illness, but they have not diminished her enthusiasm for life, her dedication to community or her great curiosity. These stories are a reflection of the resilience and caring that were passed on to her, and they carry her deep love for her family.