PDF Summary:Call Me Indian, by Fred Sasakamoose

Fred Sasakamoose's life has been shaped by an unwavering connection to his Cree heritage and a talent that propelled him to the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks. In the memoir Call Me Indian, Fred narrates his journey—from growing up immersed in the traditions and values of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, to enduring the traumatic trials of residential schools aimed at eradicating Indigenous culture, to pursuing his passion on the ice. He divulges the challenges of existing between worlds while finding solace through ancestral practices and the sport that gifted him a platform to inspire Indigenous youth.

Beyond detailing his achievements in hockey, Fred recounts efforts to revive and uphold his cultural identity, despite hardships deriving from substance abuse, trauma, and fractured familial bonds. His life's work encompasses leadership roles fostering community self-determination and opportunities for the next generations to connect with their heritage while pursuing their passions.

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• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada was established to document the history and lasting impacts of the residential school system and to promote healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.
• The experiences of those who attended residential schools have had lasting effects on subsequent generations, contributing to cycles of trauma, loss of cultural knowledge, and challenges in community cohesion.
• These schools were often run by Christian churches in partnership with the Canadian government, reflecting a collaboration aimed at converting Indigenous children to Christianity and instilling European values.
• The disconnection from their cultural roots was exacerbated by the lack of familial support and the absence of familiar cultural practices, which were integral to their identity and community life.
• The inability to understand English or French, the languages of instruction, left Cree-speaking children vulnerable to misunderstanding rules and expectations, increasing their anxiety and isolation.

The lasting impact of his time at the residential school molded Sasakamoose's life and the way he engaged with others.

The memoir thoroughly explores the lasting effects of the distress Sasakamoose experienced during his time in a residential school on his personal relationships and life long after leaving the institution. The psychological scars that emerged from his dealings with relatives, acquaintances, and fellow community members went deeper than simply being bad recollections from bygone days.

He discovered that after several years of separation, rebuilding connections with his family and the local community proved to be difficult.

After spending years elsewhere, Sasakamoose faced the daunting task of readjusting to a community that had grown foreign to him and reconnecting with family members who had likewise endured considerable hardships during his absence. The author expresses the deep sorrow felt due to the passing of loved ones while he was away and the challenges he faced trying to converse with people who spoke only in his native Cree language. He also recognizes that within his community, there are those who perceive his departure from professional ice hockey as a disappointment or a betrayal. His reintegration into society was further complicated by an additional hurdle, exacerbating the sense of isolation that persisted from his previous schooling.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Walk and Talk" initiative in your local area to combine exercise with socializing. Invite family members, friends, and neighbors for regular walks in a local park or around the neighborhood. The casual setting can make it easier to converse and reconnect, especially if you've been out of touch for a while. Plus, the physical activity can be a great icebreaker and contribute to everyone's well-being.
• Initiate a routine of sending 'thinking of you' messages or small tokens to family members. This could be as simple as a weekly text message, a postcard, or a small gift that shows you care. These gestures can help bridge the gap created by absence and show your family members that you're making an effort to be part of their lives again.
• Create a memory box to honor the loved ones you've lost while you were away, filling it with mementos that remind you of them. This tangible act of remembrance can serve as a personal ritual to process grief and keep their memory alive in your daily life.
• Create a personal dictionary of commonly used phrases and words in Cree by carrying a small notebook with you. Whenever you encounter a new word or phrase, jot it down and review it regularly. This method helps to build your vocabulary organically and makes it easier to recall words when you need them.
• Reflect on your own career changes by journaling to understand your motivations and feelings. Write down the reasons for your career shifts, how you felt during the transition, and the reactions of those around you. This can help you process any mixed emotions and reinforce your decision as being true to your personal goals and values.
• Volunteer in community projects to build connections and reduce feelings of isolation. Choose a cause you're passionate about and dedicate a few hours each week to work with others who share your interests. This not only helps you feel part of a community but also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Fred Sasakamoose grappled with the repercussions of unresolved trauma, which were evident in his struggles with anger, substance dependence, and child-rearing.

Fred Sasakamoose openly shares his struggles with anger, addiction, and the difficulties of parenting as he worked to rebuild his life after enduring the hardships of residential schools and playing professional hockey. He partly ascribes these challenges to the enduring effects of a youth characterized by maltreatment and the stifling of his cultural identity. The author admits that his regular outbursts of rage were often aimed towards his sibling Frank and his offspring, recognizing that he had adopted harmful habits of conduct that he witnessed while at St. Michael's. He candidly discusses his reliance on alcohol, using it to dull the pain and manage challenging feelings. Fred Sasakamoose admits to the negative impact of his actions and recognizes the distress he has inflicted upon his relatives. This self-awareness reflects his commitment to healing and his desire to use his experiences to help others break free from the cycle of trauma.

Practical Tips

• Create a support network by reaching out to friends or joining a local support group. Sharing your struggles with others who have faced similar challenges can provide a sense of community and understanding. This network can offer practical advice, emotional support, and a safe space to express feelings without judgment.
• Write a series of "cultural letters" to yourself at different ages, addressing the challenges you faced regarding cultural suppression. Reflect on the feelings and experiences you had at those ages and offer support and understanding from your current perspective. This exercise can foster self-compassion and a deeper understanding of how your cultural identity has influenced your life's trajectory.
• Create a 'pause and reflect' rule for yourself when you feel anger rising, especially in family settings. Before reacting, take a deep breath and count to ten, giving yourself a moment to consider a more constructive response. If your child or sibling does something that annoys you, use this pause to remind yourself that your reaction will teach them how to deal with their own emotions.
• Implement a "change one habit" challenge for yourself, focusing on altering a specific behavior that has negatively impacted your family. For example, if you tend to work late hours, commit to leaving the office earlier for a month to spend more time at home. Monitor the changes in your family dynamics and well-being to evaluate the positive shifts that result from this change.

Hockey Journey and Perseverance

This segment of the narrative details the remarkable journey that Fred Sasakamoose embarked upon in the realm of ice hockey. We see his talent recognized and nurtured, despite the limitations of his circumstances, and his determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity.

During his time at the residential school, Fred Sasakamoose discovered comfort and a mode of self-expression in the sport of hockey.

At the Residential School, Sasakamoose found solace and purpose by immersing himself deeply in the sport of hockey. He shares his experiences of how hockey served as a sanctuary from the harshness of St. Michael's, paving the way for moments of joy and freedom. He embraced the sport wholeheartedly, recognizing its potential to transform his life, and became determined to excel. Even with limited equipment and opportunities, he honed his skills, impressing both his peers and the clergy with his speed and agility. Sasakamoose contemplates the contradictory aspects of his journey, recognizing that while hockey is often seen as a core element of Canadian culture and has sometimes contributed to the marginalization of Indigenous people, it became a source of strength and a reason for joy in his personal narrative. This paradox underscores the resilience of his spirit and his refusal to be defined by the limitations imposed by others.

Fred Sasakamoose developed his hockey skills during his tenure with the St. Michael's Ducks.

The writer reflects on his time with the St. Michael's Ducks, highlighting the crucial role Father Roussel played in honing his hockey abilities and shaping his outlook on the sport. Under Father Roussel's rigorous tutelage, Sasakamoose sharpened his skills, displaying exceptional speed and relentless energy, along with a notable talent for goal-scoring. He narrates the intensity of their practice routines, the challenges stemming from subpar equipment, and the hurdles encountered while competing with teams that had superior gear, all the while emphasizing his team's steadfast dedication and relentless resolve on the ice. Sasakamoose acknowledges the harshness of the disciplinary methods used, which were reflective of the wider punitive environment of the institution, and these were implemented under Father Roussel's direction. However, he also recognizes that Roussel was a skilled instructor who saw his potential and pushed him to excel. The author recounts the skill and determination of their team that culminated in victory at the midget level competition. Sasakamoose grew confident that his exceptional skills displayed during hockey games could open doors to new opportunities.

Context

• St. Michael's was a residential school in Canada, part of a system aimed at assimilating Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture. These schools often had harsh conditions and strict discipline.
• Coaches like Father Roussel often employed strict and demanding methods, which were common in that era, aiming to instill resilience and a strong work ethic in their players.
• The era's training conditions were often harsh, with limited access to modern facilities or equipment, making Sasakamoose's achievements in speed and skill even more remarkable.
• During the mid-20th century, hockey equipment was not as advanced or widely available as it is today. Many teams, especially those with limited resources, often used hand-me-downs or homemade gear, which could affect performance and safety.
• The ability to maintain focus and determination despite external challenges, such as facing better-equipped opponents, was essential for building mental toughness and competitive spirit.
• Effective coaching often involves a balance between discipline and encouragement, aiming to push athletes to their limits while also providing support and guidance.
• Winning at the midget level could attract attention from scouts and higher-level teams, providing players with opportunities to advance their hockey careers.

Fred Sasakamoose achieved the significant feat of rising to play in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Blackhawks.

This segment of the narrative emphasizes the pinnacle of Fred Sasakamoose's ascent to the top tier of professional ice hockey. Fred Sasakamoose's steadfast dedication to showcasing his Indigenous heritage at the national level is evident, despite the obstacles and discrimination he encountered.

Fred Sasakamoose faced many challenges as a pioneering Indigenous sportsman in the professional hockey world.

Sasakamoose encountered numerous challenges and persistent racial discrimination during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks, even though he was thrilled to join the ranks of the NHL. He shares his feelings of solitude as one of the few Indigenous players in a hockey league, highlighting how the nickname "Chief" given to him by teammates heightened his feelings of estrangement, and he describes the discriminatory jeers he faced from opposing teams and audience members. Upon stepping into the Blackhawks' changing area for the initial time, he experienced a deep embarrassment regarding his looks and cultural heritage, which was markedly different from his white teammates. Fred Sasakamoose's story underscores the prejudice he faced and the enduring impact of colonialism on the sports he loved deeply.

Context

• Indigenous athletes were frequently subjected to stereotypes that questioned their abilities and character, often being seen through a lens of prejudice that affected their opportunities and treatment.
• This type of labeling can contribute to a sense of isolation, as it emphasizes difference rather than inclusion, making it difficult for individuals to feel fully accepted in their environment.
• Fans in the stands often mirrored societal prejudices, using games as an outlet for racist behavior, which was rarely challenged by authorities or league officials at the time.
• Locker room culture in professional sports can be exclusionary, with jokes or nicknames that might seem harmless to some but can be deeply alienating to those from different backgrounds.
• The governance of sports organizations often reflected colonial power dynamics, with little representation or input from Indigenous communities in decision-making processes.

Fred Sasakamoose consistently held his position as an emissary for his community in high esteem, despite encountering various obstacles.

Sasakamoose faced many challenges, yet he was immensely proud to represent his Indigenous community as a member of the National Hockey League. He recognized the significance of his achievement and the impact it had on those who felt marginalized and excluded from mainstream Canadian society. Sasakamoose warmly remembers the occasion when he was honored with a distinguished leadership title by the Hobbema nation in Edmonton, an event that strengthened his connection to his heritage and reinforced his determination to surmount challenges. The encouragement he received from various Native American groups, in addition to other supportive events, played a role in mitigating the discrimination he encountered and ignited his passion to motivate future athletes. Fred Sasakamoose considered his involvement in twelve games at the National Hockey League level to be a significant achievement. Fred Sasakamoose decided to concentrate on the honor of competing at the highest levels of the sport instead of dwelling on the sorrow associated with the conclusion of his playing days, thus establishing a model for those who would follow.

Context

• His journey to the NHL involved overcoming numerous personal and systemic obstacles, making his pride in representing his community even more profound. His story is one of perseverance and determination.
• Leaders in Indigenous communities often advocate for cultural preservation, social justice, and the empowerment of their people, making such titles particularly meaningful.

Other Perspectives

• The correlation between receiving an honor and increased determination can vary greatly among individuals, and some might find that such recognition, while affirming, does not significantly alter their level of determination.
• Encouragement and support, although beneficial, might not directly address the root causes of discrimination, such as institutional racism or lack of representation, which require more comprehensive solutions.
• Motivation can be highly individual, and while Sasakamoose's experiences were powerful for him, they might not resonate in the same way with every athlete, who may be inspired by a variety of other factors.
• There could be a perspective that while his achievement is notable, it is the broader impact and the barriers he broke through that are of greater historical and cultural significance, rather than the specific number of games played.
• Concentrating on the honor of high-level competition might inadvertently minimize the significance of the personal and community struggles that accompany such achievements, which are also worthy of attention and recognition.
• Setting a model by not dwelling on the end of one's career might inadvertently pressure others to suppress their valid feelings of loss or sadness, which could be detrimental to their mental health.

After his time in the NHL, Fred Sasakamoose remained active in hockey, participating in various levels of the minor leagues.

This section explores the time after Sasakamoose's career in professional hockey, highlighting his dedication to the sport and his efforts to nurture hockey talent within Indigenous communities.

Fred Sasakamoose's unwavering dedication to hockey and his enthusiasm for inspiring the next generation of Indigenous athletes are evident.

Following his time playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Fred Sasakamoose continued to play hockey across various teams and leagues within Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He capitalized on every opportunity to showcase his skills, becoming well-known throughout the hockey leagues of northern Saskatchewan. He reflects on the heavy responsibility that came with his nickname, "the sixty-minute man," suggesting that he was expected to play the entire duration of every game, and how this anticipation affected his developing body. Fred Sasakamoose's commitment to the sport of hockey went beyond his own aspirations. He dedicated his efforts to nurturing the sport among Indigenous populations, creating tournaments for young people and mentoring upcoming athletes. He garnered funding to build ice rinks within Indigenous communities, organized tournaments, and worked tirelessly to guarantee that Indigenous youngsters had the same chances to engage in hockey.

Context

• Fred Sasakamoose was one of the first Indigenous players in the NHL, breaking barriers for future generations of Indigenous athletes.
• Northern Saskatchewan is a region known for its remote communities and harsh winters, which makes ice hockey a popular and accessible sport. The area's passion for hockey provides a fertile ground for local talent to emerge and gain recognition.
• By organizing tournaments and building rinks, he contributed to community development and cohesion, using hockey as a tool for social change and empowerment.
• Participation in sports can provide psychosocial benefits, such as improved mental health, increased self-esteem, and a sense of belonging, which are particularly important for marginalized groups.
• Securing funding likely involved navigating complex financial and bureaucratic systems, as Indigenous communities often face economic disadvantages and limited access to government or private funding.

Other Perspectives

• The pressure to play the entire game might have been perceived rather than mandated, as athletes often put high expectations on themselves to perform at their best, regardless of external pressures.

After his career in professional hockey, Fred Sasakamoose continued to be actively involved in the community, making significant contributions.

This section explores the time after Fred Sasakamoose left professional hockey, underscoring his return to his home community of Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, the personal obstacles he encountered, his commitment to community service, and his path to recovery and reconciliation with the traumas he endured.

Fred Sasakamoose embarked on a journey to rebuild his life after he made his way back to the Ahtahkakoop reserve.

Upon his return to the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Sasakamoose was met with feelings of relief, hope, and apprehension. He was keen to re-establish ties with his heritage and kin, and to give back to his community, while also confronting the task of carving out a new direction and securing a reliable source of income for his expanding household. During his time away, the community on the reserve had undergone significant changes, complicating his return, especially considering his past as an athlete who competed in the National Hockey League.

Fred Sasakamoose faced the difficulty of establishing a significant path for his life while also ensuring the well-being and basic needs of his growing family.

After his NHL career, Sasakamoose openly discusses the challenges he faced when he had to reacclimate to life on the reserve. He recounts the challenges he faced in securing employment that would ensure consistent financial support for his family, working tirelessly to turn his farm into a successful enterprise, and facing hurdles in his attempts at different business endeavors. He briefly returned to the workforce in the timber sector, taking on a range of short-term positions including contributing to a crew that built roads, but these jobs offered only temporary respite from his financial struggles. Fred Sasakamoose's narrative includes the hardships his family faced during the periods he spent competing in various hockey tournaments. His time spent within the system of residential schools profoundly shaped his interpersonal connections, underscoring the complex path to healing from such profound trauma. He acknowledges that there were moments when he was not the supportive and present parent his children needed, sometimes resorting to harshness and anger, reflecting the maltreatment he witnessed at St. Michael's.

Practical Tips

• Develop a financial safety net by setting aside a portion of your income into an emergency fund. Calculate your monthly expenses and aim to save enough to cover at least three to six months of living costs. This fund can support you during periods of unemployment or when transitioning between careers, much like an athlete might need after retiring from sports.
• Set up a job swap with friends or acquaintances in different industries. For a day or a week, exchange roles to gain insight into each other's work environments and responsibilities. It's like a cultural exchange program, but within the job market, offering firsthand experience of diverse work cultures and roles.
• Develop a budget plan specifically for sports-related expenses to manage financial strain. Start by tracking all costs associated with the tournaments for a month, then identify areas where you can save money, such as by purchasing equipment in bulk or finding more affordable travel options.
• Create a "supportive actions" jar with your family where everyone can write down actions they consider supportive. Whenever you feel you might be acting unsupportively, pull an action from the jar and try to implement it. This can help you learn new, positive ways to interact with your children and reinforce supportive behavior.

Fred Sasakamoose discovered comfort and healing by deeply engaging with the practices and beliefs of his Cree ancestry.

Throughout his life, Sasakamoose embraced his Indigenous identity as a source of strength and resilience. After his daughter Phyllis passed away and he stepped away from his career in professional hockey, he discovered comfort and a new path by deeply connecting with the traditions and spiritual practices of his Cree ancestry. He shares the deepening of his connection to the earth, his participation in indigenous purification ceremonies, his commitment to ancestral cleansing practices, and his determination to regain fluency in his native Cree tongue. Sasakamoose recounts that these practices provided solace and strength, and also facilitated his reintegration into the community he longed to rejoin. His path exemplifies the remarkable fortitude inherent in Native cultural practices and their continuous ability to mend the scars left by colonialism.

Context

• Language is a crucial part of cultural identity. For many Indigenous people, regaining fluency in their native language is a way to reclaim their heritage and strengthen their cultural ties.
• In many Indigenous cultures, the earth is considered a living entity and is deeply respected. This connection often involves understanding natural cycles, recognizing the interdependence of all living things, and practicing sustainable living to honor the earth.
• By participating in these practices, individuals often find a sense of belonging and purpose within their communities, strengthening social bonds and cultural continuity.
• Indigenous purification ceremonies, such as smudging or sweat lodges, are traditional practices that involve the use of sacred herbs and rituals to cleanse the body and spirit, promoting healing and spiritual renewal.
• Indigenous cultural practices often include storytelling, ceremonies, and rituals that have been passed down through generations, serving as a means of preserving identity and fostering community resilience.

Fred Sasakamoose committed himself to improving the lives of his Indigenous peers.

The narrative highlights his dedication to his community, showcasing his role as a leader and his extensive contributions to improving the lives of Indigenous people through sports, education, and cultural initiatives.

Fred Sasakamoose took on a role of leadership within the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Fred Sasakamoose's dedication was not limited to his own ambitions and career; it also encompassed substantial efforts to support his community. He played an active role in local politics, serving as a mentor and role model for younger generations. Fred Sasakamoose recounts his experiences as a member of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation band council, his leadership period as Chief, and his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by his community, including poverty, addiction, and the lasting effects of the government-mandated schooling system designed to assimilate Indigenous people. Fred Sasakamoose recounts the weighty leadership obligations he bore and the challenging choices before him, such as opting for sustained financial assistance rather than accepting a lump-sum payment proposed by Canadian authorities. He also conveys the pride he felt when he played a role in bringing bison back to the territory of his community, an act that symbolized their unyielding spirit and deep connection to the land.

Practical Tips

• Start a small-scale community initiative that addresses a specific need you've identified, such as organizing a neighborhood clean-up or a book exchange. This allows you to practice leadership by rallying neighbors around a common cause. You could put up flyers or use social media to invite community members to participate, demonstrating leadership through action.
• Encourage local political participation by organizing informal, educational meet-ups with local officials willing to explain their roles and answer questions. This demystifies the political process for residents and can be as simple as inviting a council member to a local coffee shop for a Q&A session.
• Volunteer for career day talks at local schools or youth clubs, focusing on sharing stories that illustrate key values or skills that have been important in your life. Instead of just talking about your job, focus on the soft skills like resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking. You could, for instance, describe a time when thinking outside the box solved a problem at work, thereby teaching problem-solving through storytelling.
• You can learn about the history and culture of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation by visiting local museums or cultural centers that focus on Indigenous peoples. By engaging with the exhibits and possibly attending talks or guided tours, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the community's heritage and the role of leadership within it.
• You can start a community resource map to identify and connect local assets and needs. Create a simple online map using free tools like Google My Maps, where you mark locations offering services related to poverty alleviation, addiction support, and educational alternatives. Share this map through social media and local community boards to help residents find and offer support where it's needed.
• Engage in a peer discussion group focused on personal finance management. Share experiences and strategies for handling money, specifically the pros and cons of lump-sum versus sustained financial assistance. Learning from others' experiences can provide practical insights and help you make more informed financial decisions that suit your individual circumstances.
• You can support wildlife conservation by adopting a bison through a wildlife foundation. By doing this, you contribute to the care and maintenance of these animals in a sanctuary or reserve, which helps ensure their survival and the continuation of conservation efforts. Your adoption package might include updates on the bison's health and status, contributing to a greater understanding and connection to the species.

Fred Sasakamoose committed himself to fostering the growth of young athletes in the sport of hockey while simultaneously preserving the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities.

Fred Sasakamoose maintained his passion for hockey long after his career on the ice had ended. He fervently championed the progress and fair chances for Indigenous youth in athletics, focusing on increasing their involvement in ice hockey. He recounts his dedication to setting up leagues for the youth, coordinating competitions, obtaining financial support for gear and coaching, and paving the way for emerging athletes to demonstrate their abilities and achieve their utmost capabilities. Fred Sasakamoose dedicated himself passionately to nurturing the development of young ice hockey enthusiasts while simultaneously preserving the traditions of his cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of embracing one's Indigenous heritage and combining it with a commitment to sports pursuits. Fred Sasakamoose's unwavering commitment served as an inspiration to numerous Indigenous youths, demonstrating that their capacity to make a significant difference and achieve success was not limited to the confines of the hockey rink but also included their local communities.

Context

• Sasakamoose's initiatives may have inspired other Indigenous leaders and communities to develop similar programs, creating a ripple effect that expanded opportunities for Indigenous youth across Canada.
• He may have connected young athletes with role models and mentors who could guide them through the challenges of balancing sports with cultural identity.
• Sasakamoose could have engaged in storytelling, sharing Indigenous legends and personal experiences to keep oral traditions alive and relevant for younger generations.
• In many Indigenous cultures, elders play a crucial role in passing down traditions and values. Involving them in sports programs can help bridge cultural teachings with athletic development.
• He initiated projects and foundations aimed at providing resources and opportunities for Indigenous children, ensuring long-term support for their athletic and personal growth.

Other Perspectives

• It's important to consider whether the focus on ice hockey aligns with the values and interests of the Indigenous communities involved, as there may be a diverse range of opinions and preferences regarding the types of sports and activities that are most beneficial for their youth.
• Success in sports does not automatically translate to success in community development, as the skills and resources required for each can be quite different.