Book SummaryCall Me Indian, by Fred Sasakamoose

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Call Me Indian

Ancestral Roots and Identity

The passage explores the profound connection he has with his roots in the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, highlighting the essential historical and cultural factors that shaped his identity. The book explores the deep impact that his cultural background and the widespread consequences of colonialism had on his community.

Fred Sasakamoose has a deep connection to his Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, which is integral to his identity and background.

The story of Fred Sasakamoose is deeply intertwined with the customs of the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation. He emphasizes the importance of his ancestors, who were among the first to establish themselves in the area surrounding the Saskatchewan River. His forebear, Chief Ahtahkakoop, played a pivotal role in the discussions that led to the establishment of Treaty 6 with the Canadian government in 1876, a treaty designed to safeguard the rights and well-being of his community amid considerable change. The agreement was formed to safeguard the Cree's ancestral practices, signifying a pivotal moment in their history that introduced both advantages and challenges.

Fred Sasakamoose's ancestry is rooted in the indigenous people of the area near the Saskatchewan River, where his great-great-uncle, Chief Ahtahkakoop, and his great-grandfather, Sasakamoose, are distinguished forebears.

Fred Sasakamoose highlighted the importance of his ancestor, Chief Ahtahkakoop, who was notably prescient about the challenges that would arise from European colonization. Ahtahkakoop recognized the necessity for his community to adapt to changing circumstances, emphasizing the importance of education, agricultural practices, and a thorough understanding of European customs for their survival. Despite his efforts to blend Indigenous and European traditions, Canadian authorities consistently neglected to fulfill their commitments under the agreement known as Treaty 6, underscoring the ongoing injustices faced by Sasakamoose's community. Fred Sasakamoose's lineage, tracing back to his great-grandfather, a respected member of the mitéwiwin society and a shaman, highlights the deep spiritual legacy inherent in his family history. The writer narrates how his ancestor initially opposed Christianity but ultimately embraced it, albeit while maintaining his indigenous beliefs. These narratives depict the intricate and frequently distressing journey of cultural adjustment that the forebears of Sasakamoose underwent.

Context

• The area around the Saskatchewan River has been inhabited for thousands of years, with Indigenous communities developing complex societies long before European contact.
• European colonization in North America began in the late 15th century and intensified over the following centuries, leading to significant disruption of Indigenous ways of life. Colonizers often imposed new systems of governance, land ownership, and cultural practices.
• Transitioning to agriculture was a significant shift from traditional hunting and gathering practices, intended to provide food security and economic stability in the face of changing land use and resource availability.
• The Canadian government often failed to deliver on these promises, leading to inadequate healthcare, insufficient food supplies, and poor support for education and economic development.
• Members of the mitéwiwin are often considered healers and spiritual leaders within their communities. They undergo extensive training and initiation processes to learn sacred knowledge and practices.
• The period of treaty-making in Canada involved negotiations between Indigenous nations and the Crown. These treaties were often misunderstood or misrepresented by colonial authorities, leading to long-term disputes and grievances.
• Education was seen as a tool for survival and adaptation. Indigenous leaders like Chief Ahtahkakoop advocated for education to help their communities understand and navigate the new socio-political landscape imposed by European settlers.

The cultural heritage, values, and sense of community of the Cree people profoundly shaped the early life and worldview of Fred Sasakamoose.

Fred Sasakamoose was raised in what is now recognized as the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, a region previously identified as the Sandy Lake reserve, where he was thoroughly engaged in the traditions of the Cree and a strong sense of community. He warmly remembers the tales from his childhood about Chief Ahtahkakoop, the pursuit of buffalo, the circular dances, and the ancestral wisdom that has been shared across generations. His encounters deeply ingrained in him a profound appreciation for his cultural roots and a significant reverence for the natural environment. Fred Sasakamoose emphasizes the importance of bonds within family and community, in addition to profound connections with the natural world and spiritual domains. He acquired understanding of environmental conservation and altruism, as well as knowledge of ancestral healing practices and the role played by Sweat Lodges in such practices. The life perspective of Fred Sasakamoose was profoundly influenced by the teachings he absorbed, steering him through the challenges of existing in a society where white cultural standards prevailed.

Practical Tips ...

Call Me Indian Summary During his tenure at the residential school, Fred Sasakamoose endured considerable adversity.

The section explores the profound and lasting impact of what Fred Sasakamoose went through during his time at St. Michael's Residential School. We witness the horrific maltreatment he suffered and the obstacles he encountered following his ten-year ordeal.

At the age of seven, Fred Sasakamoose was separated from his family and community, subsequently spending a decade at St. Michael's Residential School.

Fred Sasakamoose's deeply distressing narrative of being forcibly taken from his family resonates profoundly. The abrupt separation from his parents, siblings, and beloved grandfather left him traumatized and bewildered. He poignantly describes the fear and bewilderment that engulfed him upon being separated and conveyed in an overcrowded conveyance, leading to his separation from his brother Frank and his eventual encounter with the unfamiliar and daunting environment of the residential school. Fred Sasakamoose's early years were characterized by prolonged periods of solitude and mistreatment. The deep sense of loss affected not only the bonds within his family and community but also disturbed his sense of belonging and safety. The author emphasizes that these troubling...

Call Me Indian Summary 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...

Call Me Indian Summary 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...