Book Review - A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder

By Emma De Sousa, Coordinator of Indigenous Relations

As someone who grew up urban Métis in Northeast Calgary, I would listen to and absorb my mother’s stories about her grandfather’s life any chance I could get. She had the privilege of being raised by him in early childhood and often spoke of the man who grew up in the rural Interlake communities of Manitoba in the 1930s and 40s. Or told humorous and sweet anecdotes about her mémère and pépère, who were raised on the land in the early 1900s, in a time and place where it was deeply difficult to have been Métis. Since these relatives were long gone to me, I knew these stories were incredibly important, both to my understanding of self and to the lessons and understandings about life that were infused into every account.

Reading Ma-Nee Chacabys' autobiography is what I imagine it would have felt like to sit and hear these stories from my elders and relatives firsthand. Sweeping me into idyllic tales of her early childhood in Ombabika and sitting in tears and reverence over her many hardships and losses. Her stories about the love and care of her Kokum (grandmother) in raising her are a special highlight. Overall, enhancing my understanding of life for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ people from the 1860s to 2014. Ma-Nee Chacaby, a Two-Spirit Ojibwe-Cree Elder and her long-time friend, social scientist Mary Jane Plummer, who assisted in the writing of the book, recite a truly phenomenal life story.

It is a rarity to have the privilege to read such a detailed first-person account of life in Canada from an Indigenous lens. Chacaby reflects on an honest experience under some of the most oppressive and difficult times in Canadian history. Overall, creating a text filled with adversity, humour, perseverance, resilience, and hope. Chacaby does an excellent job of communicating some of the most horrific experiences a person can have and showing us her path to sobriety, love, care, and forgiveness. Leaving readers with the awe-inspiring motivation to forgive and take care of ourselves, our communities, and those most vulnerable in our society.

Though the book reads clearly and accessible, the content of the text is in no way an easy read. I found I had to take time to check in with my own emotions and process Chacabys' experiences, which were not dissimilar to those of myself and my own family. It is, however, a necessary read. It is a narrative that is extremely relevant and crucial to understand in the current political climate, especially at the time of my writing this in June during National Indigenous History Month. If you have the desire to further learn and understand the Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ experience in Canada, then I highly recommend this book and commend the author for her bravery and strength to share her life with the world.

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Explore more voices like Ma-Nee Chacaby’s at the Bookstore at The Whyte, featuring a wide selection of works by Indigenous authors. Visit us in person at 111 Bear Street, Banff, Alberta, and continue your journey of learning and reflection.