The smell of fresh bannock drifted into her room, gently waking her from her dreams. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and stretched her arms above her head, and smiled…

The chilly morning air greeted him as he stepped out of his family's warm cabin. He didn't expect it to be so cold, and even though he was used to it, he was surprised. Winter had arrived. With his rifle slung over his back, he bent over to pick up the buckets for water and set off for the two-mile walk to the river's edge…

After a two and a half-hour drive from Canyon Creek to Calling Lake Alberta, he pulled up to the boat launch. He got out of his truck, stretched his body, realizing he was a bit early. He took advantage of the quiet moment and watched the sunrise from the eastern sky…

The coal oil lantern in Herb Anderson's cabin is lit just before 5:00 am. He is used to these dark and early winter mornings and puts on several flannel layers, wool pants, and boots before heading out for the workday…

She stepped out of her cabin with her favorite book of herbs and a cup of laboom tea in her hand. Her thirst for traditional knowledge started at an early age but excelled when she was 18 years old after meeting a herbalist…

He sat quietly for a moment, ensuring his heart and intentions were pure. He is mindful and centered, allowing himself to let go of what doesn't serve him. He took a deep breath in, letting it out as he struck his wooden match across the edge of the rock setting the sage to a flame…

There was a hard knock on the door and they all looked at each other, dreading this moment.  The government and the church had come to take the children and the families had no choice but to let them go.   The First nations and Metis were considered savages and it was decided by the government, the children needed to be taken away.  Take away to be converted by the church and integrated into a civilized Canadian society…

Mary sat down at her table and could hear the infectious laughter of her granddaughter enter the kitchen before she walked in. Her sweet little face looked up at her with a toothless grin as she sat down for a snack of warm bannock and blueberry jam. Mary smiled to herself, her granddaughter was starting her first day of school in a few days and the thought brought back so many memories for Mary of her first day, so long ago. As she ate, Mary’s allowed herself to remember that day…

Morning came early as he stepped out of the local shelter he called home that night. He slung his backpack over his shoulder and paused for a moment to allow the sunshine to warm his face…

He learned the true meaning of hard work at a very young age. His parents made sure they always had food on the table and taught him everything they knew to get it there…