Reclaiming Lost Dreams

Summary

In this insightful conversation, author Cherie Dimaline discusses her novel, which explores Indigenous survival, history, and the importance of intergenerational storytelling. She delves into the loss of language, cultural identity, and the impact of historical events like the Sixties Scoop and residential schools. Dimaline reflects on the power of Indigenous voices in literature and the crucial role of elders and youth in preserving cultural knowledge. She also emphasizes the importance of authentic representation in media adaptations, particularly maintaining Indigenous perspectives and stories in film and television.

Takeaways

• 😀 The central theme of the conversation revolves around survival, both in terms of Indigenous communities' resilience and the broader human experience of survival under harsh conditions.
• 😀 Cherie Dimaline highlights the importance of language in Indigenous cultures, specifically the loss of Michif, a language that blends French and Indigenous languages, which symbolizes a deep cultural loss for her community.
• 😀 The impact of historical events like the Sixties Scoop and residential schools is explored, with Cherie explaining the traumatic tearing apart of families and communities that still affects Indigenous people today.
• 😀 Despite the trauma, there is a strong sense of moving forward, with a focus on the strength and resilience of Indigenous people in their continued survival and adaptation to modern challenges.
• 😀 Indigenous worldview and traditional knowledge are presented as vital tools for navigating the future, with Cherie suggesting that these perspectives could offer guidance for all people in contemporary society.
• 😀 The book *The Marrow Thieves* serves as a way to preserve Indigenous voices and stories, and it offers a unique perspective on survival, love, and community in a dystopian future.
• 😀 Cherie talks about the generational shift in Indigenous writing, with three full generations of Indigenous authors now active in Canada, from pioneering voices like Maria Campbell and Lee Maracle to younger writers like Joshua Whitehead and Alicia Elliott.
• 😀 Cherie discusses the importance of including youth in these conversations, as she believes Indigenous children are more than capable of understanding and processing difficult historical realities like residential schools and family separation.
• 😀 There is a recognition of the growing visibility of Indigenous stories, with Cherie advocating for broader distribution of these stories, particularly in Canadian schools, to ensure a more inclusive understanding of the nation's history.
• 😀 Cherie emphasizes the need for authenticity in any adaptation of *The Marrow Thieves*, insisting that the central love story between two men remains intact and that the Indigenous identity of the characters must be preserved, ensuring the story stays true to its roots.

Q & A

What does Cherie Dimaline mean when she discusses the survival instinct in the context of her book?

Cherie Dimaline emphasizes that the survival instinct is a driving force in both individual and collective human behavior. She compares the survival struggle to the experience of pregnancy, where a child leeches resources from the mother to survive, which reflects broader themes of survival at any cost, even in harsh conditions. This idea extends to the larger Indigenous struggle for survival amidst colonial violence and systemic destruction.

How does Dimaline connect the idea of survival with the larger Indigenous experience?

Dimaline connects survival with the Indigenous experience by framing it as a shared, collective struggle that transcends individual stories. She suggests that the Indigenous worldview, rooted in traditional knowledge and philosophy, offers a path forward for everyone, not just Indigenous peoples. The survival discussed in the book is not just about endurance, but also about a return to traditional ways of knowing and living.

Why does Cherie Dimaline reflect on the loss of language in her community?

Dimaline reflects on the loss of language as a profound loss of identity and worldview. The Michif language, which blends French and Indigenous languages, was spoken by her grandmother and great aunt, and its loss signifies not only the erasure of culture but also the loss of a way of understanding the world and relationships. The language’s unique perspective on connection to the world around us is irreplaceable.

What is the significance of the term 'marrow thieves' in Dimaline's novel?

The term 'marrow thieves' in Dimaline's novel refers to the larger metaphor of Indigenous people being exploited, much like how the marrow from bones is harvested. This alludes to the historical and ongoing extraction of Indigenous land, culture, and resources. In the context of the novel, it also relates to the literal and figurative theft of Indigenous identity and survival, which is central to the story.

How does Dimaline address the importance of the relationship between elders and youth in Indigenous communities?

Dimaline stresses the importance of the relationship between elders and youth in Indigenous communities. She highlights that while young people often dismiss the knowledge of elders, it is through this intergenerational exchange that survival and cultural continuity are maintained. The loss of this connection is viewed as a significant danger, as it disrupts the flow of wisdom that has been passed down through generations.

What role does traditional knowledge play in Dimaline's work, and how does it relate to contemporary survival?

Traditional knowledge plays a central role in Dimaline's work, as she believes it holds the key to navigating contemporary challenges. In her novel, she suggests that returning to traditional knowledge and Indigenous worldview could provide solutions to modern survival issues. This includes values like respect for the land, the interconnectedness of all life, and understanding one's relationship to the world around them.

What was the significance of the Sixties Scoop and residential schools in shaping the narrative of Dimaline's novel?

The Sixties Scoop and residential schools are critical in shaping the narrative of *The Marrow Thieves*, as they represent the systemic violence and disruption of Indigenous families and communities. Dimaline uses these historical events to highlight the trauma of forced separation, cultural loss, and the deep impact on individual and collective identities. The novel explores the emotional and cultural rending of families, while also emphasizing their resilience and strength in moving forward.

What impact does Dimaline believe the loss of Michif language had on her community?

Dimaline believes that the loss of Michif language had a devastating impact on her community because it not only erases a unique linguistic heritage but also disconnects people from a critical worldview. The language is integral to understanding how Indigenous people relate to the world around them, and its loss diminishes the ability to convey those relationships and connections to future generations.

How does Dimaline view the importance of Indigenous representation in literature and media?

Dimaline views Indigenous representation in literature and media as essential for both cultural survival and social justice. She expresses hope that her work, *The Marrow Thieves*, and other Indigenous stories will be included in Canadian educational syllabi, ensuring that younger generations learn about the true history and contemporary realities of Indigenous peoples. This is part of a broader effort to bring Indigenous voices into the mainstream and to make these stories available to all Canadians.

What does Cherie Dimaline hope for the future of Indigenous youth and storytelling?

Dimaline hopes that Indigenous youth will continue to tell their stories with strength and fearlessness, as seen in the new generation of Indigenous writers. She believes that this new generation, alongside the previous ones, will ensure that Indigenous stories are no longer marginalized but are heard loud and clear. Her dream is for a future where these voices shape the cultural landscape and inform the broader narrative of Canada.