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One Story, One Song
"The short pieces in One Story, One Song remind us of human beings' place in the world: We are a part of it, not masters of it. And by sharing our stories we share ourselves. By listening to others' stories, we share their lives and perhaps gain connections. One Story, One Song is all about connections, something we all need."
—Globe and Mail
In One Story, One Song, Richard Wagamese invites readers to accompany him on his travels. His focus is on stories: how they shape us, how they empower us, how they change our lives. Ancient and contemporary, cultural and spiritual, funny and sad, the tales are grouped according to the four Ojibway storytelling principles: balance, harmony, knowledge and intuition.
Whether the topic is learning from his grade five teacher about Martin Luther King, gleaning understanding from a wolf track, lighting a fire for the first time without matches or finding the universe in an eagle feather, these stories exhibit the warmth, wisdom and generosity that make Wagamese so popular. As always, in these pages, the land serves as Wagamese�s guide. And as always, he finds that true home means not only community but conversation—good, straight-hearted talk about important things. We all need to tell our stories, he says. Every voice matters.
—Globe and Mail
In One Story, One Song, Richard Wagamese invites readers to accompany him on his travels. His focus is on stories: how they shape us, how they empower us, how they change our lives. Ancient and contemporary, cultural and spiritual, funny and sad, the tales are grouped according to the four Ojibway storytelling principles: balance, harmony, knowledge and intuition.
Whether the topic is learning from his grade five teacher about Martin Luther King, gleaning understanding from a wolf track, lighting a fire for the first time without matches or finding the universe in an eagle feather, these stories exhibit the warmth, wisdom and generosity that make Wagamese so popular. As always, in these pages, the land serves as Wagamese�s guide. And as always, he finds that true home means not only community but conversation—good, straight-hearted talk about important things. We all need to tell our stories, he says. Every voice matters.
216 pages, Hardcover
First published February 12, 2011
77 people are currently reading
2027 people want to read
About the author
Richard Wagamese
26 books1,574 followersRichard Wagamese was one of Canada's foremost Native authors and storytellers. He worked as a professional writer since 1979. He was a newspaper columnist and reporter, radio and television broadcaster and producer, documentary producer and the author of twelve titles from major Canadian publishers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 9, 2021
Audiobook narrated by Christian Baskous 5 hrs 3 mins
I think I beat my walking record the other night because I was so entranced by this audiobook. This collection of stories is certainly one of my favorite reads of 2021
Goodreads review published 09/06/21
I think I beat my walking record the other night because I was so entranced by this audiobook. This collection of stories is certainly one of my favorite reads of 2021
Goodreads review published 09/06/21
February 22, 2020
It was an absolute pleasure to meet this man back in 2014.
May 8, 2024
May 8, 1030am ~~ A thoughtful, moving collection of essays by a wonderful author.
Not to be rushed through.
Take your time and appreciate every word.
Not to be rushed through.
Take your time and appreciate every word.
December 30, 2012
I read this book for Book Club and was expecting a novel. Imagine my surprise when it was a biography in a collection of essays. Imagine my delightful surprise! Richard Wagamese is full of delightful surprises. Not the least of which is his honesty. In One Story, One Song, Mr. Wagamese tells his story, from the abuse he suffered as a child to his years as a homeless man imprisoned by a bottle to his recovery and triumph over his addictions to finding peace and love, with humour and sincerity. I think I'm going to buy this book. I think I'm going to read it again and again.
January 25, 2021
Richard Wagamese is an absolutely wonderful and amazing story teller. His stories detail his life as an Indigenous youth growing up in multiple foster homes, the various schools he went to, his escapes from that life to the wilderness or playing ball; to his alcohol and drug use and his ultimate recovery and then to his marriage to his partner Deb.
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Recommended for everyone!
Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Recommended for everyone!
July 1, 2023
5 beautiful stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a gift. Literally. It was a Christmas gift several years ago from my Auntie Faye who died last February. I’d already been planning to read it that June but her death gave me even more reason to. I hadn’t really known what to think of it, what to expect when she first gave it to me. I put it on my shelf where it sat for a few years as I waited for the right time to explore the stories between its cover.
“There are entire universes in each of us, and learning about them is endlessly fascinating.”
I read it to honor National Indigenous History Month (June) in Canada, but it continued into July because I only read one or two stories a day. I didn’t mind it spilling over into July because the cultural genocide of our country’s Indigenous peoples was at the forefront of the Canada Day conversations. I think it’s fitting then, that I finally sit down to write this review on Canada Day, a day of celebration as well as conscious reflection on what it is we’re really celebrating in this country.
“Put the man together first, and the world will come together just fine.”
Oh I wanted to quote everything! There is such wisdom on every page. It was all so inspiring and thought provoking. It really felt like he was telling me the stories, in person, right in front of me. That’s why I was so shocked to learn that Richard is no longer with us. He died in March 2017. Such a bright beacon of hope and perseverance has gone out. I realized it’s true that a book immortalizes its author forever. His voice is so strong and clear in every word of this book. I could feel his presence in the very first words of the introduction. This is my first Richard Wagamese book and it was the perfect way to introduce myself to him and his storytelling style. I feel that there’s a difference now between writing and storytelling. Richard Wagamese is a master storyteller. I use the present tense because his life, his books are still telling stories beyond what he wrote on the page. His stories are universal and still extremely(some almost shockingly) relevant, and it is easy enough to imagine the stories he would be telling if he were here to observe the state of humanity today, or the discoveries of the mass graves at many Canadian residential schools.
For example, he wrote about billionaires in space, and about the damage he saw we were doing to our home, making him fear for our future even back in 2009. “My people say there will come a time when the animals turn their backs on humans. When that happens, we will feel a loneliness like no other, and the world will become a barren place. Recent signs across the globe support the accuracy of this teaching. Everywhere animals are in danger of vanishing. Natural disasters are increasing in size and frequency, and vast alterations in the earth’s rhythms are taking place. Heedless, we march along to the beat of progress.”
I loved how the stories were organized. It wasn’t chronologically, or by topic, but by which teaching of the medicine wheel they reflected. This made the storytelling feel more natural as I slowly put together a summary of his life. It was by no means an easy life, but it equipped him with the knowledge and deep understanding of so many universal issues of our times. Oh he would be such a great person to have really deep discussions with. He and my Auntie Faye must be having the most stimulating conversations wherever they are in the mysterious after.
“Part of our strategy should be employing homeless people to help end homelessness. They’re the real experts after all. They’re the ones who know how it feels, and the experience is worth more than all the conjecture, supposition and research dollars in the world.”
The stories of the rooming house were some of the most interesting. They were heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time. The power of connection is incomparable. It is one of the greatest gifts and honors we can give each other – to see, to hear, and love another despite all the reasons they may give us not to. Empathy is a beautiful thing.
“Life can pulverize your spirit. Personal pain, private horrors and agonies manifest themselves in the problems we shake our heads at when we see them from the safety of our cars. The concrete of the street cements in the soul, and it takes time and mercy to reverse the process.”
This book helped me realize why I have always loved reading. I love people. I love stories. I love the stories of others that reveal a new layer of the person, completely changing the way you saw them before. My favourite aspect of a story is the character development. I want to know how you got there, why you went, how it made you feel, what you had to leave behind, and how the journey changed you. That’s a big part of why I found this book so interesting, so unbelievably beautiful. I recommend it more highly than I have ever recommended a book before. Everyone needs to read it!
“Our stories don’t have to be elaborate or highly dramatic to be powerful—they just have to be about us. When we share them with others, we let ourselves be known and understood. We build strong relationships in which respect is front and centre. Once this respect is established, all of our interactions are an opportunity for growth—even a good, rip-roaring argument.”
This was a gift. Literally. It was a Christmas gift several years ago from my Auntie Faye who died last February. I’d already been planning to read it that June but her death gave me even more reason to. I hadn’t really known what to think of it, what to expect when she first gave it to me. I put it on my shelf where it sat for a few years as I waited for the right time to explore the stories between its cover.
“There are entire universes in each of us, and learning about them is endlessly fascinating.”
I read it to honor National Indigenous History Month (June) in Canada, but it continued into July because I only read one or two stories a day. I didn’t mind it spilling over into July because the cultural genocide of our country’s Indigenous peoples was at the forefront of the Canada Day conversations. I think it’s fitting then, that I finally sit down to write this review on Canada Day, a day of celebration as well as conscious reflection on what it is we’re really celebrating in this country.
“Put the man together first, and the world will come together just fine.”
Oh I wanted to quote everything! There is such wisdom on every page. It was all so inspiring and thought provoking. It really felt like he was telling me the stories, in person, right in front of me. That’s why I was so shocked to learn that Richard is no longer with us. He died in March 2017. Such a bright beacon of hope and perseverance has gone out. I realized it’s true that a book immortalizes its author forever. His voice is so strong and clear in every word of this book. I could feel his presence in the very first words of the introduction. This is my first Richard Wagamese book and it was the perfect way to introduce myself to him and his storytelling style. I feel that there’s a difference now between writing and storytelling. Richard Wagamese is a master storyteller. I use the present tense because his life, his books are still telling stories beyond what he wrote on the page. His stories are universal and still extremely(some almost shockingly) relevant, and it is easy enough to imagine the stories he would be telling if he were here to observe the state of humanity today, or the discoveries of the mass graves at many Canadian residential schools.
For example, he wrote about billionaires in space, and about the damage he saw we were doing to our home, making him fear for our future even back in 2009. “My people say there will come a time when the animals turn their backs on humans. When that happens, we will feel a loneliness like no other, and the world will become a barren place. Recent signs across the globe support the accuracy of this teaching. Everywhere animals are in danger of vanishing. Natural disasters are increasing in size and frequency, and vast alterations in the earth’s rhythms are taking place. Heedless, we march along to the beat of progress.”
I loved how the stories were organized. It wasn’t chronologically, or by topic, but by which teaching of the medicine wheel they reflected. This made the storytelling feel more natural as I slowly put together a summary of his life. It was by no means an easy life, but it equipped him with the knowledge and deep understanding of so many universal issues of our times. Oh he would be such a great person to have really deep discussions with. He and my Auntie Faye must be having the most stimulating conversations wherever they are in the mysterious after.
“Part of our strategy should be employing homeless people to help end homelessness. They’re the real experts after all. They’re the ones who know how it feels, and the experience is worth more than all the conjecture, supposition and research dollars in the world.”
The stories of the rooming house were some of the most interesting. They were heartbreaking but heartwarming at the same time. The power of connection is incomparable. It is one of the greatest gifts and honors we can give each other – to see, to hear, and love another despite all the reasons they may give us not to. Empathy is a beautiful thing.
“Life can pulverize your spirit. Personal pain, private horrors and agonies manifest themselves in the problems we shake our heads at when we see them from the safety of our cars. The concrete of the street cements in the soul, and it takes time and mercy to reverse the process.”
This book helped me realize why I have always loved reading. I love people. I love stories. I love the stories of others that reveal a new layer of the person, completely changing the way you saw them before. My favourite aspect of a story is the character development. I want to know how you got there, why you went, how it made you feel, what you had to leave behind, and how the journey changed you. That’s a big part of why I found this book so interesting, so unbelievably beautiful. I recommend it more highly than I have ever recommended a book before. Everyone needs to read it!
“Our stories don’t have to be elaborate or highly dramatic to be powerful—they just have to be about us. When we share them with others, we let ourselves be known and understood. We build strong relationships in which respect is front and centre. Once this respect is established, all of our interactions are an opportunity for growth—even a good, rip-roaring argument.”
July 5, 2017
This is the second book by Richard Wagamese that I have read. It too is a collection of 2-5 page stories/teachings by Richard based on his personal experiences. This book was just as amazing, if not more so, than One Native Life. The book is packed full of gems of wisdom and love and caring. His choice of language and words is quite incredible. You can see and feel the wind and the land and the pain, whatever he is writing about, as if you were there with him or were him. His stories and craft are that good. If I was a book highlighter, most of this book would have been highlighted.
Richard is a masterful story teller and writer. His prose is simple, lyrical and powerful. Often it is like reading poetry. His words speak directly to one’s heart. Much of what he writes about are universal truths that we all know (even if we don’t know that we know) but he very gently reminds us that we all share this planet/universe together and Richard always writes to our higher selves. He expects the best from us and his writings cultivate and nurture that godliness and sacredness in each of us. One of my favourite quotes in the book is “The head has no answers, the heart has no questions, Jack would say.” (Fyi, Jack Kakakaway was Richard’s teacher and good friend.)
The stories are presented in 4 sections – Humility, Trust, Introspection and Wisdom – the 4 principles, according to Richard Wagamese, that traditional teachers sought to impart and also the 4 cardinal points on the Medicine Wheel, representing the essential qualities each person needs to cultivate to live a principled life.
Just reading the one page introduction of each Principle is worth the price of admission. They are stand-alone gems that I could and will read again and again. Reading, lingering, rereading, more lingering is pretty much how I feel about the entire book One Story, One Song. I read a little and then put it down – not because I didn’t like it but because I wanted to savour the deliciousness or connect with the pain, depending on the story, and reflect on what I had just read, not just the words, although they were very much worth savouring. I often stopped just to ponder and reflect on the teaching or lesson from the story and let it sink into my being.
Richard Wagamese has had a writing career for 33 years in radio, newspapers and television and more recently started publishing memoirs, poetry and novels of fiction. Earlier this year, he was awarded the 2012 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Media & Communications in Canada.
He is an amazing author and story teller and yes I know I am repeating myself. I highly recommend that you try some of his published works. This book in particular provides much to feel and learn about Humility, Trust, Introspection and Wisdom.
Richard is a masterful story teller and writer. His prose is simple, lyrical and powerful. Often it is like reading poetry. His words speak directly to one’s heart. Much of what he writes about are universal truths that we all know (even if we don’t know that we know) but he very gently reminds us that we all share this planet/universe together and Richard always writes to our higher selves. He expects the best from us and his writings cultivate and nurture that godliness and sacredness in each of us. One of my favourite quotes in the book is “The head has no answers, the heart has no questions, Jack would say.” (Fyi, Jack Kakakaway was Richard’s teacher and good friend.)
The stories are presented in 4 sections – Humility, Trust, Introspection and Wisdom – the 4 principles, according to Richard Wagamese, that traditional teachers sought to impart and also the 4 cardinal points on the Medicine Wheel, representing the essential qualities each person needs to cultivate to live a principled life.
Just reading the one page introduction of each Principle is worth the price of admission. They are stand-alone gems that I could and will read again and again. Reading, lingering, rereading, more lingering is pretty much how I feel about the entire book One Story, One Song. I read a little and then put it down – not because I didn’t like it but because I wanted to savour the deliciousness or connect with the pain, depending on the story, and reflect on what I had just read, not just the words, although they were very much worth savouring. I often stopped just to ponder and reflect on the teaching or lesson from the story and let it sink into my being.
Richard Wagamese has had a writing career for 33 years in radio, newspapers and television and more recently started publishing memoirs, poetry and novels of fiction. Earlier this year, he was awarded the 2012 National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Media & Communications in Canada.
He is an amazing author and story teller and yes I know I am repeating myself. I highly recommend that you try some of his published works. This book in particular provides much to feel and learn about Humility, Trust, Introspection and Wisdom.
January 7, 2018
A gorgeous collection of essays from a master storyteller. I clung to his every word. I especially liked that he "has always liked crows". I knew I would like this book because the cover is a crow sillouette. I could relate to his "table rock" - I had one when I was 12. "How the Loon Got His Necklace" brought back childhood memories of when I saw the film at the band shell on a hot August night in Penticton. I liked the story of the tamarack who wouldn't shelter the chickadee and the pine that would. His thoughts on homelessness, addiction, residential schools and being an Indian induced tears and about being a hunter gatherer at Costco brought a chuckle. I'm sad that he's no longer with us.
February 25, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. I liked the narrator and the Native Canadian perspective was interesting. I enjoyed many of the essays, but by the end they began to seem repetitive. This might be a good bedside book, one to take sips of before drifting off to sleep.
May 17, 2019
Le plus bel achat de ce voyage au Canada
August 16, 2021
A nice audio read
Some beautiful lessons and reminders from an Anishnabe Ojibway + Indigenous relativity perspective.
Meant to be motivational but also, experiential. Certainly worth soaking in.
Some beautiful lessons and reminders from an Anishnabe Ojibway + Indigenous relativity perspective.
Meant to be motivational but also, experiential. Certainly worth soaking in.
August 19, 2018
A collection of reflections by an author who has risen from the ashes. Richard touched bottom losing years of his life to alcoholism and drugs. Now, he wants to help those that are struggling in the swamp of self-hatred and lack of self-esteem that keeps people down. He speaks of a connection with the land and the natural world that is stronger than any drug that has helped him achieve balance. You learn about the spiritual teachings of First Americans and why it was important for him to re-connect with his roots. This is a thoughtful, inspiring, memoir well worth the read.
I was sorry to learn Richard Wagamese passed away, but he has left us a wonderful insights in how to be a happy and decent human being.
I was sorry to learn Richard Wagamese passed away, but he has left us a wonderful insights in how to be a happy and decent human being.
February 9, 2014
Ahhh - a restful walk through words. Mr. Wagamese's writing soothed me - transported me right to his side, when he took his walks along logging roads with his dog. He shared his story courageously and without judgement - shows he's truly done some healing over the hurt life dealt. Would love to meet him and spend about three hours over a coffee with him and his wife!
September 2, 2025
Absolutely Amazing. Transcendent and wise, told with subtle humor.
I have really loved this book and look forward to reading more by Richard Wagamese in the near future. The only other Wagamese book I've read was his final volume, Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations. I wish Richard Wagamese was still alive, he died too young. Thankfully, Wagamese's words live on through the many books he has published. I'm excited to catch up on his work.
I have now explored more Wagamese and enjoyed everything I've experienced so far, still plan to read more. One Story, One Song was my favorite new find of 2024 and is one of my Top Ten Favorite Non Fiction Books.
Read in 2024 and 2025.
Related Work: New Hampshire Robert Frost 1923
Favorite Passages:
Introduction
Here in the mountains, summer has dwindled slowly. Paul Lake sits placid and calm, like a quicksilver slip of dream.
______
It seems to me sometimes that seasons leave us the way people do, never just gone, but degree by degree, fading like the smell on a loved one's favourite sweater, until the vanishing one day evolves into memory.
______
We are all story. That's what my people say. From the moment we enter this physical reality to the moment we depart again as spirit, we are energy moving forward to the fullest possible expression of ourselves. All the intrepid spirits who come to this reality make that same journey. In this we are joined. We are one. We are, in the end, one story, one song, one spirit, one soul. This is what my people say.
_______
It's not a physical voice you hear. It's a spiritual one. When you break the connection that binds you to money, time, obligations, expectations and concerns, the land enters you. It transports you. It takes you to a common human time in each of our cultural histories when the land was filled with magic and teachings. The land spoke to all of us then. It whispered. It told stories, and those who came to it most often learned to hear that voice through the closed skin of their eyes, the soles of their feet, the palms of their hands as they rested upon stone and tree and earth and water: the storytellers. They brought us the secrets of the world we call our home, taught us to invent, to create, to imagine the space around us. They are the ones who showed us that the earth is alive, and we are joined to her by breath. Teh storytellers culled teachings from her mysteries. They discerned the truth that the planet we live on is but one small part of a greater, more marvellous creative energy that we are all part of as well. When we touch the earth, we touch ourselves, and the rhythms we discern are those of our own heartbeats, sounding in the context of the whole. Belonging. The articulation of who we are as a human family.
______
It takes a concentrated spiritual focus to realize why we are here - to live out the best possible story of our time on this earth.
You can't do that when you focus is on material security. You can't do that when your desire is to have. You can do it only when you realize that we all carry a common wish, a common hope. Love expresses itself most fully in community. So does spirituality. What binds us together as a human family is our collective yearning to belong, and we need to share our stories to achieve that. Stories build bridges to undiscovered countries - each other.
EAST - Humility
The old ones say that humility is the foundation of everything. Nothing can exist without it. Humility is the ability to see yourself as an essential part of something larger. It is the act of living without grandiosity. Humility, in the Ojibway world, means "like the earth." The planet is the epitome of a humble being, with everything allowed the same opportunity to grow, to become. Without the spirit of humility there can be no unity, only discord. Humility lets us work together to achieve equality. Humility teaches that there are no greater or lesser beings or things. There is only the whole. There is only the great, grand clamour of our voices, our spirits, raised together in song.
Spirit Place
The land is empty and full at the same time. It can be intimidating up there. You feel the silence in your bones, and you're alone in way that is sharp and unforgettable.
______
There is no word for wilderness in any Native language. There's no concept of the wild as something that needs controlling. In the Native world, there's no word for control, either. My people say humility is the root of everything. To be in harmony with the world, you need to recognize were the power lies and to respect that. It's simple to do when you're miles away from anybody else, but just as simple to forget once you're back on familiar territory.
What We Share
Anger creates barriers. Resentment builds distance.
______
The world asks us to sacrifice something in order to be included.
The Path to Healing
We need to hear stories of healing, not just relentless retellings of pain.
______
It's a big word, reconciliation. It requires truth and true humility, on both sides.
I have really loved this book and look forward to reading more by Richard Wagamese in the near future. The only other Wagamese book I've read was his final volume, Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations. I wish Richard Wagamese was still alive, he died too young. Thankfully, Wagamese's words live on through the many books he has published. I'm excited to catch up on his work.
I have now explored more Wagamese and enjoyed everything I've experienced so far, still plan to read more. One Story, One Song was my favorite new find of 2024 and is one of my Top Ten Favorite Non Fiction Books.
Read in 2024 and 2025.
Related Work: New Hampshire Robert Frost 1923
Favorite Passages:
Introduction
Here in the mountains, summer has dwindled slowly. Paul Lake sits placid and calm, like a quicksilver slip of dream.
______
It seems to me sometimes that seasons leave us the way people do, never just gone, but degree by degree, fading like the smell on a loved one's favourite sweater, until the vanishing one day evolves into memory.
______
We are all story. That's what my people say. From the moment we enter this physical reality to the moment we depart again as spirit, we are energy moving forward to the fullest possible expression of ourselves. All the intrepid spirits who come to this reality make that same journey. In this we are joined. We are one. We are, in the end, one story, one song, one spirit, one soul. This is what my people say.
_______
It's not a physical voice you hear. It's a spiritual one. When you break the connection that binds you to money, time, obligations, expectations and concerns, the land enters you. It transports you. It takes you to a common human time in each of our cultural histories when the land was filled with magic and teachings. The land spoke to all of us then. It whispered. It told stories, and those who came to it most often learned to hear that voice through the closed skin of their eyes, the soles of their feet, the palms of their hands as they rested upon stone and tree and earth and water: the storytellers. They brought us the secrets of the world we call our home, taught us to invent, to create, to imagine the space around us. They are the ones who showed us that the earth is alive, and we are joined to her by breath. Teh storytellers culled teachings from her mysteries. They discerned the truth that the planet we live on is but one small part of a greater, more marvellous creative energy that we are all part of as well. When we touch the earth, we touch ourselves, and the rhythms we discern are those of our own heartbeats, sounding in the context of the whole. Belonging. The articulation of who we are as a human family.
______
It takes a concentrated spiritual focus to realize why we are here - to live out the best possible story of our time on this earth.
You can't do that when you focus is on material security. You can't do that when your desire is to have. You can do it only when you realize that we all carry a common wish, a common hope. Love expresses itself most fully in community. So does spirituality. What binds us together as a human family is our collective yearning to belong, and we need to share our stories to achieve that. Stories build bridges to undiscovered countries - each other.
EAST - Humility
The old ones say that humility is the foundation of everything. Nothing can exist without it. Humility is the ability to see yourself as an essential part of something larger. It is the act of living without grandiosity. Humility, in the Ojibway world, means "like the earth." The planet is the epitome of a humble being, with everything allowed the same opportunity to grow, to become. Without the spirit of humility there can be no unity, only discord. Humility lets us work together to achieve equality. Humility teaches that there are no greater or lesser beings or things. There is only the whole. There is only the great, grand clamour of our voices, our spirits, raised together in song.
Spirit Place
The land is empty and full at the same time. It can be intimidating up there. You feel the silence in your bones, and you're alone in way that is sharp and unforgettable.
______
There is no word for wilderness in any Native language. There's no concept of the wild as something that needs controlling. In the Native world, there's no word for control, either. My people say humility is the root of everything. To be in harmony with the world, you need to recognize were the power lies and to respect that. It's simple to do when you're miles away from anybody else, but just as simple to forget once you're back on familiar territory.
What We Share
Anger creates barriers. Resentment builds distance.
______
The world asks us to sacrifice something in order to be included.
The Path to Healing
We need to hear stories of healing, not just relentless retellings of pain.
______
It's a big word, reconciliation. It requires truth and true humility, on both sides.
November 3, 2019
Fascinating, as is the usual with Richard Wagamese’s books. Indian Horse is still my favourite, but this one definitely comes second. Whenever I read his writing, I’m struck by strong urge to go outside. This time, I succumbed to it and just went out and stood in the crisp fall air, thinking. That experience and this book inspired me to do some writing, the only real inspiration I’ve had in months. I mimicked the style of this book, and truly enjoyed the insights it provided me with. The way he accurately described the conversation that is common in small Canadian towns brought a smile to my face. He is one of the best at his craft.
September 8, 2012
I feel like Wagamese reached right into me and touched the most sensitive parts of my insides, while at the same time somehow setting me right atop a foundation so I felt like I could handle it.
A beautiful blend of borderland, dharma, fable and autobiography. I am so grateful for Wagamese for this book, it now takes a place of honour in the "revisits" area of my bookshelf.
A beautiful blend of borderland, dharma, fable and autobiography. I am so grateful for Wagamese for this book, it now takes a place of honour in the "revisits" area of my bookshelf.
April 3, 2020
This book of short stories was perfect to be reading at this time. It is filled with stories of hope, optimism and inspiration. Wagamese often talks about the home that he and his wife live in and you can feel the calm and quiet coming from it. It took me a while to get into this book because I didn’t think I’d enjoy the memoir-like short stories. I’m so glad I completed it! ❤️
June 4, 2017
i am in love with this man. His beauty shines through every page.
May 27, 2018
Full review pending but so many great insights from the late Richard Wagamese about life, nature, survival, resilience and peace.
December 11, 2020
3.5 stars This essay collection had the unfortunate luck of being read so soon after his book essay collection, Embers. Embers was meditations and contemplations. They were reflections on his life. This collection is more peachy than Embers and feels more like a memoir sometimes. But really, it's probably best defined as social advocacy. He discusses things like what tribal governments should be focusing on and the long-term consequences of the reform schools First Nations people in Canada were sent to. Most of these essays are really short. Some are repeat things in other essays, but goes in a different direction. They are not chronological. There were some gems in this collection too and I suspect if I hadn't read it so soon after Embers, or if I had read this one first, I would have rated it more like 4 stars. I did learn a lot from this collection about Canada's history with its native population, and that helped fill out some of the historical details I was missing when I read the sci fi story by a First Nations Canadian. I do recommend this essay collection and it's free to listen to it you have Audible Plus.
October 13, 2025
Essays of wisdom, insight and humour from an Ojibway writer who had more than his share of challenges connection to the land, to wilderness inspired and comforted him. He brings that inspirational and comfort to his readers.
July 10, 2021
One Story, One Song has been sitting on my sizeable pile of “to reads” for about a year now but recently it seemed like the time to pick it up. What a treat to read. I’ve long loved Wagamese’s writing and this collection of short stories (essays? anecdotes? observations?) was full of gems that had me thinking about all of our interconnection, interdependence and responsibilities to with the world long after I put the book down. Thank you to Jordyn, who gifted me this book.
January 16, 2022
This a collection of fifty-five of the author's anecdotes and observations which span the course of his life. Richard Wagamese was a first nations author from Ontario. Sadly, he died in 2017 at the young age of 61.
The fifty-five chapters are divided in topic by direction: East - humility, South - trust, West - introspection, and North - wisdom. The chapters are all pretty short. I listened on Audible and most of them were about five minutes long or so. Richard is a great storyteller. His experiences cover a spectrum of emotions and living conditions starting with his sad childhood experiences to his uplifting charity work later in life. My favorite parts were his relatable baseball experiences growing up and his engrossing description of the beautiful, wild, Canadian landscape and local flora and fauna where he lived his final years. The chapter about the local bears and how he and his wife co-exist with them (they were here first - it's their land he notes) was the book's highlight for me.
The Audible narration by Christian Baskous was fine but I would've loved to have it narrated by Billy Merasty as fellow author Waubgeshing Rice's Moon of the Crusted Snow (the last audiobook I listened to) was.
This title and his autobiography One Native Life are currently free on Audible. I'm going to listen to the latter next.
The fifty-five chapters are divided in topic by direction: East - humility, South - trust, West - introspection, and North - wisdom. The chapters are all pretty short. I listened on Audible and most of them were about five minutes long or so. Richard is a great storyteller. His experiences cover a spectrum of emotions and living conditions starting with his sad childhood experiences to his uplifting charity work later in life. My favorite parts were his relatable baseball experiences growing up and his engrossing description of the beautiful, wild, Canadian landscape and local flora and fauna where he lived his final years. The chapter about the local bears and how he and his wife co-exist with them (they were here first - it's their land he notes) was the book's highlight for me.
The Audible narration by Christian Baskous was fine but I would've loved to have it narrated by Billy Merasty as fellow author Waubgeshing Rice's Moon of the Crusted Snow (the last audiobook I listened to) was.
This title and his autobiography One Native Life are currently free on Audible. I'm going to listen to the latter next.
August 3, 2014
I am so glad I read this after finishing Wagamese’s Indian Horse. This series of introspective essays details the painful start Richard had in his youth and early adult life along with the courage and open-heartedness he developed as he wrestled both the demons of his personal past and the horrors of our treatment of native peoples. Reading this book I took lots of contemplative pauses and came to better understand who Wagamese is as a person and how positive and forward looking his message is for all Canadians. This should be required reading for all Canadians as we sort out how our various cultures move forward as one.
September 6, 2011
I'd wanted to know more about aboriginal culture and kind of just picked this one off the shelf. It's more about the author's personal life journey but has a lot of culture in it., especially about nature and animals and their symbolic meanings, which is very interesting. The author has a lot of wisdom about life based on nature, his roots and his personal experiences. He's learned more about life and how to treat people from his dog than from all the counselors, psychologists, psychyatrists, healers, palm readers, etc. put together. Interesting. And challenging. Very good book.
March 19, 2011
Very interesting little book on his spiritual journey to find a better life. Everybody has a story to tell and he has told his very well and he listened to other people tell theirs and always finds something worthwhile in them. We all part of the same humanity.
February 6, 2020
I’m not sure that this particular book was for me, the beginning was very slow, but Richard Wagamese is a very imaginative man, he has a very unique way of writing and interpreting the world. I definitely plan on reading more of his work, Indian horse is next on my TBR.
August 1, 2015
This compilation of essays touched my heart. What an inspiring and thoughtful read.
October 20, 2020
I find rating books difficult; they are all so different. I love Richard Wagamese's voice and wisdom. This book is a series of short essays, each well done. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
December 19, 2021
The first book by Richard Wagamese I read was "Medicine Walk" (2014) and I was very impressed. So when I had the opportunity to hear an audio version of "One Story, One Song", I jumped at the chance.
Wagamese is a Canadian First Nations storyteller and recorder of Ojibwa wisdom and tradition. In this volume of introspective essays he captures the personal story of his spiritual growth. The reader journeys along with him through his painful childhood, abusive young adulthood and on to a series of victories and maturity. The writing is unforced and natural, conversational yet probing.
He tells us, "When I was growing up, the striking differences between Native people and mainstream Canadians were often remarked upon. During the 1960s and 1970s there were tremendous strides forward in Native life. We gained the right to vote, the freedom to gather in public and to practice our spirituality, the right to retain a lawyer. But every inch closer we got to authentic citizenship seemed to widen the gap between us and our neighbours...
"The truth is, the lives of Native and non-Native people are more alike than not. As an Ojibway man, I have been marginalized, analyzed, criticized, ostracized, legitimized, politicized, socialized, dehumanized, downsized and Supersized. One day, I will be eulogized. What ordinary Canadian can't relate to that?
"Most of us know what it's like to be low-income. Like many others, I'm an ex-athlete, an ex-smoker, an ex-drunk and an ex-husband. As a Canadian, I've had to be ethnic, multicultural, nationalistic and culturally specific all at the same time." He concludes: "Let's use language to unite us, not divide us. It's really just as simple as that."
The book is organized in four sections, beginning with EAST - Humility. He is building a compass for orienting onesself in the world and promoting the character traits that are foundational to human society. Secondly, we move SOUTH - Trust, then WEST to Introspection. Appropriately, Wagamese ends with NORTH - Wisdom , "Wisdom is the culmination of teachings gleaned from the journey around the circle of life, the Medicine Wheel. Circles have no end... When the story of our time here is completed and we return to spirit, we carry away with us all of the notes our song contains."
He admits that the world of books shaped him and that book knowledge led him to be the man he became as a journalist and writer. But that alone is not enough for engaging the world around us. "We all have stories within us. Sometimes we hold them gingerly, sometimes desperately, sometimes as gently as an infant. It is only by sharing our stories, by being strong enough to take a risk-- both in the telling and in the asking-- that we make it possible to know, recognize and undestand each other. No book will ever be a substitute for that."
During his period of homelessness in the cold Canadian North, Wagamese had a creative solution. "In the winter of 1974, I lived for a month in a nativity scene. It was outside a church, set back from the sidewalk about nine meters. There was straw in there for extra bedding: the floodlights gave off extra warmth, and two plywood walls helped cut the wind. For me, it was salvation. I was broke and hungry, and everything I owned I carted about on my back. I was trying to avoid shelters, since it was easier to get robbed or beaten there than on the street. No one ever bothered me in the nativity scene. From the street, I must have looked like a lump of straw. I crept out every morning before anyone else was around.
"I felt a measure of comfort there surrounded by the wise man, the baby Jesus, his parents, the animals and the huge glittering star at the apex of the roof. Even though the biblical sory meant little to me, lying in the midst of such a great promise to the world allowed me to believe that things would change. I prayed that would happen, actually. Shivering in the cold, sleeping fitfully, I vowed to do whatever it took to get out of those circumstances."
"One Story, One Song" is a hymn to humanity and the lessons simple nature has for world-weary men and women. In his shared account, Wagamese and his wife build a nurturing community in the wilds of Western Canada and create affirming traditions that lift up even the downtrodden.
Wagamese is a Canadian First Nations storyteller and recorder of Ojibwa wisdom and tradition. In this volume of introspective essays he captures the personal story of his spiritual growth. The reader journeys along with him through his painful childhood, abusive young adulthood and on to a series of victories and maturity. The writing is unforced and natural, conversational yet probing.
He tells us, "When I was growing up, the striking differences between Native people and mainstream Canadians were often remarked upon. During the 1960s and 1970s there were tremendous strides forward in Native life. We gained the right to vote, the freedom to gather in public and to practice our spirituality, the right to retain a lawyer. But every inch closer we got to authentic citizenship seemed to widen the gap between us and our neighbours...
"The truth is, the lives of Native and non-Native people are more alike than not. As an Ojibway man, I have been marginalized, analyzed, criticized, ostracized, legitimized, politicized, socialized, dehumanized, downsized and Supersized. One day, I will be eulogized. What ordinary Canadian can't relate to that?
"Most of us know what it's like to be low-income. Like many others, I'm an ex-athlete, an ex-smoker, an ex-drunk and an ex-husband. As a Canadian, I've had to be ethnic, multicultural, nationalistic and culturally specific all at the same time." He concludes: "Let's use language to unite us, not divide us. It's really just as simple as that."
The book is organized in four sections, beginning with EAST - Humility. He is building a compass for orienting onesself in the world and promoting the character traits that are foundational to human society. Secondly, we move SOUTH - Trust, then WEST to Introspection. Appropriately, Wagamese ends with NORTH - Wisdom , "Wisdom is the culmination of teachings gleaned from the journey around the circle of life, the Medicine Wheel. Circles have no end... When the story of our time here is completed and we return to spirit, we carry away with us all of the notes our song contains."
He admits that the world of books shaped him and that book knowledge led him to be the man he became as a journalist and writer. But that alone is not enough for engaging the world around us. "We all have stories within us. Sometimes we hold them gingerly, sometimes desperately, sometimes as gently as an infant. It is only by sharing our stories, by being strong enough to take a risk-- both in the telling and in the asking-- that we make it possible to know, recognize and undestand each other. No book will ever be a substitute for that."
During his period of homelessness in the cold Canadian North, Wagamese had a creative solution. "In the winter of 1974, I lived for a month in a nativity scene. It was outside a church, set back from the sidewalk about nine meters. There was straw in there for extra bedding: the floodlights gave off extra warmth, and two plywood walls helped cut the wind. For me, it was salvation. I was broke and hungry, and everything I owned I carted about on my back. I was trying to avoid shelters, since it was easier to get robbed or beaten there than on the street. No one ever bothered me in the nativity scene. From the street, I must have looked like a lump of straw. I crept out every morning before anyone else was around.
"I felt a measure of comfort there surrounded by the wise man, the baby Jesus, his parents, the animals and the huge glittering star at the apex of the roof. Even though the biblical sory meant little to me, lying in the midst of such a great promise to the world allowed me to believe that things would change. I prayed that would happen, actually. Shivering in the cold, sleeping fitfully, I vowed to do whatever it took to get out of those circumstances."
"One Story, One Song" is a hymn to humanity and the lessons simple nature has for world-weary men and women. In his shared account, Wagamese and his wife build a nurturing community in the wilds of Western Canada and create affirming traditions that lift up even the downtrodden.
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