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Our Voice of Fire: A Memoir of a Warrior Rising
A wildfire of a debut memoir by internationally recognized French/Cree/Iroquois journalist Brandi Morin set to transform the narrative around Indigenous Peoples.
Brandi Morin is known for her clear-eyed and empathetic reporting on Indigenous oppression in North America. She is also a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis and uses her experience to tell the stories of those who did not survive the rampant violence. From her time as a foster kid and runaway who fell victim to predatory men and an oppressive system to her career as an internationally acclaimed journalist, Our Voice of Fire chronicles Morin’s journey to overcome enormous adversity and find her purpose, and her power, through journalism. This compelling, honest book is full of self-compassion and the purifying fire of a pursuit for justice.
Brandi Morin is known for her clear-eyed and empathetic reporting on Indigenous oppression in North America. She is also a survivor of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis and uses her experience to tell the stories of those who did not survive the rampant violence. From her time as a foster kid and runaway who fell victim to predatory men and an oppressive system to her career as an internationally acclaimed journalist, Our Voice of Fire chronicles Morin’s journey to overcome enormous adversity and find her purpose, and her power, through journalism. This compelling, honest book is full of self-compassion and the purifying fire of a pursuit for justice.
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First published August 2, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
August 4, 2022
I read this book in one sitting!
"Silence is a tool of violence used against our people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate us," this gifted storyteller and celebrated journalist says, "I will not participate in our silencing so I must begin with myself."
These lines brilliantly foreshadow the chapters that follow which lay out a raw, powerful, scathing, but ultimately inspiring tale of great triumph in the face of innumerable challenges. While Morin isn't shy about laying out the harshest of traumas she has faced as an Indigenous women, the style of storytelling keeps us wanting to know how she overcame her barriers. Brandi Morin takes us with her on her hardships. This helps us enjoy how earned Morin's successes are in the midst of colonial state that continuously invests in Indigenous failure.
“All I needed was a foot in the door in order to kick it down," Brandi Morin says as she does just that with her powerful debut memoir.
Morin takes her rightful place in the ranks of the Indigenous thought leaders challenging Canadians to associate Indigeneity with greatness. Add this to your collection of Indigenous voices, or start your collection with this gem, either way do yourself a favour and read this book!
"Silence is a tool of violence used against our people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate us," this gifted storyteller and celebrated journalist says, "I will not participate in our silencing so I must begin with myself."
These lines brilliantly foreshadow the chapters that follow which lay out a raw, powerful, scathing, but ultimately inspiring tale of great triumph in the face of innumerable challenges. While Morin isn't shy about laying out the harshest of traumas she has faced as an Indigenous women, the style of storytelling keeps us wanting to know how she overcame her barriers. Brandi Morin takes us with her on her hardships. This helps us enjoy how earned Morin's successes are in the midst of colonial state that continuously invests in Indigenous failure.
“All I needed was a foot in the door in order to kick it down," Brandi Morin says as she does just that with her powerful debut memoir.
Morin takes her rightful place in the ranks of the Indigenous thought leaders challenging Canadians to associate Indigeneity with greatness. Add this to your collection of Indigenous voices, or start your collection with this gem, either way do yourself a favour and read this book!
August 6, 2022
Brandi Morin is just getting started. I fell in love with her writing and journalism when I first encountered her content as she travelled to Carlisle Boarding School to witness the repatriation and reburial of nine Lakota children who died while in attendance. Her care and concern in her videos were palpable. Ever since then, I've followed her work as she connects with individuals about MMIW, pipeline protests, and dubious Papal visits.
This made me fall in love harder. Her writing flows smoothly, even over tough topics. She has a pared-down, intimate approach to her reflection that reminds me of Jesse Thistle's From the Ashes or the memoir writing of Assata Shakur (which I'm currently reading and have been noting similarities in both their style and their experiences). I loved this. Brandi is a voice of fire. And she is just getting started.
This made me fall in love harder. Her writing flows smoothly, even over tough topics. She has a pared-down, intimate approach to her reflection that reminds me of Jesse Thistle's From the Ashes or the memoir writing of Assata Shakur (which I'm currently reading and have been noting similarities in both their style and their experiences). I loved this. Brandi is a voice of fire. And she is just getting started.
September 26, 2022
An incredibly moving memoir about one French/Cree/Iroquis woman's journey to find success in both her career as an activist and journalist and as a mother.
Brandi Morin was a new to me writer who did an incredible job sharing her painful past. She recounts sexual trauma, domestic upheaval (she was in and out of the foster care system as a child), and her struggles to find professional respect and legitimacy.
I really enjoyed this on audio narrated by the author. Brandi doesn't shy away from difficult topics, including substance abuse and sexual assault (rape), her eating disorder and phobia of flying, among other things. Highly recommended for fans of In my own moccasins or Seven fallen feathers.
The emotional depth in this memoir is truly unparralled and she does an amazing job of confronting intergenerational trauma and the difficulties Indigenous people (women especially) have trying to find success as mothers and workers.
This is a must read. I didn't know much about Brandi Morin's life/story and am grateful she was able to share her life experiences and the ways she continues to advocate for the Indigenous community.
I also loved the note included at the end of the book about the cover art, a painting titled “Her Solo,” by Sharifah Marsden, an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman) and the meaning behind the painting.
Brandi Morin was a new to me writer who did an incredible job sharing her painful past. She recounts sexual trauma, domestic upheaval (she was in and out of the foster care system as a child), and her struggles to find professional respect and legitimacy.
I really enjoyed this on audio narrated by the author. Brandi doesn't shy away from difficult topics, including substance abuse and sexual assault (rape), her eating disorder and phobia of flying, among other things. Highly recommended for fans of In my own moccasins or Seven fallen feathers.
The emotional depth in this memoir is truly unparralled and she does an amazing job of confronting intergenerational trauma and the difficulties Indigenous people (women especially) have trying to find success as mothers and workers.
This is a must read. I didn't know much about Brandi Morin's life/story and am grateful she was able to share her life experiences and the ways she continues to advocate for the Indigenous community.
I also loved the note included at the end of the book about the cover art, a painting titled “Her Solo,” by Sharifah Marsden, an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman) and the meaning behind the painting.
August 30, 2022
Brandi Morin is an award winning Cree/Iroquois/French freelance journalist and indigenous activist to pay attention to. Her writing is clear and concise. She is clearly living her highest purpose as a Storyteller. She decided to tell her own story to “let people see who we really are. To see that we matter. Indigenous women do not conform to the stereotype to which colonialist society tries to reduce us”. For readers of Helen Knott, Alicia Elliot, Jesse Thistle etc.
September 10, 2022
It is hard to review a memoir, it is someone's life. I will say that Brandi Morin is an excellent writer and her story is both moving and hopeful, while being full of pain and trauma. I did enjoy the powerful fire of this warrior finding her voice.
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September 5, 2022I feel as though I cannot rate a memoir, as it is not my place to rate someone's vulnerability and bravery with sharing their story for the public to read.
I read this book in one sitting and was absolutely captivated by the beautiful writing. Brandi shares her story of survival as an indigenous woman alongside the generational trauma that has haunted her family. I've learned about residential schools and indigenous history since grade five, but this is the first time I've read a memoir by a survivor of generational trauma. Brandi's story is very difficult to read about but I congratulate her on finding the courage to share it. I think this is such an important story that everyone needs to read about to fully grasp how generational trauma actually effects people. I applaud Brandi for her work in journalism and getting the chance to share her peoples' stories that otherwise may never have been shared as well as her own story.
I read this book in one sitting and was absolutely captivated by the beautiful writing. Brandi shares her story of survival as an indigenous woman alongside the generational trauma that has haunted her family. I've learned about residential schools and indigenous history since grade five, but this is the first time I've read a memoir by a survivor of generational trauma. Brandi's story is very difficult to read about but I congratulate her on finding the courage to share it. I think this is such an important story that everyone needs to read about to fully grasp how generational trauma actually effects people. I applaud Brandi for her work in journalism and getting the chance to share her peoples' stories that otherwise may never have been shared as well as her own story.
September 25, 2023
I couldn’t put this one down. A very brave and important memoir that I recommend, with caution that it could be triggering. A book that I won’t forget from a fierce survivor of and advocate for the Missing and Ingenious Women and Girls crises. Thank you to Ms Morin for sharing her story.
December 2, 2023
Brandi Morin’s breathtaking memoir is an inspiring story of determination, love, justice-seeking, and family. From the quality of her writing to her vulnerability and generosity with sharing her important story, Morin proves that she is the voice of a generation in Canadian media. She writes with power and love and she does not shy away from holding power to account. Our Voice of Fire is an essential read.
July 19, 2022
This very poignant and powerful ARC of Our Voice of Fire by Brandi Morin is a timely memoir and an easy to read and to understand lesson of Indigenous history and of current events in Canada.
The author explains clearly the effects of generational trauma caused by colonialism and the brutal colonial laws of Canada. From Residential schools, to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls along the Trail of Tears, and of the ongoing struggle faced by Indigenous Nations trying to prevent the land and resource theft of Unist'ot'ten, Wet'suwet'en and Gitxsan Unceded, Sovereign and/or Treaty Nations by private companies, specifically by CGL, Kinder Morgan aka Trans Mountain pipeline, as well as the governments of BC, AB and Canada which all heavily subsidize and police the fossil fuel extractions, and of the continued criminalisation of Indigenous Land and Water Defenders.
This all sadly continues to happen to Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast, and in all of North America. It is long past time for Canada, and the US, to correct this exploitation of Indigenous First Nations and to stop the criminalisation of Land and Water Protectors.
Brandi Morin is an important Storyteller for our times. I look forward to more work from her.
Thank you to Lauren Cerand and Debby de Groot of House of Anansi Press for this digital ARC.
The author explains clearly the effects of generational trauma caused by colonialism and the brutal colonial laws of Canada. From Residential schools, to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls along the Trail of Tears, and of the ongoing struggle faced by Indigenous Nations trying to prevent the land and resource theft of Unist'ot'ten, Wet'suwet'en and Gitxsan Unceded, Sovereign and/or Treaty Nations by private companies, specifically by CGL, Kinder Morgan aka Trans Mountain pipeline, as well as the governments of BC, AB and Canada which all heavily subsidize and police the fossil fuel extractions, and of the continued criminalisation of Indigenous Land and Water Defenders.
This all sadly continues to happen to Indigenous Peoples from coast to coast, and in all of North America. It is long past time for Canada, and the US, to correct this exploitation of Indigenous First Nations and to stop the criminalisation of Land and Water Protectors.
Brandi Morin is an important Storyteller for our times. I look forward to more work from her.
Thank you to Lauren Cerand and Debby de Groot of House of Anansi Press for this digital ARC.
June 23, 2023
MY REVIEW:
Content warning: rape, child abuse, racism, intergenerational trauma, suicide, and loss of a pregnancy.
Honest, compelling, and
one hundred percent real.
Brandi Morin is my new hero because she tells it like it is. No molly-coddling, no sugar coating, no lies to spare the reader from the ugliness of genuine truth.
Brandi Morin’s bravery is nothing short of inspirational. Her book: OUR VOICE OF FIRE is a memoir of her life. It is also a truthful (and sometimes ugly) look at the effect colonialism has had on Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
When Brandi discovered that her beloved kohkum (grandmother) had kept a journal of sorts, it set her on a new path in life.
“Each small scrap of paper, each page in her journal, fed the spark of curiosity within until it was a roaring fire of need. [Brandi] needed to know more. About Kohkum. About [herself]. About [her] people.”
Brandi writes:
Without my even realizing it, my feet were set on a new path. Over the next few years, I began to hunt for the truth…”
That path has led her to become a nationally recognized voice for Indigenous peoples, and ultimately led to the creation of this book.
Honesty is always the best policy in my opinion, however, Canada has continually glossed over the dark parts of its history. Brandi Morin’s journalism career calls the government out on their hypocrisy and on the deeply embedded and systemic racism that exists to this day.
In writing this memoir, Brandi is speaking out for all those women and girls, past and present, who have had their voices silenced in a variety of ways.
She is also speaking out for herself despite the fact that; “Sometimes it feels easier and kinder to just leave those smoking memories alone, protecting myself and my loved ones with silence.”
But, Brandi has learned that
“… silence is a tool of violence used against [her] people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate [them].”
There is a belief held by Indigenous Peoples that trauma is intergenerational and that, on average, it takes seven generations to rid a family of the effects of that trauma. If that family experiences more trauma, such as the Residential School System, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing, deeply ingrained systemic racism of Canada today, those seven generations start all over again.
As heart-wrenching as it must have been for her, Brandi bares her soul in this memoir.
“I endured beatings and verbal abuse from my mother, who was unwittingly passing along her inheritance of trauma and violence to me. There are bloody encounters that I can clearly picture today, but I won’t go into details. My dad would sometimes choke me against the wall until I was close to passing out at the requests from my mother to ‘deal with me’…”
Sadly, Brandi’s experiences are
far from unique.
This must stop and it is through the publication of books such as this one that people are able to learn the truth and to actively seek to change things for the better.
OUR VOICE OF FIRE should be required reading for everyone, especially for anyone who doubts the lingering effects of familial trauma.
I rate this book as 7 out of 7 Stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you are interested in raw, unapologetic honesty, OUR VOICE OF FIRE by Brandi Morin is a Must Read.
*** Thank you to #Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy of this book. ***
Content warning: rape, child abuse, racism, intergenerational trauma, suicide, and loss of a pregnancy.
Honest, compelling, and
one hundred percent real.
Brandi Morin is my new hero because she tells it like it is. No molly-coddling, no sugar coating, no lies to spare the reader from the ugliness of genuine truth.
Brandi Morin’s bravery is nothing short of inspirational. Her book: OUR VOICE OF FIRE is a memoir of her life. It is also a truthful (and sometimes ugly) look at the effect colonialism has had on Canada’s Indigenous peoples.
When Brandi discovered that her beloved kohkum (grandmother) had kept a journal of sorts, it set her on a new path in life.
“Each small scrap of paper, each page in her journal, fed the spark of curiosity within until it was a roaring fire of need. [Brandi] needed to know more. About Kohkum. About [herself]. About [her] people.”
Brandi writes:
Without my even realizing it, my feet were set on a new path. Over the next few years, I began to hunt for the truth…”
That path has led her to become a nationally recognized voice for Indigenous peoples, and ultimately led to the creation of this book.
Honesty is always the best policy in my opinion, however, Canada has continually glossed over the dark parts of its history. Brandi Morin’s journalism career calls the government out on their hypocrisy and on the deeply embedded and systemic racism that exists to this day.
In writing this memoir, Brandi is speaking out for all those women and girls, past and present, who have had their voices silenced in a variety of ways.
She is also speaking out for herself despite the fact that; “Sometimes it feels easier and kinder to just leave those smoking memories alone, protecting myself and my loved ones with silence.”
But, Brandi has learned that
“… silence is a tool of violence used against [her] people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate [them].”
There is a belief held by Indigenous Peoples that trauma is intergenerational and that, on average, it takes seven generations to rid a family of the effects of that trauma. If that family experiences more trauma, such as the Residential School System, the Sixties Scoop, and the ongoing, deeply ingrained systemic racism of Canada today, those seven generations start all over again.
As heart-wrenching as it must have been for her, Brandi bares her soul in this memoir.
“I endured beatings and verbal abuse from my mother, who was unwittingly passing along her inheritance of trauma and violence to me. There are bloody encounters that I can clearly picture today, but I won’t go into details. My dad would sometimes choke me against the wall until I was close to passing out at the requests from my mother to ‘deal with me’…”
Sadly, Brandi’s experiences are
far from unique.
This must stop and it is through the publication of books such as this one that people are able to learn the truth and to actively seek to change things for the better.
OUR VOICE OF FIRE should be required reading for everyone, especially for anyone who doubts the lingering effects of familial trauma.
I rate this book as 7 out of 7 Stars
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
If you are interested in raw, unapologetic honesty, OUR VOICE OF FIRE by Brandi Morin is a Must Read.
*** Thank you to #Edelweiss for providing me with a free copy of this book. ***
October 4, 2022
I knew absolutely nothing about the author, am actually not sure how I came across the book, but I was curious to read about Morin's story and was excited that this was available at my library. Morin is a reported who also happens to be a survivor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis and has used her experiences in foster care, with predators and the system to inform her reporting of those in similar situations and of those who did not survive.
The book follows her young life and times, and does not spare the reader. From a broken family home, to the broken foster care system that led to sexual trauma to dealing with all of that as an adult, including in her relationships, this is not an easy read. But Morin also covers other parts of her life, such as her children, her career, etc. and it's an interesting read to see how someone who could have been lost to the system and just another name used that differently.
It was a tough read, as you can guess, but one that is definitely much needed. I'm glad Morin is here to share her experiences with us and would urge people to take the time to pick this up. It's not very long at a little over 230 or so pages.
So trigger warnings for all sorts of issues, from domestic violence to romantic and sexual violence, drug use, foster care, anti-Indigenous racism, misogyny, slut-shaming, intergenerational trauma, mental health. It was not extremely detailed but in some ways that made the reading more painful.
Borrowed from the library and would say that was best for me. Would guess the library or bargain buy would be best for most people but for the right reader it'd make a good addition to their shelves.
The book follows her young life and times, and does not spare the reader. From a broken family home, to the broken foster care system that led to sexual trauma to dealing with all of that as an adult, including in her relationships, this is not an easy read. But Morin also covers other parts of her life, such as her children, her career, etc. and it's an interesting read to see how someone who could have been lost to the system and just another name used that differently.
It was a tough read, as you can guess, but one that is definitely much needed. I'm glad Morin is here to share her experiences with us and would urge people to take the time to pick this up. It's not very long at a little over 230 or so pages.
So trigger warnings for all sorts of issues, from domestic violence to romantic and sexual violence, drug use, foster care, anti-Indigenous racism, misogyny, slut-shaming, intergenerational trauma, mental health. It was not extremely detailed but in some ways that made the reading more painful.
Borrowed from the library and would say that was best for me. Would guess the library or bargain buy would be best for most people but for the right reader it'd make a good addition to their shelves.
September 30, 2025
wanted to read something for truth and reconciliation this week and my lovely friend had recommended this one to me! this is a memoir about an indigenous woman who is a journalist. she has covered a variety of topics throughout her career, such as the pipelines, missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, and highlighting the successes of indigenous persons and groups. she had a ROUGH upbringing, getting passed through the foster care system, issues with substance abuse and mental health, and using attention from men as a coping mechanism. nevertheless, she has overcome so much to become a journalist, do amazing things with her life and bring awareness to the obstacles that indigenous people specifically face. i personally found her story really inspiring and full of love, honesty and resistance. she still has so much love for her family even though she recognizes the generational trauma they have faced together. i think that this was a great memoir that made me reflect on what the folks in my community may go through while also recognizing that there are people who actively working to bring awareness to indigenous stories and experiences. i would recommend this to everyone in a heartbeat.
i also liked how she’s from stony plain/edmonton because that’s where i live!!
i also liked how she’s from stony plain/edmonton because that’s where i live!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2024
This memoir is so heartbreaking and gripping. It gets into Brandi’s past of growing up in the foster care system, abuse she endured and how the trauma impacted her. We see her claw her way out of the family cycle of children growing up in the system, abuse, drugs/alcohol, and the impact those traumas have on her psychologically and spiritually. Brandi deals with institutionalization for her mental health. As she is dealing with all of this we also see her successes, becoming a journalist, getting her first journalist jobs, raising her children, connecting with her Indigenous culture, and finding her voice. This memoir highlights the importance of land back, MMIW crisis, and the acknowledgment of how colonization has impacted Indigenous communities for generations.
CW: sexual assault, abuse, abandonment, child abuse, drugs/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, institutionalization, foster care/child welfare, stillbirth, murder, mention of residential schools/ deaths
CW: sexual assault, abuse, abandonment, child abuse, drugs/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, institutionalization, foster care/child welfare, stillbirth, murder, mention of residential schools/ deaths
February 17, 2024
Couldn’t have a better title. Strong, indigenous voice of a woman who’s been through shit hand is working hard to protect what’s left of her culture, land and the existence of indigenous people across turtle island. A local voice to me, hopefully if you read this review, you’ve also read this book or are planning to. I listened to the audiobook recorded by the author, highly recommend. Thank you, Brandi.
March 9, 2023
5⭐️
Brandi is a French/ Cree/ Iroquois journalist that has overcome extreme adversity and she uses her voice for justice.
She discusses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis along with her personal experiences. This was heartbreaking, and powerful.
I highly recommend it.
Read if you enjoyed: The Sun Does Shine, Just Mercy or Malala
Brandi is a French/ Cree/ Iroquois journalist that has overcome extreme adversity and she uses her voice for justice.
She discusses the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls crisis along with her personal experiences. This was heartbreaking, and powerful.
I highly recommend it.
Read if you enjoyed: The Sun Does Shine, Just Mercy or Malala
April 17, 2023
3✨
Very solid memoir! Brandi Morin’s journalistic work has always been so inspiring and now knowing more about her story and how she got to where she is today is incredible. I truly think this would be an absolutely exceptional audiobook. Would definitely recommend this one!
—
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Very solid memoir! Brandi Morin’s journalistic work has always been so inspiring and now knowing more about her story and how she got to where she is today is incredible. I truly think this would be an absolutely exceptional audiobook. Would definitely recommend this one!
—
✍🏽 Follow me on Goodreads for more reviews like this!
📚 Instagram: @whataprilreads
🐝 Keep tabs on me here, so you know when I start a new project! https://linktr.ee/whataprilreads
September 30, 2024
Memoirs are always so hard to rate. I am very intentional in trying to incorporate indigenous stories into my reading. This one covers a lot heavy topics, including the expected, marginalization, rape, addiction and violence. These are all stories that need to be told. However, at times I struggled with the packaging. The author is not always super likable in her choices… and I totally get the point of a memoir is to reflect on those choices, so I appreciate her honesty. But there were times where I needed to walk away from the story because I felt she was only making her own life worse. There is a lot of hope in where she ends up, so I think it is worth reading, just read with care.
August 10, 2023
Reminded me of From the Ashes. Especially interesting to me as the author is from Stony Plain, and was a year behind me in school. I recognize that I was very privileged, and was oblivious to other people’s struggles. Hopefully as an adult working in a school I can be a little less oblivious.
November 4, 2023
Heartbreaking tale of resilience and strength.
October 3, 2024
4.25
A harrowing yet hopeful memoir. Morin has accomplished so much despite the many horrific things she experienced.
A harrowing yet hopeful memoir. Morin has accomplished so much despite the many horrific things she experienced.
January 18, 2023
reading this made me feel like admitting your fears is the bravest thing you can do. don’t often say this: everyone should read this book — especially people in canada!
June 2, 2023
What a story of resilience and survival. It’s always so hard to hear stories of Canada’s residential schools, but so important to hear them.
Read
September 18, 2022“My words were fire and I was ready to set the world ablaze.” 🔥
Indeed.
And we’re all better for it.
I also recommend Morin’s journalism.
Indeed.
And we’re all better for it.
I also recommend Morin’s journalism.
September 15, 2022
I’ve read Brandi’s work in media and am so glad I was able to read her story. Your flame is bright, Brandi, and the world needs your voice. Thank you.
December 29, 2025
Wow! What a powerful memoir! It was pretty cool to read that she grew up around Edmonton, but she went through so much during her childhood. Very moving
May 15, 2022
Wow! An incredibly powerful memoir. This is a must-read title and a call to action for all, just as Alicia Elliott's A Mind Spread Out on the Ground was a few years ago.
She notes that she is “humbled by the fact that I still have my life - and I refuse to waste it.” (p78).
That she still has her life is astonishing, given her life experiences. One has to believe, as she does herself, that this was her God-given purpose in life - to tell these stories, despite the deep physical and psychological toll that it takes on her to tell them.
This is perhaps the clearest exposition of the ways in which trauma reverberates through the generations that I have read yet.
This is she refusing to be silent any longer, silence having been “a tool of violence used against our people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate us” (p39).
This is her story of Indigenous pride, of reconnecting with and understanding her culture… her “journey ‘of discovery, of inspiration and provocations” (p202) to finding her proud indigenous heritage.
This is the story of her deep and abiding faith, her belief in her God, and her understanding that “…my creator is not about death and punishment. He is about life, healing, and restoration, and I have experienced this over and over again” (p111).
This is her story of coming to terms that she is of mixed descent - that she is both indigenous and settler… coming to terms with how the “‘(o)ppressor and oppressed commingled in the chambers of my beating heart” (p170) and how that made reconciliation seem so impossible for her as an individual.
This is her finding her light - and in so doing, finding her hope. After all of the trauma she shares - which can’t help but bring you to angry tears - two stories she shares near the end - about the horses and the fireflies - will have you crying tears of hope… and recognising that there are things in this world that cannot be explained… and that we must always be open in our hearts to accepting.
This is, ultimately, the story of a woman of deep, profound and incredible strength. A woman who has endured and persisted… a woman who is healing… and a people who are rising. (paraphrasing the author on p 205).
As she also notes… “… reconciliation will only ever be achieved when ignorance gives way to truth on a global scale” (p172). This is her truth. Now it is up to us to help spread her truth and do the work that will lead us to reconciliation.
With thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to a digital ARC.
She notes that she is “humbled by the fact that I still have my life - and I refuse to waste it.” (p78).
That she still has her life is astonishing, given her life experiences. One has to believe, as she does herself, that this was her God-given purpose in life - to tell these stories, despite the deep physical and psychological toll that it takes on her to tell them.
This is perhaps the clearest exposition of the ways in which trauma reverberates through the generations that I have read yet.
This is she refusing to be silent any longer, silence having been “a tool of violence used against our people for generations in the attempt to erase and eradicate us” (p39).
This is her story of Indigenous pride, of reconnecting with and understanding her culture… her “journey ‘of discovery, of inspiration and provocations” (p202) to finding her proud indigenous heritage.
This is the story of her deep and abiding faith, her belief in her God, and her understanding that “…my creator is not about death and punishment. He is about life, healing, and restoration, and I have experienced this over and over again” (p111).
This is her story of coming to terms that she is of mixed descent - that she is both indigenous and settler… coming to terms with how the “‘(o)ppressor and oppressed commingled in the chambers of my beating heart” (p170) and how that made reconciliation seem so impossible for her as an individual.
This is her finding her light - and in so doing, finding her hope. After all of the trauma she shares - which can’t help but bring you to angry tears - two stories she shares near the end - about the horses and the fireflies - will have you crying tears of hope… and recognising that there are things in this world that cannot be explained… and that we must always be open in our hearts to accepting.
This is, ultimately, the story of a woman of deep, profound and incredible strength. A woman who has endured and persisted… a woman who is healing… and a people who are rising. (paraphrasing the author on p 205).
As she also notes… “… reconciliation will only ever be achieved when ignorance gives way to truth on a global scale” (p172). This is her truth. Now it is up to us to help spread her truth and do the work that will lead us to reconciliation.
With thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for granting me access to a digital ARC.
September 7, 2022
"I carry within me the bloodlines of reconciliation." 208
Morin wrote a very good autobiography here. Not because its ends with rainbows and lollipops but rather because it is raw, brutally honest and ends with a cry for justice for the Indigenous community of Canada. As a French/Cree/Iroquois woman living in a country where its colonial history and laws oppressed and abused her, she has faced numerous hurdles and troubles, yet as the book goes along, she also progresses in greater self-awareness, healing and agency.
The pain she faces overwhelms her at times but like a prize fighter she gets up off the mat, dusts herself off and tries again. As she moves along she finds resources: supportive friends, a brilliant therapist, her own First Nations tradition (Mitchel First Nation) and history as well as wise work colleagues. She also focuses on metaphors that inspire her. For example, the Japanese art of kintsugi where broken items are glued back together with a substance mixed with gold (161) teaches her that she is beautiful in the places where she was broken but is now healed. Or the yearly salmon migration from the Pacific ocean to their spawning grounds in the b.c. rivers. Their resilience and effort teaches her she too can fight upstream for herself and her family and nation (199-200).
Marshalling resources and finding the language to describe your trauma and recovery are huge factors in healing. She has done alot of recovery work and is reaping the benefits of her efforts. As readers we also benefit, in hearing her voice of fire for a more just and equitable world.
Morin wrote a very good autobiography here. Not because its ends with rainbows and lollipops but rather because it is raw, brutally honest and ends with a cry for justice for the Indigenous community of Canada. As a French/Cree/Iroquois woman living in a country where its colonial history and laws oppressed and abused her, she has faced numerous hurdles and troubles, yet as the book goes along, she also progresses in greater self-awareness, healing and agency.
The pain she faces overwhelms her at times but like a prize fighter she gets up off the mat, dusts herself off and tries again. As she moves along she finds resources: supportive friends, a brilliant therapist, her own First Nations tradition (Mitchel First Nation) and history as well as wise work colleagues. She also focuses on metaphors that inspire her. For example, the Japanese art of kintsugi where broken items are glued back together with a substance mixed with gold (161) teaches her that she is beautiful in the places where she was broken but is now healed. Or the yearly salmon migration from the Pacific ocean to their spawning grounds in the b.c. rivers. Their resilience and effort teaches her she too can fight upstream for herself and her family and nation (199-200).
Marshalling resources and finding the language to describe your trauma and recovery are huge factors in healing. She has done alot of recovery work and is reaping the benefits of her efforts. As readers we also benefit, in hearing her voice of fire for a more just and equitable world.
January 3, 2024
This memoir by journalist Brandi Morin is often difficult to read due to its potentially triggering content but a book I think will be on Canada Reads at some point in the future.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author and I recommend that format, but I’m sure it will be just as powerful in print.
Brandi is “a proud Cree/Iroquois/Frenchwoman” who doesn’t shy away from the hard subjects, and there are many. Her parents verbally and physically assaulted her. She was in and out of foster care from age six, running away several times. Sexually assaulted and raped as a young teen, she went on to choose men who never stayed around and had random sex leading to her not knowing who the father of 2 of her children are. She definitely owns her truth.
Somehow, through everything, she followed her passion to become an activist and journalist, even when she was racially profiled and harassed by the police.
Through it all, she has remained close to her family.
Referring to her Kohkum, she says “we rise as part of the living, breathing, blazing saga of her tremendous part on this world.”
To her own experiences “Trauma has swept across our generations like wildfire but we are not knocked down. We are still standing.”
And the book ends with “I am a granddaughter. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a mother. I am a survivor. I am a warrior. I am a voice of fire.”
This is a very powerful read that I highly recommend!
I listened to the audiobook read by the author and I recommend that format, but I’m sure it will be just as powerful in print.
Brandi is “a proud Cree/Iroquois/Frenchwoman” who doesn’t shy away from the hard subjects, and there are many. Her parents verbally and physically assaulted her. She was in and out of foster care from age six, running away several times. Sexually assaulted and raped as a young teen, she went on to choose men who never stayed around and had random sex leading to her not knowing who the father of 2 of her children are. She definitely owns her truth.
Somehow, through everything, she followed her passion to become an activist and journalist, even when she was racially profiled and harassed by the police.
Through it all, she has remained close to her family.
Referring to her Kohkum, she says “we rise as part of the living, breathing, blazing saga of her tremendous part on this world.”
To her own experiences “Trauma has swept across our generations like wildfire but we are not knocked down. We are still standing.”
And the book ends with “I am a granddaughter. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a mother. I am a survivor. I am a warrior. I am a voice of fire.”
This is a very powerful read that I highly recommend!
January 26, 2025
heavy & informative memoir brandi morin, tracing her troubled youth as a survivor of the mmiw crisis to her present-day career as a journalist dedicated to indigenous voices
it was challenging to listen to morin recount her childhood ravaged by intergenerational trauma, addiction, & failures of the welfare system, even more so to remember that her story is not unique in its hardship. the failures of our society to protect indigenous women & children were so incredibly clear & heartbreaking
i appreciated how honestly she recounted her own struggles & i was glad to see her growth from blaming herself to making connections to the indigenous history of trauma under settler colonialism & white supremacy. her resulting fire to amplify indigenous voices & shine light on indigenous stories was inspirational, especially seeing the tumultuous journey towards healing she was simultaneously on
overall a quick & powerful read that explored a lot of trauma, as well as the power of learning your history, relying on community, seeking help, & chasing your dreams
recommend pairing with “warrior girl unearthed” (ya fiction) by angeline boulley
it was challenging to listen to morin recount her childhood ravaged by intergenerational trauma, addiction, & failures of the welfare system, even more so to remember that her story is not unique in its hardship. the failures of our society to protect indigenous women & children were so incredibly clear & heartbreaking
i appreciated how honestly she recounted her own struggles & i was glad to see her growth from blaming herself to making connections to the indigenous history of trauma under settler colonialism & white supremacy. her resulting fire to amplify indigenous voices & shine light on indigenous stories was inspirational, especially seeing the tumultuous journey towards healing she was simultaneously on
overall a quick & powerful read that explored a lot of trauma, as well as the power of learning your history, relying on community, seeking help, & chasing your dreams
recommend pairing with “warrior girl unearthed” (ya fiction) by angeline boulley
October 22, 2025
What a powerful book about remembering, awareness and reconciliation!
Did you know, that indigenous women are twelve times more likely to be missing or murdered than any other woman in Canada.
Brandi Morin (born in 1981) tells her story of survival. The story of a girl that learned early that her life was worth nothing.
When reading I was asking myself “why is she doing this?“, “why isn’t she taking better care of her/her kids?”. I was wondering why nobody helped this kid, this family and what was wrong with those communities?
Later I recognized that generations of women and men - and Brandis ancestors especially - had been traumatized by violence and political, economic, institutional, and social racism; Not only by the institutional churches, being responsible for kidnapping, beating, molesting, and murdering children because of the color of their skin back till the 1990s, but still by the the actions and omissions of the government and big oil companies.
But Brandy survived and did to not accept being hunted anymore, she decided she is the hunter, and it was time to hunt down and stop violence driven by racism.
Did you know, that indigenous women are twelve times more likely to be missing or murdered than any other woman in Canada.
Brandi Morin (born in 1981) tells her story of survival. The story of a girl that learned early that her life was worth nothing.
When reading I was asking myself “why is she doing this?“, “why isn’t she taking better care of her/her kids?”. I was wondering why nobody helped this kid, this family and what was wrong with those communities?
Later I recognized that generations of women and men - and Brandis ancestors especially - had been traumatized by violence and political, economic, institutional, and social racism; Not only by the institutional churches, being responsible for kidnapping, beating, molesting, and murdering children because of the color of their skin back till the 1990s, but still by the the actions and omissions of the government and big oil companies.
But Brandy survived and did to not accept being hunted anymore, she decided she is the hunter, and it was time to hunt down and stop violence driven by racism.
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