Doug Knockwood, Mi’kmaw Elder: Stories, Memories, Reflections

by Doug Knockwood

Freeman Douglas Knockwood is a highly respected Elder in Mi’kmaw Territory and one of Canada’s premier addictions recovery counsellors. The story of his life is one of unimaginable colonial trauma, recovery and hope.

At age 6, Knockwood was placed in the Shubenacadie Residential School, where he remained for a year and a half. Like hundreds of other Mi’kmaw and Maliseet children, he suffered horrible abuse. By the time he reached his twenties, he was an alcoholic. He contracted tuberculosis in the 1940s, had one lung and several ribs removed.

Having hit rock bottom, Knockwood gained sobriety in his thirties through Alcoholics Anonymous. He went on to become a much sought after drug and alcohol rehabilitation counsellor in Canada. Many of Doug’s initiatives have been implemented across Canada and used by thousands of people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous.
Looking back now, says Doug, “I realize I wasn’t only helping them. They were helping me to gather strength in my presentations, in feeding them the knowledge I received, the same as it was fed to me. That helped me to gain confidence in myself; doing all these things that I didn’t know I could yet do”.

This book is an in-depth look at Doug Knockwood’s life that also casts a wide and critical glance at the forces that worked to undermine his existence and the indomitable spirit of a man who recovered from, yet still struggles to overcome, those forces.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Indigenous

138 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2018

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doug Knockwood's memoir tells about his
birth on December 11, 1929 in the coal- mining town of Springhill, Nova Scotia, and his life up until 2018, the year he died.

Freeman Douglas Knockwood was a highly respected Elder in Mi'Kmaw Territory and one of Canada's premier addictions recovery counsellors. The story of his life is one of unimaginable colonial trauma, recovery and hope.

The following is a quote from the book:-

"Doug explains that an alcoholic is an alcoholic, whether Indigenous or not. In either case he works to restore dignity and self-respect, essential elements in the successful recovery from alcoholism."

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 memorable stars⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doug Knockwood was such an amazing man. His story is so sad, truthful, happy and inspiring all at the same time. It is so good to read about people like him in our world. If we all just had his determination, understanding and acceptance of others, this world would be a much more beautiful place. This book taught me a lot.

This is not a literary book, it's just a regular man telling the story of his life. The writing was just simple and real, like someone you know just sitting with you talking. I liked it.

I also loved that I recognized many of the places in the book, being from Nova Scotia, you don't get that too often.

[Khalil Sadok · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring biography with so many challenges that Doug has faced in his life. It gives us a clear message that if you want to achieve something you will be capable of with your strong will. You may need help but at the end it's only you who can make that call.

[Jim Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Less than one month after publishing these memoirs, Mr. Knockwood died on June 16, 2018, at the age of 88. He suffered from pneumonia and heart failure, which is not surprising, as he had only one lung, having lost the other to TB years ago. This book, published by Roseway Publishing (an imprint of Fernwood Publishing), will remain as a testament and eulogy to the man who helped so many people, Indigenous and otherwise, on the long road to recovery. Along the way, we meet friends, family members and others whose lives he touched, as they contribute loving recollections of their time with him.

His friend Don Fitzpatrick recalls:

"Doug knows everyone at every meeting, probably in all the Maritimes. In the Native communities, in the non-native communities, wherever he goes. You just could never estimate the impact that he's had on so many families. To bring them back and have them be productive members of society. I know I'm thankful for him for saving my life and the lives of countless others. That's my friend Doug."

Doug has a pretty good memory considering all the issues he had with alcohol addictions and hospitalizations. The book takes you through his family life, his stint in the Army, the residential school system, his eventual break from alcohol (fifty-four years of sobriety at his death) and his natural inclination and ability to help people get free from their addictions, setting up programs all over Canada.

“He was the happiest man on Earth,” Errol Sharpe, a publisher at Fernwood Publishing, said at the book's launch in May of 2018.

An excellent book, and worth all the more so as we no longer have Doug Knockwood among us.

[TheGeneralLibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an excellent insight into the life of indigenous peoples and their struggles.
Doug's story is one of overcoming obstacles, sobriety, community, respect and compassion. The anecdotes from friends and family make this memoir all the more special.
An excellent read.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful memoir and incredible first-hand account of the Mi’kmaw experience from a Residential School survivor from the Maritimes. I am so grateful this story was recommended to me. Amazing to think of the lives touched by Doug Knockwood and the strength within him.

[Cher Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful and inspiring story about an Addiction counsellor and trailblazer!!