Stoneface: Memoir of a Defiant Dene

by Stephen Kakfwi

Former Premier of the Northwest Territories Stephen Kakfwi transforms politics into philosophy and sheds light on a history that too many Canadians have long ignored.

Stephen Kakfwi was born in a bush camp on the edge of the Arctic Circle in 1950. In a family torn apart by tuberculosis, alcohol, and the traumas endured by generations in residential school, he emerged as a respected Dene elder and eventually the Premier of the Northwest Territories. Kakfwi, schooled on civil rights and 1960s protest songs, dedicated himself to supporting chiefs in their claim to land that had been taken away from them and in their determination to seize control of the colonial political system. Kakfwi’s life blends traditional Dene practices with the daily demands of political office—hunting moose one day and negotiating with European diamond merchants the next. Throughout his career, Kakfwi understood that he held the power to make change and through traditional storytelling, he has helped to change the story of the North. In his candid description of the loneliness of leadership and his embrace of Dene spirituality, Kakfwi’s Stoneface transforms politics into philosophy and an intensely personal guide to reconciliation.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Biography Memoir, Indigenous, Canada, Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

Published July 25, 2023

Reviews

[Tomiko Robson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is pretty important reading for people living in the North (but also for any Canadian). I’m so grateful that people are willing to share their stories like this. I was especially interested in the near-history parts (early 2000s) that gave such context to the events happening when I first moved here.

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Kakfwi, former Premier of the Northwest Territories, has written an intensely intimate memoir of his personal, community, and political life. I appreciated learning about this part of indigenous / Canadian history and residential school trauma from the writer's perspective. I enjoyed his powerful manner of storytelling. Highly recommended.

[Malcolm McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading to understand Northern Canada, Indigenous life, and the impact of residential schools.

[Lee Selleck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a courageous and candid memoir, its voice so close to the man that I could hear him inside my head as I read it. This is quite a feat for any writer; in Mr. Kakfwi's case it's a skill well-honed as a former president of Dene Nation and Premier of the Northwest Territories. Considering the magnitude of his achievements and all he overcame to do so, he is humble and matter-of-fact. There is much to say about him, but you should "listen" to him yourself. He will take you on a voyage of growth - his own; of Dene, Metis, and Indigenous peoples' rights; and into the fascinating modern history of the NWT.

[Janet Mercer · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative, interesting read about the authors life, culture and politics. I am guessing but expect the direct, no beating around the bush narrative style is reflective of the authors true self. When we lived in Fort Smith the author’s love of the North and its betterment always seemed very clear. Kudos to Mr. Kakfwi for having the courage to share this memoir. It’s a good read!

[Cherop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been interested in the issues and lives of people in the far north of Canada. This memoir by former leader of the Northwest Territories was an interesting insight into the life of one of the Aboriginal leaders who helped shape the current Canada of the north. It is also an important look into the disturbing legacy of residential schools and how they impact lives to this day.

[John Bunge · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting memoir, reflecting the ongoing trauma inflicted by the residential school experience, and his overcoming this experience to become a leader of the Dene and the GNWT. Highly recommended.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the residential schools and the resiliency of the Indigenous peoples. Stephen did so much with his life despite the barriers that trauma caused him.

[Merritt Burstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

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