Tansi. My name is Marie Linda Bighetty, I prefer to be called Linda. I was born in The Pas, Manitoba at St. Anthony's Hospital.. I've lived in Pukatawagan all of my life with my parents Solomon and Cecile Linklater. I'm the eldest, and certainly not the wisest. I lived with my parents till I was 18 and had a family of my own. My children's names are Rollanda Dumas, John Dumas, and Suncloud Bighetty. My children attend school here at Sakastew School.My favorite place to visit was at my grandparents' house it was like a safe house for me a place I went to for security. I loved my grandparents as they taught me a lot of basic survival skills such as house cleaning, mopping, washing clothes, sweeping and how to fillet fish and several traditional skills in preparing food. Unfortunately my grandfather died of cancer in 1994, but his memory lives in my thoughts and prayers.
My hobbies are volleyball, walking, running, and weight lifting. I'm very much into the physical fitness scene but most of all I enjoy canoeing I have much to learn about canoeing, it's a challenge that I love doing. This past summer a friend and I entered a 60-mile one day race that took us a little over thirteen hours to complete. I felt very proud of myself and was very proud of my partner, as we earned one thousand dollars each. I also qualified for the North American Indigenous games 2002 that will be hosted in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
My favorite relative lives in Nelson House, MB. Her name is Deborah Francois, and she works for Child and Family Services as a Supervisor for that community. She's my favorite because I can tell her almost anything and she is very honest when I ask her for advice.
I'm special because I'm unique. There is no one like me in this world. I've never felt like this before about myself. But because I have grown to respect myself for who I am and not the way anybody wants me to be, weather it may be good or bad, I'm me and no one can change that except myself. I'm special and that is all there is to that.
My three best characteristics: friendly, respectful, and being patient. My parents always' stressed the importance of being good. " To receive respect you must show respect." This is true because I have experienced. My three worst characteristics; I would have to say are confidence, procrastination, and frustration. When I feel pressured I tend to give up, and I am really good at putting things off. Failure sums it all up.
My father played a significant roll in my life. In the early 1980's my father pursed a career in Health Care; he graduated from the program the next year. He now works for the community, as the Health Representative at the Nikaway Health Centre. I asked him, how did you do it? "Determination, you are never to old to succeed." I am proud of my father he never gave up on a dream to succeed. He is my mentor.
I am proud of the accomplishments that I have achieved. Some of which are: Application in Computers, Early Childhood Education, upon completing the courses I received certificates from K.C.C The Pas.
My goals are simple; be here every day, do the work, finish what I start, and not give up on myself.
My Uncle, Paul Dumas affectionately called Nanabush, has taught me that if you want to make something of yourself, you have to grasp it by your palm and never give up. I will never forget his words of wisdom, and the support he has shown me.
A COLOURFUL ANCESTORPaul Dumas was born November 15,1947. He grew up in Pukatawagan, and lived here most of his life. Paul started working at age 15 years for the community to support his family members. At 16, he worked for Canadian National Railway for 10 years, after which he later moved to Lynn Lake where he became counselor for people suffering from alcohol abuse. Paul is skilled in trapping and commercial fishing, and is known as the jack of all trades. My uncle now works for Sakastew School; this will be his 10th year as night security.
He struggled for many years abusing alcohol that almost took his life. I have seen him struggle, I have also seen him grow physically, spiritually, emotionally, mentally; therefore, I am proud, I have an uncle who has grown to understand life. I asked him, what makes you saddest? He said, I wish my parents where alive, "So I could give them what they had given me."
I also asked him what makes you happy? He said, "Being true to myself." And went to say, " The only way to gain real power in your life is to take responsibility for the choices you make in life."This is my Uncle Paul the way I know him. He is my colourful ancestor.
MISSINIPPI CHALLENGEEvery summer, Pukatawagan hosts its annual summer games. The main event is the Missinippi Challenge, which attracts people as far as the United States, and from surrounding communities.
The Missinippi Challenge is a 60 mile marathon race. It usually takes the average canoeist 12 hours to complete the race; the fastest time recorded was nine hours: by Al Redquest and Solomon Carrier. In the summer of 1996 I participated for the first time, along with my partner Doris Castel, It was an experience I will never forget. I remember thinking of quitting on the 30-mile mark but I heard my father yelling, "Don't give up!" After hearing my father I was determined to finish the race. I could hear the people cheering as we neared the finish. I remember thinking happy thoughts to forget the ache I was feeling. The pain was like a thousand bricks tied to my arms and my butt felt like bannock that was left in the frying pan too long. I felt so relieved and proud. My pride beamed from the fact that we were the only female contestants to conquer the race. I jumped out of the canoe and straight into the cool, clear, refreshing water.
I still challenge the river as soon as ice breaks, by borrowing my friend's canoe, and we paddle for 40 minutes going against the wind. Until sweat drips down my back, and I feel every muscle in my arms, then I am satisfied, and continue the next day. Some day, I hope to own a canoe. I continue to do what I love best and that's canoeing.
A Tall TaleIn the summer of 1960, my grand father Alex Dumas was falsely accused of stealing a bicycle from Hudson Bay Store. It was a case of mistaken identity. One day while my grandpa was making a pair of snowshoes, there was a knock at the door. My auntie answered the door and to her surprise it was a police officer. The police officer asked if Alex Dumas was home. My auntie questioned why? The officer told her he wanted to ask him questions. Then she led the officer to my grandpa. The officer, seeing how old my grandpa was snickered, then smiled at my auntie, and my grandpa. The officer then asked my grandpa what he did with the bicycle he stole late last night about 9:00 o'clock. My auntie found it funny as she interpreted what the police had said. My grandpa looked at the officer in disbelief, and he then told my auntie to tell the officer; "Tell this officer why would I want to steal a bicycle when I don't even know what it looks like." My grandpa was upset with the officer, and told him he was wasting his time here. Tell him to go look for the Alex Dumas who stole the bike and leave me alone. My grandpa found it humorous when he thought about it later. The case was later solved, and they found the culprit who stole the bike. He was faced with this and other charges and was sentenced to life in prison without a chance of parole.
A WINTER NIGHT SCENEIt was 8:30 pm that I decided to go outside and absorb the winter night scene. I sat on the bench outside my bedroom window facing the main road. I took several deep calm breaths to relax. I sat there wondering what am I going to write about. Thinking, after a few minutes I began to take in the beauty of the cool warm winter scene. I gazed toward the east sky, the cool air brushed across my face. I took in the most breath taking sight of the moon rising over the star lit sky. I could hear children laughing, playing loudly. I could hear people talking as they walked down the road. The smell of the crisp clean air almost tasting the moisture as I inhaled in every breath off air. The smell of fire wood burning reminded me of the good old days as I sat there. I continued to look into the sky almost as if to touch every star as I extended my arm out. I remembered while I sat outside when I was younger wishing that I was, one of those bright shining stars. Every star in the sky is counted as one off the angels.
THE GIFT OF LIFEWhat it is like for today's youth. Perhaps they have reached a point in their lives where they no longer believe in their future. I would like to share with them what it takes to have them born into this world.
A woman carries a life within a life. She spent nine months caring for her body to give us life. She suffered back pain, swollen feet often feeling sick, yet accepting the changes she was going through. She sang lullaby's and read stories to us while caressing her stomach. She spent those nine months counting the arrival of her baby, wondering, if you would be a boy or girl. The excitement she felt when the baby first kicked, only she knew. She prepared for your arrival on the ninth month. Then that special day you were born, she waited anxiously to carry you in her arms, crying, laughing, and feeling proud that you were finally here. The joy you had given her meant so much to her. To this day a woman still remembers the day you were born, the joy you had given her, the empty space you filled in her life. Seeing and watching you grow gives her great pride.
To the youth, value the life you were given. Think twice before acting, because no one can replace your existence. Only you can make that difference. We all know that life has obstacles but, you can come over any obstacle it's only a matter of perseverance. What we make of our life is important; to you and to the family you cherish.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MAKING PEMMICANPemmican is dried pounded meat mixed with melted fat. In our language we call it "The-wah-he-gan-na." Here are the instructions to making pemmican.
Cut lean parts of the moose
Cut it into 10 inch in length, and 1/2 inch thick or 1 inch thick
Wash out the blood
Smoke the meat
Make the fire using dry poplar or dead fall
Make sure fire smolders and is not burning in flamesThe meat takes approximately two days to cook dry, after two days; put the dry meat into a canvas bag, and pound the meat using a heavy object. When you are done it should resemble porridge.
Variations: melted moose fat, cranberries, blueberries, and salt or sugar to taste.
A BRIEF SUMMARY ON HOW TO SPEACK TO AN ELDERThere are few very important steps to follow when approaching an elder for counseling. The first step is to approach the elder and let her know you wish to seek counseling with her. The elder will instruct you when the next meeting will take place. It is customary at this time to give an offering of tobacco (or gift of some sort), out of respect for the elder.
The elder will have given you specific instructions on what to do, or what to bring, at the next visit. She might ask you to bring tobacco or cloth or to go on a fast prior to your visit.
The last step will be after you have visited her. she then will tell you the process of following the medicine given to clear the mind.
A PHOTOGRAPH OF MY BABIESMy partner and I have been blessed to watch our children grow, and become their own unique person; whether it may be good or bad, I am thankful because they are mine. I remember seeing my children for the first time. How happy I was when they were born. Happy doesn't even describe the joy I felt inside. I counted their fingers and toes, and checked their eyes and ears; perfect, everything was right where it was suppose to be. I will never forget when they attempted their first step or when they first said ma, ma for the first time. Everyday that I spent comforting, and protecting them has taught me great responsibility, and patience. Each day and each year that has come and gone I have seen beautiful faces and a personality that matches. I saw them making mistakes experiencing unkindness, loneliness and hate. I often wondered how they would solve their problems, and seeing that they do well, gave me peace. I have learned to remain neutral, taking neither side, understanding before judging, giving them responsibility to solve their differences with each other, or with others. I am thankful for I see them everyday, to see such beautiful little people. They will always be my babies. I am proud of my children whether it may be good or bad I love them. They have grown to be unique in their own way; therefore, I thank god for giving my children and to see them grow.
I was raised in a Catholic environment and brought up to believe Catholic faith. I remember going to church faithfully every Sunday, and on special days. The priest Emile Desormeaux lived here with us in Pukatawagan along with Brother Talbot. I remember Brother Talbot; I thought him the kindest man. Father Desormeaux lived in Pukatawagan from 1926. He retired on May12, 1978 at the age of 82. He died sometime in 1980. He is buried in our local cemetery as it was his wish to be buried here. Sadly, Brother Talbot passed away not long after father died. I felt sad when they both died. In the 1990's the Catholic Church was torn down. It was a beautiful church that our ancestors help build. I felt sad as I saw it coming down piece by piece, never to see the church again.
SPIRITUAL BELIEFS
