Seven Sacred Truths

Publisher's Description (Talonbooks): Seven Sacred Truths presents a powerful exploration of an Indigenous woman’s healing journey. Seeing the world through “brown” eyes, poet Wanda John-Kehewin makes new meaning of the past, present, and future through a consideration of Love, Wisdom, Truth, Honesty, Respect, Humility, and Courage. By sharing her views on these Seven Sacred Truths and what they meant to her growing up, John-Kehewin instigates a therapeutic process of restoration and transformation. Her Seven Sacred Truths uncovers new meaning in the written word – meaning that can be shared with others who have lived trauma or who want insight into it. John-Kehewin strives to create a safe space and provide the opportunity to experience another perspective; she invites readers to embark on their own healing journeys. The closer you are to the truth, she writes, the freer you become.

Author's Biography (Talonbooks): Wanda John-Kehewin, Cree/Métis from Kehewin, Alberta, has studied criminology, sociology, Aboriginal studies, and creative writing. She uses writing as a therapeutic medium to understanding and responding to the near-decimation of First Nations cultures, languages, and traditions. She has been a part of World Poetry and their radio show as a co-host on Co-op Radio, and performed at numerous readings throughout British Columbia's Lower Mainland. Her work is raw, and her honesty reflects the amount of suffering thr Ancestors of the past have endured. She gives a voice to her mother, who was never heard. She credits her children as her vehicle to healing and wanting to understand colonization and its effects. Her first book of poetry, In The Dog House, was published by Talonbooks in 2013.

Resource type: Book (Fiction/Poetry)

Age recommendation: Grades 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, Post Secondary

Keywords: Wisdom, learning, learn, thinking, think, racism, classism, love, harmony, spirit, human condition, society, Mother Earth, earth, nature, connection, ancestors, family, relationships, kinship, honour, respect, foster care, peace, spiritual, emotional, mental, well-being, courage, honesty, humility, truth, open eyes, open minds, class, colonization, colonize, colony, decolonial, decolonize, violence, domestic violence, destruction, destroy, abuse

Year of publication: 2018

Publisher information: Talonbooks