Borders, Kinship Disruption, and Collapsed Immobility: A Pendula of All My Relations

Authors

  • Keri Cheechoo University of Ottawa
  • Patrick Cheechoo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18733/cpi29582

Abstract

Words are like arrows…

Through poetic inquiry and art, this co-authored submission will include an inter/textual representation of Indigenous Métissage which will ask readers to ‘explore’ the lived experiences of colonialist displacement that has (re)framed kinship disruption through a lens that includes collapsed immobility. By engaging both ethical relationality and collapsed immobility (a response to a threat or strategies), the authors will navigate ‘the self’ through a lens that will speak to the (de)lineation and/or (non)existence of governmentally enforced borders present on ancestral territories. Leaning into ancestral aptitude, the authors will make space for All Our Relations to simultaneously step forward by reaching back to “come home” (McLeod, 2007, p. 67).

Author Biographies

Keri Cheechoo, University of Ottawa

Keri Cheechoo (she/her) is an Iskwew from Long Lake #58 First Nation. She is an Assistant Professor specializing in Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa where she is also the Director of the Indigenous Teacher Education Program. Her research uses Cree Knowledge, arts-based methodologies, and poetic pedagogy in the form of poetic inquiry in a good way.

Patrick Cheechoo

Patrick Cheechoo (he/him) is a grandfather, father, uncle, brother and proud member of Constance Lake First Nation (Cree). He has been painting for over 30 years and creating on digital platforms for over 20 years. In the last 10 years, Patrick has taken up wildlife photography and stand-up comedy.

Migrating Colors. An image showing fall colors superimposed over a lake, with a cloudy sky.

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Published

2021-08-17

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2020): Living Stories of Migrancy: Exile, Unconditional Hospitality and Transnational Citizenship

Section

Articles, Illustrations and Verse