From homelessness to center stage

Humble man and master storyteller Richard Wagamese from Wabaseemoong First Nation won the National Aboriginal Achievement Award in Media and Communications.
Sitting in his writing space in the mountains near Kamloops, BC, the author of 12 books in 18 years, Wagamese talks candidly with blunt honesty about the award he received Feb. 24 in Vancouver.
“It didn’t mean much. It’s more important to the Aboriginal youth than to me,” he says. “Seeing 15 people getting national recognition tells them they can dream big, do the work, and succeed.”
When Wagamese walked onto the stage and looked from the bright lights into the crowd he says, “I was deeply honoured and humbled, thinking ‘Hoolee! Look at all the Indians!’ I had to make sure my fly was up and I had no ketchup stains on my shirt. They lifted me up. I thought, ‘This is amazing; I work alone in an empty room. I seldom get the option to be in a room with people who are touched by my words, 3,000 of them.’”
Wagamese’s writing began in 1979 as a newspaper columnist and reporter. Since then he has worked in radio and television as a broadcaster, producer and documentary producer and written such books as Ragged Company, Dream Wheels, One Sure Thing, The Terrible Summer and his first book of poetry: Runaway Dreams (2011).
He draws on his own life experience of foster homes, adoption by a non-Native family, homelessness, addictions, living a carnival worker’s life, and his struggle to find himself as an Ojibwe man. His ability to tell frank stories in a sensitive way has led to Wagamese being recognized with numerous awards and an honorary doctor of letters.
His latest book Indian Horse, reviewed in the last Wawatay News, is the story of Saul Indian Horse, a youth in residential school, his life playing hockey and his healing journey. The story speaks directly to the heart as a youth beats racism and finds his gift that he won’t let anyone take from him but which he gives up when he finds he has crossed a line.
Asked about the parts of his life that led to this award, Wagamese says: “Ten years ago I wrote For Joshua, that was me talking to my son and two books that really speak about my life are One Native Life and One Story One Song. I’ve had the quintessential experience in Canada. I survived what I inflicted upon myself. My frame of reference is as an Aboriginal man in Canada, and I draw on it.”
His regrets? Wagamese says he has only one: “The Boston Red Socks haven’t invited me to spring training.”
He does hope that he has not hurt people through his addictions and post-traumatic stress.
“I look at the good. I’m making amends and regret doesn’t hang around.”
His story in Keeper ‘n Me speaks to a large extent of Wagamese’s own journey to find his origins, learn about being Ojibwe, and make peace with who he is.
“I have an unyielding desire to be OK. I’ve fallen down, found myself on my hands and knees and that’s when I stand up and step off in the opposite direction. My aim is to be fully functional and present in my life. I have found a well of courage to frame my life.”
He credits Elders at a traditional gathering in northwestern Ontario for helping him to become a storyteller. He was 25 years of age when they told him; he believed them and he got busy.
“It’s a tremendous gift I’d been given. To reach everybody through my words, to open hearts, minds and spirits. That’s where I write from (heart, mind, spirit) and the writing does reach them.”
Wagamese, who has been a loner for most of his life, learned 10 years ago to reach out. Today he has a handful of close friends who live around him. If he doesn’t see them, he uses the phone.
“There’re lots of people like me (loners), who had no parenting.”
His message to Wawatay News readers: “As First Nations People we’ve learned we can become whatever we choose to. As long as we dream and do the work to make the dream come true, everything is possible.”
His message to future generations: “Stay brown and be the blessing.”