Tilly, like many indigenous youth in 1970’s Canada, grew up without a strong connection to her culture. The intergenerational trauma of residential schools, the sixties scoop and other policies of the Canadian government, combined with her mixed heritage (Cree, Lakota, Scottish) left Tilly unsure of who she was, and thus open to internalizing the racism directed at Indigenous people.

Starting in grade 7, Tilly turned to alcohol to soothe the hurt of an unstable family life and the lack of a sense of belonging. This book is the story of her courageous journey to take back her life by reconnecting with Indigenous cultural practices and teachings. Based on the author’s life, it really is a story of hope and resilience as Monique Gray Smith is now 20 years sober and an inspirational speaker who shares her story with school children across Canada. ( )