Innu Uprising Led by Naomi Fontaine
Naomi Fontaine's latest book, "Eka ashate · Ne flanche pas", delves into the rich history and cultural heritage of the Innu community in Uashat. The novel, which translates to "Don't Falter", is a poignant testament to the resilience and determination of the Innu people in the face of historical and contemporary challenges.
Fontaine, a respected author and educator, believes that adopting a circular perspective rather than a hierarchical one would lead to more progress. This perspective is evident in her novel, as it gathers the voices, stories, and memories of the elders of the Innu community, reflecting their history and cultural survival through a form of resistance unique to the Innu world.
The book is based on real-life stories from the northern coastal community of Uashat. Fontaine emphasizes the importance of respect in collaboration, accepting differences, strengths, and weaknesses among individuals. She notes that the Innu had to question the value of their culture due to the oppressive effects of colonization.
"Eka ashate · Ne flanche pas" does not focus solely on the drama of residential schools but also highlights the choices and cultural heritage of the Innus. Fontaine's fourth book traces the history of her ancestors through the lens of resistance, providing a comprehensive account of the Innu community's journey.
In her novel, Fontaine revisits a forest expedition project that almost fell through due to lack of companions. She expresses admiration for the mutual aid shown by community members during this challenging time. Fontaine also recalls cooking dinner for her helpers in the forest as a beautiful act of mutual aid.
Fontaine has taught at the Cégep de Sept-Îles and has interacted deeply with young Innus. She suggests that self-reflection and understanding one's cultural identity can lead to unity and welcoming others. Fontaine stresses the importance of education through Innu history, language, and literature, expressing concern about the current lack of clarity in defining what Quebecers have to defend.
The book was launched during the Innu Nikamu festival in Uashat and involved elders who participated in the writing process. Fontaine won the Combat national des livres de Radio-Canada for her novel "Kuessipan". The Quebec ensemble Oktoecho is set to present a show during the International Presence Autochtone Festival.
Fontaine's novel serves as a significant literary entry into Innu and Indigenous literature, and has been recognized as a poignant and moving depiction of Innu reality and endurance. The book offers both historical insights and a cultural survival narrative of the Innu people in Uashat, making it an important testimony to the cultural endurance and history of the Innu in Uashat.
Fontaine's novel, "Eka ashate · Ne flanche pas", not only delves into the history and cultural heritage of the Innu community but also highlights the importance of books in preserving and passing down their stories. The author's lifestyle, encompassing respect, cooperation, and self-reflection, mirrors the resilience and determination depicted in her works, making her books a significant contribution to entertainment and cultural understanding.
