Elders stories recorded

TISHTU POKUE

I took this photo of Tishtu Pokue in the fall of 2010. It was during an Elder’s gathering that took place outside of Sheshatshui.  Every time I went to visit the tents I was struck by the beautiful energy and pride of the Elders. I thought to myself that it would be wonderful if the Elders could be filmed as they possess such knowledge and wisdom that needs to be captured and passed on to future generations.

Two years later... we are doing exactly that. This is my good friend Natasha Hurley and her late grandmother's sister, Tishtu. Tishtu was the first to tell her story for the storytelling archive project, passing on knowledge and language for future generations of Innu. I am looking forward to reading the translation of her interview. We just found a translator, so hopefully it won't take too long to post these stories.

I first met Tishtu when I went on Tshaukuesh Penashue's Annual Walk called Innu Pikasiun Nutshimit, back in the spring of 2004.  Here is Tshaukuesh Penashue's blog if you would like to see pictures and more information about the walk. Tshaukuesh Penashue's blog

I was so amazed by Tshaukuesh because of her strength and determination to teach young people traditional knowledge in all her endeavors but especially during in this physically intense, month long walk, every spring. Innu Pikasiun Nutshimit is open to anyone who wants to go.  When I finally had the opportunity to go, I decided to buy my first video camera to record it. Tishtu had a sore leg so she was only able to walk with us for a couple of days. I admired her determination to walk even while it was painful.

Among the group were two young boys that completed the walk.  Matshiu is Tshaukuesh's grandchild and he was able to bring humor and stay positive through the whole experience. The other boy was Sebastian who came along with his grandmother.  Sebastian was around 12 years old and had limitless energy.  I never heard him complain and he was obedient to every request when it was time to cut trees and help set up the tent day after day. He had an innate capacity for the traditional Innu lifestyle.

Matshiu, Tshaukuesh, Sebastian

Sebastian passed on to the next world in a house fire when he was a teenager. I dedicate this project to Sebastien's spirit and ask him for energy and strength.  

TSHAUKUESH PENASHUE

(The painting in the backdrop of this film still is by Sheshka Snow )

Tshaukuesh is committed to Innu identity, culture and life. She is getting ready for her annual walk this year which will start March 5th.  

FRANCIS PENASHUE

During the Innu Pikasiun Nutshimit, Francis Penashue, Tshaukuesh's husband, brought us food every week with his skidoo and kamotik even when the snow and ice were melting and it became dangerous. Every year Francis and Tshaukuesh they work together to make the walk and a summer canoe trip happen. 

This December, when I was working with Ben Penashue, one of our goals was to have an Elder talk with the youth about what it was like living in Nutshimit and to tell them some of the Legends they wanted to know more about.  I have always found that traditional stories flow more easily in the tent, so we asked if the school could keep it up for one more day. The tent was located roughly 20 minutes outside of Sheshatshui. We had one day to find an elder who would be physically able to do this.  Ben called his grandfather Francis to meet us at the tent.

Francis spoke half the time in English and half the time in Innu-aimun.  He spoke in English so that I, the teachers and one or two students who don't speak Innu-aimun, would understand some of the stories. Francis's father was a well known hunter and shaman.

PIEN AND LISETTE PENASHUE

Jack Penashue told me that if I were to go to Pien Penashue's house every morning and ask him to tell me stories, he would have new ones everyday. Pien Penashue is 85 years old and his memory is astonishing. Lynette also has a great memory because while he was speaking she would make sure that Pien was talking about the right person. Lisette's father was a Shaman and when Pien and Lisette married, Pien learned a great deal from him. Pien Penashue's short biography  

Pien told us stories that varied from the Kushapatshikan (shaking tent), healing medicines from Nutshimit, the teuaikan (drum) and many stories about animals. He also talked about Dr. Pardon in the 1930's...

ANAMANI AND NAISSA PENASHUE

Anamani spoke to the high school class at the school tent about the different animal bones while Naissa made Innu donuts.  In January, Edward and I interviewed them in their home. This time Naissa spoke - she has boundless energy. Anamani was not feeling the best so she did not speak much.

These ladies are great fun. 

MARY MADELINE NUNA 

Last January, when I worked with Edward Nuna, the first interview we did was with his mom, Mary Madeline. It was really something special. She is a shy woman, so it was perfect that Edward was there to bring out the stories. I could tell some of them were really great, especially the one about the Toad Master who lives at Michikamau Lake.

DOMINIC POKUE

Dominic Pokue makes me laugh every time I hear him; he always sounds like he is yelling. I had a hunch that he would be a good storyteller. Check out the intonations for the different characters.  

PENOTE ANTUAN

I came across a very sweet and creative school project based on a story that Penote Antuan told. Please click the link.

School Project: wolverine invited the birds to the drum dance

Penote Antuan spoke in both English and Innu. He has a very kind spirit. I got the feeling that he was not totally comfortable in the interview and was not sure why.  At the end he asked who I was... oops I thought he knew. Usually Ben or Edward would tell the Elders who I was so that they would be able to place me. The interviewer would say in Innu "This white girl is Navi... this is Joe Tretina's daughter. They used to live here. “The Elder might ask, still trying to place my family... "Who is that?" Then comes the reply, "The telephone man, Joe" "Okay, Okay, I know"

My dad is kind of famous his selfless service to others. I remember when there was a huge fire in the Sheshatshiu radio station. It was a freezing cold winter night. I don’t think the fire trucks had made it yet and dad ran into the flaming building several times to rescue the equipment. Each time, we didn't know if he would make it out alive. Everyone clapped when he made it out each time. Later I asked him what was he thinking, he just said he didn't think they could replace the equipment. This is what he is like all the time.

So anyway Penote was our neighbour on the top road when we used to live in town. When he realized who I was and that Joe was my dad. He said "Oh yes, Joe is my friend. Where is he living now?"

TONY PENASHUE

Tony spoke the longest of all the Elders and he barely took a breath in between each story. I can't wait to read what he had to say. When he was talking I was thinking about my generation and I rarely meet people who recall past events with such detail. My grandparents where like this too. I would sit at the kitchen table for hours listening to all of their rich stories of people and dates; they remembered with such ease. 

KATHELEEN NUNA

Kathleen Nuna is amazing and again, I cannot wait to read the translation. This basket was given to her by a woman from another tribe. She showed it to us to illustrate what the Innu used to use to fetch water as she was telling a story about it.