In My Own Moccasins

"A beautiful rendering of how recovery for our peoples is inevitably about reconnecting with Indigenous identities, lands, cultural and healing practices." ~Kim Anderson, author, Reconstructing Native Womenhood

"In My Own Moccasins never flinches. The story goes dark, and then darker. We live in an era where Indigenous women routinely go missing, our youth are killed and disposed of like trash, and the road to justice doesn’t seem to run through the rez. Knott’s journey is familiar, filled with the fallout of residential school, racial injustice, alcoholism, drugs, and despair. But she skillfully draws us along and opens up her life, her family, and her communities to show us a way forward. It’s the best kind of memoir: clear-eyed, generous, and glorious…. Bear witness to the emergence of one of the most powerful voices of her generation." ~Eden Robinson, author, on of a Trickster and Monkey Beach (from the foreword)

"Helen Knott speaks truth to the experience of Indigenous women living through the violence of colonized spaces and she does so with grace, beauty and a ferocity that makes me feel so proud." ~Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, author, This Accident of Being Lost

"Helen writes beautifully and painfully, about her own life and the lives of many of our sisters. A strong, gentle voice removing the colonial blanket and exposing truth." ~Maria Campbell, author, Halfbreed

"An incredible debut that documents how trauma and addiction can be turned into healing and love. I am in awe of Helen Knott and her courage. I am a fan for life. Wow." ~Richard Van Camp, author, The Lesser Blessed

"Heartfelt, heartbreaking, triumphant and raw, In My Own Moccasins is a must-read for anyone who's ever felt lost in their life… Actually, it's a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories of struggle, redemption and healing. Knott’s writing is confident, clear, powerful and inspiring." ~Jowita Bydlowska, author, Guy: A Novel and Drunk Mom

"Powerful, filled with emotion." ~Carol Daniels, author, Bearskin Diary and Hiraeth

"Proclaims healing a revolutionary act." ~Booklist

"An incredibly forceful and moving book, the embodiment of what it means to reconcile, both with oneself and with others." ~Quill & Quire

"Helen Knott, a woman of Dane Zaa and Nehiyaw heritage, seems to have it all. But while many people from the outside seem to think her life is perfect, she knows the truth. In this incredibly intimate memoir, Knott examines the long-term effects of sexual violence and intergenerational trauma." ~Booklist, praise for the paperback edition