In the ages and eons before settlers descended upon Turtle Island, Indigenous people made their homes here, among the trees, rivers, lakes and mountains. Babies were born; people died during famine and war; families roamed from one gathering place to another, always in search of food that would help them survive another winter. Four- leggeds, fliers, swimmers and crawlers provided meat; the standing people, bushes and plants took care of the rest. The water, cold and clear, was available to everyone. Mother Earth supplied everything needed to sustain the inhabitants, and Creator of All watched over their comings and goings. Life was hard, but joy also abounded.

Although a work of fiction, this might have been the story of my family . . . or yours.

For many years, Judii sat at the feet of Algonquin Nokomis Fay Hollywood, which led her to work with the Kataroqui Indigenous Health Council, the Grandmothers Council, as well as the Limestone and Algonquin Lakeshore School Boards. As a leader of women and teacher of youth, she has been sharing Indigenous perspectives and inclusivity for more than twenty years in correctional facilities, places of worship, hospitals, government offices and schools from primary to university.
Since childhood, Judii has been a family historian and amateur genealogist. With an extensive database of family lines, she connects people with their cultural heritage, as she continues to research her own Indigenous, French and German ancestors. As well, Judii is committed to reclaiming and sharing Indigenous arts, such as drumming, beading, leather work and language.
It was her love of music which led her to form a drum group, Sisters of the Drum, who through engagement with the community have been promoting unity and healing for twenty years. The group has traveled through Ontario and northern US and produced three CDs of traditional hand—drum medicine.
Judii lives with her husband, Paul, in southeastern Ontario. In this, her first novel, she weaves her love of storytelling, genealogy and Indigenous wisdom to give a glimpse of the past, while opening the door to the future. She is a mother of three and grandmother to eight.

Judii Merle's profile page