Just Ask Us: A Conversation with First Nations Teenage Moms

Susan Manitowabi is an assistant professor of Native Human Services at
Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.

Have you ever wondered why so many First Nations teenagers become
mothers or end up with more than one child by different fathers? Drawing
upon the experiences of First Nations teenage mothers, Just Ask Us is an
effective counterpoint to those who regard these teens as simply
irresponsible and impulsive.

The questions explored in the book are grounded in the real-life
circumstances of these young mothers. How can they make informed
decisions about sex when talking about sex is still considered a taboo
subject? How do they approach the topic of sex with an adult relative
without appearing stupid or too interested? What do we know about the
pressure placed on these young women to engage in sexual activities, or
about how difficult it would be to practise safe sex even if they knew
how? How do traditional teachings about the sacredness of the child, and
about the communal nature of raising children, influence their decision
to keep their babies?

Just Ask Us provides much food for thought for anyone concerned with
the issue of teen pregnancy.