Roast Moose and Rosaries

David R. Hutchinson, a professor in the Teacher Education Program at the
Arctic College in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, has relocated to
Manitoba’s Peguis Reserve.

Intended as an educational resource, Roast Moose and Rosaries is centred
on the autobiographies of Native Elders Fred and Mary Courtoreille. The
text reveals an interesting contrast in the lives of Fred and Mary.
Fred, born near Moberly Lake in British Columbia, lived a traditional
life, while Mary, who was born near Sturgeon Lake in Alberta, was sent
to residential school at a young age.

Neither story tends to embody the stereotypic images ordinarily
attached to traditional Native and residential-school experiences.
Certainly, Mary speaks to the abuses that took place during her
residential schooling, but she also talks about the English-language and
life skills she acquired that enabled her to live biculturally.
Similarly, Fred acknowledges the importance of traditional living,
particularly in relation to spiritual development, but he does not deny
its harshness.

The value of this text lies not only in this well-rounded contrast, but
also in its ability to reveal the power of personal narrative as a
teaching tool. In a much more readable, accessible, and engrossing way
than academic derivations encapsulated in textbooks, Fred and Mary’s
stories have the potential to teach a variety of concepts and skills
connected to the study of Native traditions and church-run residential
schooling. Elementary, middle-year, and secondary educators will find
the companion teacher’s guides invaluable for developing such concepts
and skills, while giving critical historical influences and
interventions in Native national development proper attention in
Canadian classrooms. Highly recommended.