Permanent Astonishment Growing Up Cree in the Land of Snow and Sky

This memoir chronicles the formative years of Tomson Highway, an acclaimed Cree artist and writer, as he navigates his childhood in the expansive, rugged territories of Northern Manitoba. The narrative centers on his upbringing within a vibrant, traditional Cree family and community, detailing the rich cultural heritage and familial bonds that shaped him. It then shifts to his experiences within the Canadian residential school system, portraying the profound disruption and challenges this institution brought to his life and the lives of Indigenous children. The book delves into significant themes of identity formation, resilience, and the enduring strength of Cree culture in the face of colonization and assimilationist policies. Highway's distinctive voice, a powerful blend of humor, sharp observation, and deep emotional honesty, guides the reader through both the joys of his early life and the trauma he endured. What makes "Permanent Astonishment" compelling is its raw, personal account of growing up between two worlds, celebrating the perseverance of Indigenous spirit, and highlighting the transformative power of art and storytelling as paths to healing and reclaiming one's voice.

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