In this Cree translation of "Thoughts and Other Human Tendencies" by Reneltta Arluk, the author and the translator draw from the Aboriginal traditions of praising the land and the spirit, the realities of Aboriginal culture, and the concept of feminine individuality. The poems, both sacred and secular, are written with the passions of anger, grief, and love, at once tender and furious. Here are the tales of love, betrayal, courage, defeat, acceptance, loss, grief, passion, delight, courting, coming of age, birth and death, youth and old age, hunting and surviving. The poems are united by the ongoing struggle to define what it means to be a tribal member, an Aboriginal, and a woman in the 21st century.

Reneltta Arluk is a writer and actor of Inuvialuit and Chipewyan-Cree descent originally from the Northwest Territories. Raised by her grandparents on the trap-line until school age, Reneltta travelled with them across the north. Being raised in a nomadic environment gave her the skills and imagination to become the writer and storyteller she is. Her first written work, TUMIT, was a one-woman show premiering under Akpik Theatre. A personal exploration of relationships and breaking cycles, TUMIT, meaning tracks in Inuktitut, took her storytelling one step further. Reneltta has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting degree from the University of Alberta. She is fortunate to continually work as an actor and playwright throughout Canada and internationally keeping her culture alive.

Reneltta Arluk's profile page

Susan Sinclar is a Cree educator and translator from Edmonton, Alberta. She has been a Cree teacher, Aboriginal Education consultant, and Native Studies instructor for over 20 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Education degree from University of Regina.

Susan Sinclair's profile page