My Story

My name is Brenda Huron-Sloss. I am an Ojibwa/Irish Grandmother, and member of Thessalon First Nations located in northern ON. My goal is to create traditional Native crafts which reflect subtle modern urban Indian influences.

In 1995 my 2 young daughter's and I were invited to lodge with a member of the Smith family (Valentina) on Christian Island Reservation. This rez' is located on the Georgian Bay and is accessible only by ferry/boat

Over several months I was trained by Elder Velma Smith and her daughter Valentina, in the making of traditional Native Canadian arts and crafts, and was schooled in the ancient stories about their origins.

To maintain both mental and spiritual health, I currently write poetry, sing, and play the flute.

The Spirit of the Flute

My mind is at peace

I can hear the sounds of the spirit flute flowing over me

It lifts me up then drops me gently, like flowing waters

I feel the presence of the wolf

He is playful

Is that the sound of the kingfisher?

Calling him come, come dance in the tranquility that is ours

Rejoice in my song

For you are truly as beautiful

As this flute spirit we dance to

The wind rippled softly

Caressing my face with the touch of a feather

Moving my soul ever gently, lovingly

As the earth cradles my heart

I feel small in my vessel

Like a young seed waiting to grow

I know that what I have learned

Will mean nothing

Until I come home

And wash myself in the waters of my history

The air becomes filled with sounds

I hear the beating of the drums

The echo of the wind

Blood surging through the mother

I feel the spirit still dancing

Within my mind, my memory my song

The song of life, motherhood, lover, friend

The song of a playful wolf

Dancing in the wind

By Brenda Huron