Ikwé, meaning woman, is Algonquian, though she could be Innu, Naskapi, Malécite, Abénaki, Odawa, Mikmaq, Atikamekw, Cree, Ojibway or Algonquin. This collection of 8 short stories tells of Ikwé finding herself, that she is important, she can give life. The ability to give life teaches her that a child is not something one owns; that one cannot prevent someone from living their life, like some men do. She discovers that she can be rebellious while remaining true to tradition, and that the Indian Act has nothing to do with traditional practices and a person’s lifestyle; and that even amending it does not mean all the injustices towards all Ikwés get repaired.
