Where the Ice Falls
Page 32
A land-and-people acknowledgment: This book takes place in lands covered by Treaty 7, signed in September 1877 between the Canadian government and five First Nations: the Siksika (Blackfoot), Kainai (Blood), Piikani (Peigan), Stoney-Nakoda, and Tsuut’ina (Sarcee), specifically between Bragg Creek and the Ghost Wilderness. Out of respect for the peoples of Tsuut’ina and Stoney-Nakoda First Nations, I’ve kept my characters outside the boundaries imposed upon them by the government of Canada. The women of those Nations could tell many stories — what obstacles they face, their deep connection to their ancestral lands, and their personal triumphs — that would bring welcome dimensions to my tales of modern women’s lives in the Alberta foothills. But their stories are not mine to relate, and incorporating them into my books without significant consultation and explicit permission would constitute egregious cultural trespass.
I wish to thank Michelle Robinson, Red Thunder Woman, for answering my questions and for her podcast Native Calgarian (nativecalgarian.podbean.com), which enhances my awareness of and respect for cultural boundaries, both physical and intangible. Where my text departs from referring to those Nations by their Indigenous names, I have done so to reflect the ways that the various characters name those lands in conversation, based on their own backgrounds and experiences.
On a lighter note, there’s no snack shack at the West Bragg trailhead. But there should be.
If you have been impacted by sexual violence within or outside of intimate relationships, you are not alone. Across Canada, help is available.
VictimLink BC is a 24/7 toll-free, BC-wide telephone help line: 1-800-563-0808.
Alberta has the new “One Line” service for phone, text, and chat. 1-866-403-8000 is staffed daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. by trained responders.
Manitoba’ 24/7 Sexual Assault Crisis Line is 1-888-292-7565.
For the hearing-impaired TTY: 204-784-4097.
In Ontario, call the Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511.
TTY for hearing-impaired: 1-866-863-7868.
In Quebec victims of sexual assault can call 1-888-933-9007.
NFLD 24 Hour Crisis Support Line : 1-800-726-2743.
Nova Scotia Sexual Assault & Harassment Line noon to midnight daily 902-425-1066.
New Brunswick (Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre) 24/7 Help Line 506-454-0437.
PEI Rape & Sexual Assault Centre (not a Crisis Line; also accessable via Facebook) 902-368-8055 or toll free 1-888-368-8055.
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline in English and Inuktitut: 1-800-265-3333.
Book Credits
Developmental Editor: Allison Hirst
Project Editor: Jenny McWha
Copy Editor: Catharine Chen
Cover Designer: Laura Boyle
Interior Designer: Sophie Paas-Lang
Publicist: Saba Eitizaz