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xiii Acknowledgments Chi miigwech to Louise Erdrich, Heid Erdrich, and the Turtle Mountain Writers Workshop. Your wisdom and encouragement helped me find my voice and galvanized me into completing this manuscript; Dr. Larry Wowoide, Poet Laureate of North Dakota and mentor. Lise Erdrich for constant faith in me. Angie Erdrich-Patel for long Dakota winters filled with the warmth of your friendship and wild rice soup. Loretta DeLong, for your unwavering friendship and remarkable wisdom. Judy Kakenawash Azure for Ojibwe traditions and coffee on the deck. Les LaFountain’s loft. Gordon and Cheryl Belcourt, friends, mentors. My daughter Josette ‘LaQuette,’ and son Loring Riel ‘Sky Boy.’ Thank you to the Vermont Studio Center where much of this manuscript was finalized. Miigwech to Marilyn Nelson and her Soul Mountain retreat. Chi miigwech to the beautiful Turtle Mountain people, Métis, and Chippewa, who sit at the heart of this Turtle Island, a sacred and spiritual place, a healing place I call home. ...

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