My Suitcase

My name is Christina Fox. My traditional Blackfoot name is Iitsisaanoowa which is translated to "Vision Beyond". I am a proud Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Elder from the Blood Tribe who teaches at Children of St. Martha School in Lethbridge, Alberta. I am honored to have written My Suitcase: Nii Sookayis. It is my story of my beautiful grandparents, my Blackfoot values and my beloved suitcase that was taken at residential school. My grandparents taught me so many important lessons when I was a girl. They taught me miinoomattskoohsit (don't give up) and aksimoyiihkan (pray) which are two values that brought me to where I am today and led me to sending this project to you. I believe that there is a "who" and a "what" within all of us. The "what" is in our heads and the "who" is in our hearts. Let me tell you about who I am... I am a self taught singer, writer and musician whose heart and spirit are fueled by music. I believe that every person is a gift to this world and that every day is a gift of life. I am a teacher and a leader in my community who believes in sharing her gifts and talents with the world. I listen to my heart and I am passionate about keeping our circle strong and never leaving anyone out. I believe in courage, being kind to ourselves and one another and that our beautiful, traditional values will bless us all. The book begins with my first memory of residential schools, the door slamming and taking me by surprise. My family was gone and I was left alone with nothing but the suitcase my grandmother so lovingly packed with a traditional red dress she had sewn for me, a pair of moccasins, a hairbrush and a doll that was meant to comfort me. Within minutes, my case was taken never to be seen again. I waited years for my name to be called so that I could return home. But when I did, I was never the same again. "My Suitcase: Nii Sookayis" is a story of triumph and celebration in how far I have come with my healing. It reminds the reader to take the values and lessons that mean the most to them everywhere they go and to always share their gifts with the world because there is no one quite like them.