Help Eric Begin a New Story

Across Canada there are untold thousands of youth of mixed race who do not know their family histories or culture to help them develop a proud identity of who they are. Richard Wagamese's grandson Eric is one of these young people. Richard himself was unaware of his Ojibway background as he was raised in non native foster homes. His life was a struggle to find his place to fit. This struggle ended sadly on March 10, 2017 when Richard passed away. He left behind two sons Joshua and Jason, neither of which were raised by Richard. Joshua had received recognition as Richard's son with a book written to him called "For Joshua". Jason who is actually Richards 1st born son lived his life until the age of 32 not knowing his father was Richard Wagamese or that he was half Ojibway. Now Jason's son Eric is a third generation son to have had no exposure to his Ojibway roots.

To be in whole or part First Natons in this country sadly means to often not be accepted and to be viewed in a stereotypical and unkind way.

I, as Richard's long time friend and even as a wife for awhile, would like to open the world to Eric and others (girls of course too) like him to a world of possibility. A world outside of small town or small time thinking. A world where all peòple can be proud of their roots.

I am planning on taking Eric on a journey. First to meet his Ojibway culture and then on a journey to other lands to see a world beyond his home, his country and his imaginatìon. As his grandfather Richard Wagamese said "strive to become the person your are created to be: a loving person, a good human and proud of where you come from".

Then it will be Erics journey to pass these teachings on to his siblings, family, friends and all those who may not know who they were created to be "yet". Migwetch

Gramma Deb

In Memory of Richard Allan Wagamese