Hidden Under the Water — Book Launch in Sault Ste Marie

by Kendall Mitchell, Executive Director, Nakehndan — Knowing Your Truth

Gathered in the community room of the Indigenous Friendship Center of Sault Ste Marie, community members from Batchewana First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, and many areas in between came together to hear from debut author Jay Bird as he shared about his new book Hidden Under the Water: Seven Clouds Waiting for Thunder Days.

Jay Bird is a traditional healer and cultural advisor originally from Batchewana First Nation. He and his wife Sweetie Bird provide services to Ojibway communities in the United States and Canada; conducting ceremonies and supporting people along their healing journeys.

On Friday, November 15th, in returning to his roots, Jay Bird traveled to Baawaating (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario) for the launch of his debut book. The afternoon opened with a welcome address by Karen Bird, President and Founder of Nakehndan: Knowing Your Truth and sister of the authour, sharing stories of their time growing up in Batchewana First Nation. Anureet Kaur, a TakingITGlobal Board Member, was invited up next as a representative of the organization that published the book and collaborates with Jay who offers educational sessions for students involved in the Connected North program.

“This book, with its profound storytelling, moved me deeply — especially the line about Jay Bird and Nishawswea Aanikwaadoon, the ceremonial pipe: ‘As Jay held me and lit me for the first time, there was a sense of coming home to each other. There was the joy of being able to help people again in ceremony and the delight of being in relationship with a new generation of Jay’s family.’ It beautifully captures the sacred bond and interconnectedness of Jay’s relationship with Nishawswea Aanikwaadoon. The presence and energy of Indigenous leaders in the room were inspiring, and I am grateful to have represented TakingITGlobal at such a meaningful event, celebrating stories that will inspire future generations.” Anureet Kaur

Then came the main event so to speak, the reason we had all gathered together, to hear Jay Bird share his story and journey to writing Hidden Under the Water. Jay began his journey in Batchewana First Nation in the Bear Clan, growing up attending ceremony and learning traditional ways. He grew up between the worlds of ancestral traditions and the struggles of loss and rediscovery. What Jay shared in his time with us was moving and impactful and only a fraction of what readers will learn between the pages of his book. The journey that led him to his encounter with Nishawswea Aanikwaadoon, a ceremonial pipe, and then to writing this book will stay with readers for a long time.

“The book mainly is, to share with people that our relationships with spirits can be just as or even more than with our human relationships with people, they can be just as in-depth or more…it’s the story of resiliency.”

Jay Bird, Author, Hidden Under the Water: Seven Clouds Waiting for Thunder Days

With over 30 copies sold, autographed and the floor open to audience questions and comments, the event was considered a success by all who attended. All those in attendance were invited to stay for a meal, to connect over cups of manoomin (wild rice), and to reminisce over wild berries.

Special miigwetch to all those who made the event possible. To the Samuel Connected North Leadership Grant and team, to the Indigenous Friendship Center of Sault Ste Marie and their staff who donated their time and space, to Nakehndan — Knowing Your Truth for your support, and to all the community members who shared their time with us.

Miigwetch, miigwetch, miigwetch.

Get your copy of Hidden Under the Water: Seven Clouds Waiting for Thunder Days now on Amazon: https://a.co/d/gUEGYcm

Hear more from Jay and Sweetie Bird and why he chose to write this book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTd4VAVFI5w