Page 12 - Walking_The_Red_Road

Rez to the City - My Life as a Cree
By Mckenzie Ottereyes-Eagle
Mckenzie Ottereyes-Eagle is Cree, raised in Waswanipi First Nation, Quebec. Now he lives in North Bay and participates
in programs, ceremonies, powwows
and mentors younger Aboriginal youth. McKenzie attends Nbisiing Secondary School, located in Nipissing First Nation, and is looking forward to graduating next year, although he loves school so much he doesn’t really ever want to leave.
My name is Mckenzie Ottereyes-Eagle and I’m from the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in Quebec. The roads are pretty bad up north, so it is about an eight hour trip from Waswanipi to North Bay. My parents are full Cree. My dad was born in the bush and is a residential school survivor. I’m in the middle with three brothers and two sisters. My whole family moved to North Bay three years ago when I was 16, so that my mom could attend Canadore College.
Before I talk about living in North Bay, I want to say more about my reserve. I grew up there. We spoke a lot of Cree in my community. I was taught Cree when I was just a little baby and I started learning English when I was in Grade 3. My whole family, the whole reserve, spoke Cree. Growing up, I participated in activities, went to school and played sports. I was an athlete.
We spoke so much Cree back home that I didn’t even care if I spoke my language. It was just what we did. We’re so isolated up there—the only thing we cared about was hockey, well, and I guess the news.
I was excited about moving to North Bay. It was different. I have family here and I was looking forward to spending time with them. Initially, I wasn’t too excited about
Walking the Red Road
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