Becoming a Matriarch

Enjoy these titles featuring Indigenous Peoples overcoming adversity to find their place as leaders, mentors, & changemakers.

Discussion Questions

In the beginning of the book, Helen speaks about taking her grandmother back north for one last visit. What does it mean to be a living map of stories, as described in the journey back to the North?
When referring to her grandmother’s memory loss, what reference is used in describing it and why?
Do you feel the title supports the book, in Helen’s personal journey?
The book talks about grief. In Helen’s personal journey of her navigating her loss off her mother and grandmother. What aspect resonates with you?
How is Helen Knott’s understanding of strength and womanhood portrayed? And who in her life shaped her perspective?
In interlude #4 Helen speaks of kinship and the roles in an indigenous family. What was your take on the topic?
How did you feel about the honesty and vulnerability of Knott’s writing?
“When Death Comes To The Door” What was you take on the chapter of the conversation with Death? From example the line “Death is always a messy guest”
What moment or chapter stood out with you the most?
“To continue to hate is to continue to assimilate” What does “breaking cycles” look like in Helen’s life journey?
How does Helen portray the effects of intergenerational trauma and personal loss? How do these experiences influence her growth and her understanding of the matriarch role?
What were your overall reaction and opinion to the memoir/book?
Would you recommend this book to friends or family?