Marie Smallboy

A great, great, great granddaughter of Okimaw Kiskayaw,  head of the Maskwacis contingent of a sacred pact entered with the moniyaw.  Oral history provided Marie with a road map.   A lifelong journey found her among the old ones in the many lodges of Newiyawin, (Cree ancestral way of being).  This saw her through life’s many adversities. 

As a young woman, she witnessed the early makings of the Red Paper in ceremony.  Constitutional talks among moniyawahk discussing the future of iynewahk on their sacred motherland, found her in the thick of political debates as a technician.  In time, she spearheaded the organization of “Treaty Talks” among the wise ones, ceremonialists and elected officials.  Marie worked alongside these people throughout her lifetime, seeking solace in their wise words and continued guidance.  She grew to appreciate the ancestral truths of Newiyawin and her mother tongue, evoking the spiritual connection to the sacred laws when spoken.  Hence, much of her work has revolved around upholding Newiyawin and Newiyawewin, in whatever capacity she has held within her tribe’s governance. 

Along the way, Marie managed to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in political science.   A career change in later years found her completing a Diploma in Writing for TV, Film and Interactive Media, a way to storytelling in contemporary times.  

Her role as Ohmsimaw for her family and as kehtehaya, has brought its challenges she says, but her faith in our creator, gets her through her days.  Marie is a proud ohkomiwawa of nine from her beautiful daughter, Pisim Pehsahkewesimoh, (Jess).   Pisimoh Kanipawit Mescacewiw Awasis, (Richard) her eldest son, is her rock, who seeks to become a wordsmith in the legal profession and world of music. Her late son, Pipikwanis, (John) continues to teach her from the spiritual realm of our existence. 

In the words of her ancestors, she encourages “ahkameyimowin” – the sacred act of living life without surrendering.