The morning sun was shining so bright Shi-shi-etko had to squint She was on her way back to Indian residential school and this year she wasn’t alone Shin-chi her younger brother was coming too Yayah Mom Dad baby Shultetko Shin-chi and Shi-shi-etko were sitting together on the porch waiting for the cattle truck that would soon pick them up
Dad it’ll be summertime when we come home Can you please build us a dugout canoe of our own Shin-chi said My children don’t you like paddling with me anymore said their dad as he pulled them close We love paddling with you Shi-shi-etko said But we’re getting way too old and I want to learn to paddle all alone said Shin-chi who was six years old
