Listen free for 30 days
-
Becoming a Matriarch
- A Memoir
- Narrated by: Helen Knott
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $27.97
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's Summary
Co-winner of the 2024 George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature
Winner of the Jim Deva Prize for Writing That Provokes (part of the BC and Yukon Book Prizes)
Shortlisted for the 2024 Hubert Evans Non-Fiction Prize
Finalist for the 2024 Governor General's Literary Award for Nonfiction
Shortlisted for the 2025 OLA Evergreen Award
When matriarchs begin to disappear, there is a choice to either step into the places they left behind, or to craft a new space.
Helen Knott’s debut memoir, In My Own Moccasins, wowed reviewers, award juries, and readers alike with its profoundly honest and moving account of addiction, intergenerational trauma, resilience, and survival. Now, in her highly anticipated second book, Knott returns with a chronicle of grief, love, and legacy.
Having lost both her mom and grandmother in just over six months, forced to navigate the fine lines between matriarchy, martyrdom, and codependency, Knott realizes she must let go, not just of the women who raised her, but of the woman she thought she was.
Woven into the pages are themes of mourning, sobriety through loss, and generational dreaming. Becoming a Matriarch is charted with poetic insights, sass, humour, and heart, taking the reader over the rivers and mountains of Dane Zaa territory in Northeastern British Columbia, along the cobbled streets of Antigua, Guatemala, and straight to the heart of what matriarchy truly means. This is a journey through pain, on the way to becoming.
You may also enjoy...
-
In My Own Moccasins
- A Memoir of Resilience
- Written by: Helen Knott
- Narrated by: Helen Knott
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Helen Knott, a highly accomplished Indigenous woman, seems to have it all. But in her memoir, she offers a different perspective. In My Own Moccasins is an unflinching account of addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the wounds brought on by sexual violence. It is also the story of sisterhood, the power of ceremony, the love of family, and the possibility of redemption.
-
-
Heart-wretchingly Honest
- By Julia Mark on 2021-12-12
Written by: Helen Knott
-
Unbroken
- My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls
- Written by: Angela Sterritt
- Narrated by: Angela Sterritt
- Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Unbroken is an extraordinary work of memoir and investigative journalism focusing on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, written by an award-winning Gitxsan journalist who survived life on the streets against all odds.
-
-
Informative and powerful
- By Robin Anderson on 2023-09-15
Written by: Angela Sterritt
-
Life in the City of Dirty Water
- A Memoir of Healing
- Written by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
- Narrated by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There have been many Clayton Thomas-Mullers: The child who played with toy planes as an escape from domestic and sexual abuse, enduring the intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school system; the angry youngster who defended himself with fists and sharp wit against racism and violence, at school and on the streets of Winnipeg and small-town British Columbia; the tough teenager who, at 17, managed a drug house run by members of his family, and slipped in and out of juvie, operating in a world of violence and pain.
-
-
Both insightful snd hopeful
- By Debra Ransom on 2024-10-09
Written by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
-
Call Me Indian
- From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the NHL's First Treaty Indigenous Player
- Written by: Fred Sasakamoose, Bryan Trottier - foreword
- Narrated by: Wilton Littlechild
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fred Sasakamoose, torn from his home at the age of seven, endured the horrors of residential school for a decade before becoming one of 120 players in the most elite hockey league in the world. He has been heralded as the first Indigenous player with Treaty status in the NHL. After twelve games, he returned home. When people tell Sasakamoose's story, this is usually where they end it. Sasakamoose's groundbreaking memoir sheds piercing light on Canadian history and Indigenous politics, and follows this man's journey to reclaim pride in a heritage that had been used against him.
-
-
Eye Opening!
- By RL9 on 2021-12-01
Written by: Fred Sasakamoose, and others
-
To Speak for the Trees
- My Life's Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to a Healing Vision of the Forest
- Written by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Narrated by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Canadian botanist, biochemist, and visionary Diana Beresford-Kroeger's startling insights into the hidden life of trees have already sparked a quiet revolution in how we understand our relationship to forests. Now, in a captivating account of how her life led her to these illuminating and crucial ideas, she shows us how forests can not only heal us but save the planet.
-
-
A beautiful gift
- By AJM on 2020-01-30
Written by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
-
The Seven Circles
- Indigenous Teachings for Living Well
- Written by: Chelsey Luger, Thosh Collins
- Narrated by: Chelsey Luger
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When wellness teachers and husband-wife duo Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins founded their Indigenous wellness initiative, Well for Culture, they extended an invitation to all to honor their whole self through Native wellness philosophies and practices. In reclaiming this ancient wisdom for health and wellbeing—drawing from traditions spanning multiple tribes—they developed the Seven Circles, a holistic model for modern living rooted in timeless teachings from their ancestors.
-
-
wow
- By Rainbow J. on 2023-08-04
Written by: Chelsey Luger, and others
-
In My Own Moccasins
- A Memoir of Resilience
- Written by: Helen Knott
- Narrated by: Helen Knott
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Helen Knott, a highly accomplished Indigenous woman, seems to have it all. But in her memoir, she offers a different perspective. In My Own Moccasins is an unflinching account of addiction, intergenerational trauma, and the wounds brought on by sexual violence. It is also the story of sisterhood, the power of ceremony, the love of family, and the possibility of redemption.
-
-
Heart-wretchingly Honest
- By Julia Mark on 2021-12-12
Written by: Helen Knott
-
Unbroken
- My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls
- Written by: Angela Sterritt
- Narrated by: Angela Sterritt
- Length: 9 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Unbroken is an extraordinary work of memoir and investigative journalism focusing on missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, written by an award-winning Gitxsan journalist who survived life on the streets against all odds.
-
-
Informative and powerful
- By Robin Anderson on 2023-09-15
Written by: Angela Sterritt
-
Life in the City of Dirty Water
- A Memoir of Healing
- Written by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
- Narrated by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There have been many Clayton Thomas-Mullers: The child who played with toy planes as an escape from domestic and sexual abuse, enduring the intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school system; the angry youngster who defended himself with fists and sharp wit against racism and violence, at school and on the streets of Winnipeg and small-town British Columbia; the tough teenager who, at 17, managed a drug house run by members of his family, and slipped in and out of juvie, operating in a world of violence and pain.
-
-
Both insightful snd hopeful
- By Debra Ransom on 2024-10-09
Written by: Clayton Thomas-Muller
-
Call Me Indian
- From the Trauma of Residential School to Becoming the NHL's First Treaty Indigenous Player
- Written by: Fred Sasakamoose, Bryan Trottier - foreword
- Narrated by: Wilton Littlechild
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fred Sasakamoose, torn from his home at the age of seven, endured the horrors of residential school for a decade before becoming one of 120 players in the most elite hockey league in the world. He has been heralded as the first Indigenous player with Treaty status in the NHL. After twelve games, he returned home. When people tell Sasakamoose's story, this is usually where they end it. Sasakamoose's groundbreaking memoir sheds piercing light on Canadian history and Indigenous politics, and follows this man's journey to reclaim pride in a heritage that had been used against him.
-
-
Eye Opening!
- By RL9 on 2021-12-01
Written by: Fred Sasakamoose, and others
-
To Speak for the Trees
- My Life's Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to a Healing Vision of the Forest
- Written by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Narrated by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Canadian botanist, biochemist, and visionary Diana Beresford-Kroeger's startling insights into the hidden life of trees have already sparked a quiet revolution in how we understand our relationship to forests. Now, in a captivating account of how her life led her to these illuminating and crucial ideas, she shows us how forests can not only heal us but save the planet.
-
-
A beautiful gift
- By AJM on 2020-01-30
Written by: Diana Beresford-Kroeger
-
The Seven Circles
- Indigenous Teachings for Living Well
- Written by: Chelsey Luger, Thosh Collins
- Narrated by: Chelsey Luger
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When wellness teachers and husband-wife duo Chelsey Luger and Thosh Collins founded their Indigenous wellness initiative, Well for Culture, they extended an invitation to all to honor their whole self through Native wellness philosophies and practices. In reclaiming this ancient wisdom for health and wellbeing—drawing from traditions spanning multiple tribes—they developed the Seven Circles, a holistic model for modern living rooted in timeless teachings from their ancestors.
-
-
wow
- By Rainbow J. on 2023-08-04
Written by: Chelsey Luger, and others
-
Unreconciled
- Family, Truth, and Indigenous Resistance
- Written by: Jesse Wente
- Narrated by: Jesse Wente
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Part memoir and part manifesto, Unreconciled is a stirring call to arms to put truth over the flawed concept of reconciliation, and to build a new, respectful relationship between the nation of Canada and Indigenous peoples.
-
-
Brilliant Must Listen/Read for all Canadians
- By Cass on 2022-02-04
Written by: Jesse Wente
-
The Barren Grounds
- The Misewa Saga, Book 1
- Written by: David A. Robertson
- Narrated by: Brefny Caribou
- Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home—until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom. A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher).
-
-
A must read for all Canadian middle years students
- By Britt Stromberg on 2021-01-28
Written by: David A. Robertson
-
Becoming Kin
- An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future
- Written by: Patty Krawec, Nick Estes - foreword
- Narrated by: Patty Krawec
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The invented history of the Western world is crumbling fast, Anishinaabe writer Patty Krawec says, but we can still honor the bonds between us. Settlers dominated and divided, but Indigenous peoples won't just send them all "home." Weaving her own story with the story of her ancestors and with the broader themes of creation, replacement, and disappearance, Krawec helps listeners see settler colonialism through the eyes of an Indigenous writer.
-
-
A Wise Author, Wisdom Filled Book
- By Amazon Customer on 2024-10-13
Written by: Patty Krawec, and others
-
Rez Rules
- My Indictment of Canada's and America's Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
- Written by: Chief Clarence Louie
- Narrated by: Chief Clarence Louie
- Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1984, at the age of 24, Clarence Louie was elected Chief of the Osoyoos Indian Band in the Okanagan Valley. Nineteen elections later, Chief Louie has led his community for nearly four decades. The story of how the Osoyoos Indian Band - “The Miracle in the Desert” - transformed from a Rez that once struggled with poverty into an economically independent people is well-known. Guided by his years growing up on the Rez, Chief Louie believes that economic and business independence are key to self-sufficiency, reconciliation, and justice for First Nations people.
-
-
Disappointing, but worthwhile.
- By Schvenn on 2023-10-23
Written by: Chief Clarence Louie
-
You Are the Medicine
- 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance
- Written by: Asha Frost
- Narrated by: Asha Frost
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Medicine you have been searching for lives within you. Follow the path of the 13 Ojibwe Moons with Animal Spirits and Ancestors as your guides as you unlock your connection to your own unique, inherent healing power. Through storytelling, ceremonies, and Shamanic journeys, learn to apply ancient wisdom to your life in ways that are respectful and conscious of the stolen lands, lives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
-
-
A Powerful Healing Journey
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-06-22
Written by: Asha Frost
-
Keeper'n Me
- Written by: Richard Wagamese
- Narrated by: Deneh'Cho Thompson, Sam Bob
- Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Garnet Raven was three years old, he was taken from his home on an Ojibway Indian reserve and placed in a series of foster homes. Having reached his mid-teens, he escapes at the first available opportunity, only to find himself cast adrift on the streets of the big city. Having skirted the urban underbelly once too often by age 20, he finds himself thrown in jail. While there, he gets a surprise letter from his long-forgotten native family. The sudden communication from his past spurs him to return to the reserve following his release from jail.
-
-
Beautiful
- By Krow Fischer on 2019-04-23
Written by: Richard Wagamese
-
A Town Called Solace
- Written by: Mary Lawson
- Narrated by: Maggie Huculak, Tajja Isen, Ian Lake
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A Town Called Solace, the brilliant and emotionally radiant new novel from Mary Lawson, her first in nearly a decade, opens on a family in crisis. Sixteen-year-old Rose is missing. Angry and rebellious, she had a row with her mother, stormed out of the house and simply disappeared. Left behind is seven-year-old Clara, Rose’s adoring little sister. Isolated by her parents’ efforts to protect her from the truth, Clara is bewildered and distraught.
-
-
What a lovely story
- By Beth Toly on 2021-02-24
Written by: Mary Lawson
-
True Reconciliation
- How to Be a Force for Change
- Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Narrated by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is one question Canadians have asked Jody Wilson-Raybould more than any other: What can I do to help advance reconciliation? This has been true from her time as a leader of British Columbia’s First Nations, as a Member of Parliament, as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, within business communities, and when having conversations with people. Whether speaking as individuals, communities, organizations, or governments, people want to take concrete and tangible action that will make real change. They just need to know how to get started, or to take the next step.
-
-
A must read for Canadians
- By Vicky Wilson on 2023-05-24
Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
-
Indigenous Teaching and Meditations for Energy Healing
- Written by: Asha Frost
- Narrated by: Asha Frost
- Length: 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Join Indigenous medicine person and spiritual mentor Asha Frost in this immersive journey of healing, protection, energy clearing, and abundance. Be reminded of the essence and divinity within you and your capacity to receive and expand. Throughout these guided practices, you will sink into sacred solitude as you surrender and reconnect with your vital life force. Meditate on the protection and care that you are worthy of as you align with your well-being and the sacred limits that are your divine birthright.
-
-
Powerful and Grounding
- By LSmithson on 2024-03-19
Written by: Asha Frost
-
The Memoirs of Miss Chief Eagle Testickle: Vol. 1
- A True and Exact Accounting of the History of Turtle Island
- Written by: Kent Monkman, Gisèle Gordon
- Narrated by: Gail Maurice
- Length: 14 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For decades, the singular and provocative paintings by Cree artist Kent Monkman have featured a recurring character—an alter ego of sorts, a shape-shifting, time-travelling elemental being named Miss Chief Eagle Testickle. Though we have glimpsed her across the years in films and on countless canvases, it is finally time to hear her story, in her own words. And, in doing so, to hear the whole history of Turtle Island anew.
Written by: Kent Monkman, and others
-
Truth Telling
- Seven Conversations About Indigenous Life in Canada
- Written by: Michelle Good
- Narrated by: Megan Tooley
- Length: 4 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With authority and insight, Truth Telling examines a wide range of Indigenous issues framed by Michelle Good’s personal experience and knowledge. From racism, broken treaties, and cultural pillaging, to the value of Indigenous lives and the importance of Indigenous literature, this collection reveals facts about Indigenous life in Canada that are both devastating and enlightening.
-
-
Excellent information
- By Deborah E Harcus on 2023-06-15
Written by: Michelle Good
-
Snow Road Station
- A Novel
- Written by: Elizabeth Hay
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Hay
- Length: 6 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In the winter of 2008, as snow falls without interruption, an actor in a Beckett play blanks on her lines. Fleeing the theatre, she beats a retreat into her past and arrives at Snow Road Station, a barely discernible dot on the map of Ontario. The actor is Lulu Blake, in her sixties now, a sexy, seemingly unfooled woman well-versed in taking risks. Out of work, humiliated, she enters the last act of her life wondering what she can make of her diminished self.
-
-
The best of author-read novels
- By Robyn on 2023-10-03
Written by: Elizabeth Hay
What the critics say
A GLOBE AND MAIL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
ONE OF CBC’S BEST NONFICTION BOOKS OF THE YEAR
ONE OF INDIGO’S TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR
“Becoming a Matriarch is about the work of carving out a ‘beautiful space’ in a life where freedom and love can flourish. Helen Knott tells the story of the women in her family pushing up against the boundaries of gender, race, and class and, in so doing, Knott shows us that another way of living is possible. Her sentences are poetic and dazzling; they are little anchors the grieving can fasten themselves to—readers will surely return to them again and again.” —Billy-Ray Belcourt, author of A Minor Chorus
“In enchantingly vivid language and with a compelling narrative arc, Helen Knott’s new masterpiece is a memoir of grief and joy, loss and rediscovery, flight and return and, above all, a paean to the beautiful, eternal, soothing and all-encompassing power of matriarchy.” —Gabor Maté MD, author of The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture
What listeners say about Becoming a Matriarch
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jennifer A. McRae
- 2023-11-26
Compelling and relatable story, read beautifully.
One of the best books I’ve ever read. Helen takes you into her world; listening to her read feels like being with a dear friend. She’s a huge talent. 10/10 recommend.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Barbara Margaret Hay
- 2024-07-10
the history of her life - I met her on the trip for the paddle for the Peace
I liked that it was her real story!! I ached for her when I read "moccasins" and hoped she could be on a healing path. I took spent time in the outreach of Guatemala and learned so much there. We are so damned blessed to be here in their stolen land. how little did we know about truth of the history of the land on which I was born!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Chellsea
- 2024-10-22
Helens voice is soothing and her story is inspiring.
She writes beautifully. I felt like I was listening to a friend share her story and her way in this world.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Angela White
- 2023-11-11
strong, powerful woman
She has a very beautiful way of using the words to create the imagery in my head and heart.
her words resonate within, feeling every word deep into my spirit and soul. she bravely writes what so many of us hold deep down tucked away until there is no more room
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amazon Customer
- 2023-10-22
Phenomenal book
I appreciated Helen’s story! She’s such an amazing writer and human. It’s nice to read something I can relate too.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- tara
- 2023-12-01
Beautifully written
Love her honesty, beautifully written and I enjoyed helen reading the story herself. Def worth the listen
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Tobi Russo
- 2023-09-24
Honesty
I’m just so blown away thank you for being so open for us all
To learn more
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anonymous User
- 2023-09-30
Truly a gift to listen to this memoir
Thank you for sharing your heart, teachings, and experiences with the world. It was a gift to listen and learn from you.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!