Swiftly Flowing Waters
Pat spent a lifetime catching up to who she wanted to be. Growing up in a Métis family, it would take her decades to shed the prejudice and shame of who she was, to find her indigeneity. After escaping an alcoholic relationship, she achieved corporate success in a man’s world, switched gears to become an author of children’s books, survived breast cancer, and fulfilled her husband’s wish to participate in MAID. These challenges are all part of Pat’s inspiring story.
Swiftly Flowing Waters is a raw reflection of the many experiences women quietly go through in life. It’s a story about finding courage, overcoming obstacles, and the discovery of joy and fulfilment along the way.
Readers are sure to find themselves lost between the lines of Pat’s remarkable journey.
Canadian and US orders accepted here.
International orders please contact info@plumleafpress.com
$22.95
Pat Lamondin Skene is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Ontario. Born on the shores of the Magnetawan River in Britt, Ontario, her indigeneity has always been part of who she is: a Métis descendant of the Solomon and Berger-Beaudoin family lines, with deep roots in the fur trade; a woman who achieved success in the corporate world and left it behind to find fulfilment elsewhere; a mother of a beloved daughter and now a grandmother; an award-winning author of eight books for children; and a devoted wife who accepted her husband’s wish to participate in MAID. Pat lives and works in Oakville, Ontario. Swiftly Flowing Waters was written on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, whom Pat gratefully acknowledges in her writing.
Additional information
| Specs | Trade, 10.25" X 7.25", 216 pages |
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– Fern Perkins, Registered Citizen of Metis Nation Greater Victoria and Metis Nation BC; Educator, University of Victoria and Greater Victoria School District (retired) –
“No one could tell this compelling story with such precision if they had not lived it. Pat’s journey, as she chronicles it from four to seventy years of age, deserves to be shared – for her Metis legacy, for her ancestors who could not speak, and for her descendants who need to know the unique truth of their origins. This memoir provides an anchor of truth that is honest and unashamed. We need more courageous authors like Pat Lamondin Skene.”
Lauree Vallery –
“An amazing writer who story-tells with clarity and emotion. Congratulations!”
Carolyn Scarrow –
“I have just finished this incredible book. Pat is amazing author, who put it all out there. There are many insights which can be reread/remembered. Thank you for sharing this story.”
Sue Davis –
“This beautiful memoir is everything I enjoy in a book. It was in chronological order, no hopping back and forth. It made me laugh and it made me cry. It was very well written. But most important ….it was a heartfelt story. Congratulations and job very well done.”
Linda Hutsell-Manning, author –
Swiftly Flowing Waters is a powerfully written memoir that runs the gamut from exhilarating to heart-breaking. The little Metis girl from Brit has no idea that from her humble beginnings she will survive a broken marriage, successfully take on the corporate world and later find true love. A stunning testament to resilience and self-discovery!”
Debra Keaney, President Credit River Metis Council –
“Amazing book! I am honoured to have read this delightful and heartfelt portrait of a brave Metis woman who could finally speak her truth. Throughout Pat Lamondin Skene’s story, I found myself pondering my own journey. To finally find acceptance and belonging is truly the greatest gift.”
Lydia Melo –
Just wanted to let you know that I absolutely loved your book. Perfectly written, I was completely immersed. You had me laughing, crying (a lot), intrigued, and chest-puffed-out proud. You are amazing and an inspiration. I cannot find enough words to express. I am passing this on to my daughter to read; hoping some of your strength rubs off on her to boost her own. Loved it!”
Kate Barlow, author –
“This is a quintessential Canadian story and an unflinchingly honest memoir. A bright little girl is growing up in a modest home with no electricity or indoor plumbing, and neighbour to several Indian Reserves, as they were known back then. It would be many years before she would realize her own proud Métis roots.
In Swiftly Flowing Waters – the title is the English translation of the Ojibwe name for the nearby River Magnetawan – author Pat Skene welcomes us into her close loving family in Ontario’s north, then breaks our hearts at her confusion about the unkindness by some of the Roman Catholic nuns who taught her. She takes us with her on her courageous flight to the south and the big city, where she must make her own way, stumbling, even falling but always getting back up as she does, learning to have faith in her inherited strength from those intrepid Métis forbears. This book will have you cheering her on.”
Mary Campeau-McGee –
“An amazing read.”
Carolyn Moore –
“Brave and beautiful! An astounding memoir. I was so moved by it, through the sad and the funny, through the joyful and the desperation. I heard Pat’s voice as if she were here talking to me. A truly inspiring story!”
Julia Yousie (verified owner) –
I just finished this gem of a story a second time and once again it has left me inspired and moved. To bare one’s soul and share such a journey of self-exploration and acceptance takes tremendous courage which, in reading the book, you know right from the start this little Metis girl has in her. This is a beautiful and beautifully-written story told in such an honest way. It offers tears, laughter and lessons in the value of perseverance and learning to embrace one’s own inner core. Thank you Pat for giving us all the opportunity to experience this treasure.
Margaret Ewert –
“Thank you to Pat Skene for sharing her story. It takes a lot of courage to put your life out there for all to see. I loved the easy going writing style and felt like I was in the author’s living room listening to her stories. Congratulations!”
Elizabeth Hanna –
“Pat Lamondin Skene’s memoir, “Swiftly Flowing Waters,” is a must read for anyone who does not think life can be rewarding after undergoing challenges most people would not endure. Her resilience and perseverance are evident in this gripping memoir. I would highly recommend this book.”
Lynn Halliday –
“I recently read Pat Lamondin Skene’s memoir “Swiftly Flowing Waters. “ It was a delightful read full of laughter and tears following Pat’s interesting life. Her courage and wisdom enabled her to pass through many difficult stages in her life still standing with a beautiful smile and finally finding true happiness. “
Patti Fedoruk –
Memoirs take up very little space on my bookshelves. I rarely read them but when I do, they are mostly written by the likes of Rose Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Queen Noor – seemingly larger than life individuals who have influenced our shared history in big and small ways.
Going against the grain, I just turned the last page of Pat Lamondin Skene’s memoir – Swiftly Flowing Waters. When viewed through the lens of well-known public figures, one would expect Pat’s life and story to be comparatively small – that assumption would be wrong. Pat’s early days provide the backdrop for an adult life of setbacks, triumphs, and heartbreak. Her’s is a story of resilience, told with wit and brave honesty. I believe I’m not the only one who felt reluctant to turn that last page and let this author go, because amid the pages of her story you will have started to think of her as a dear friend.
In a nutshell, the writing is strong and the story is compelling. While I make room on my bookshelf for Swiftly Flowing Waters, I know that Pat’s insight and strength have left an imprint that I expect will help guide me through the challenges I know are waiting for me in my small life.
Marjorie Mapleton –
“An extraordinary life, a gifted writer. In bestowing her memoir upon her readers, Pat enhances our own lives. Her tale is one of struggles and obstacles to overcome and yet achievement, reclamation and love clearly triumph. In the best of stories told and read, we listeners and readers learn our own life lessons. And Pat’s story is one of the best.”
Donna Burt –
I read Pat’s book and loved it. It was well written and held my interest from beginning to end. I very much admire who this woman has become through her trials and tribulations. She is an inspiration to anyone who reads her book. A top choice read.
Marilyn Lightstone –
“I began reading this powerful book early on a Sunday and couldn’t put it down until reading the last page that very same day.”
Alice Callewaert (verified owner) –
“Swiftly Flowing Waters.” It totally caught me by surprise. Once I started to read it I could not put it down. Being from Northern Ontario and having worked many years for CIBC, Pat brought me back in memory lanes from both my childhood and work years. So well written and with so much honesty.