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Call Me Indian cover art

Call Me Indian

Written by: Fred Sasakamoose, Bryan Trottier - foreword
Narrated by: Wilton Littlechild
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Publisher's Summary

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

"Fred Sasakamoose played in the NHL before First Nations people had the right to vote in Canada. This page turner will have you cheering for 'Fast Freddy' as he faces off against huge challenges both on and off the ice--a great gift to every proud hockey fan, Canadian, and Indigenous person."

— Wab Kinew, Leader of the Manitoba NDP and author of The Reason You Walk

Trailblazer. Residential school Survivor. First Treaty Indigenous player in the NHL. All of these descriptions are true—but none of them tell the whole 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, making his official debut as a 1954 Chicago Black Hawks player on Hockey Night in Canada and teaching Foster Hewitt how to pronounce his name. Sasakamoose played against such legends as Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, and Maurice Richard. After twelve games, he returned home. 

When people tell Sasakamoose's story, this is usually where they end it. They say he left the NHL to return to the family and culture that the Canadian government had ripped away from him. That returning to his family and home was more important to him than an NHL career. But there was much more to his decision than that. Understanding Sasakamoose's choice means acknowledging the dislocation and treatment of generations of Indigenous peoples. It means considering how a man who spent his childhood as a ward of the government would hear those supposedly golden words: "You are Black Hawks property."

Sasakamoose's story was far from over once his NHL days concluded. He continued to play for another decade in leagues around Western Canada. He became a band councillor, served as Chief, and established athletic programs for kids. He paved a way for youth to find solace and meaning in sports for generations to come. Yet, threaded through these impressive accomplishments were periods of heartbreak and unimaginable tragedy--as well moments of passion and great joy.

This isn't just a hockey story; Sasakamoose's groundbreaking memoir sheds piercing light on Canadian history and Indigenous politics, and follows this extraordinary man's journey to reclaim pride in an identity and a heritage that had previously been used against him.

©2021 Fred Sasakamoose and Bryan Trottier (P)2021 Viking

What the critics say

National best seller

One of Indigo's Top 10 Books of 2021

Indigo Staff Pick of The Month for Non-Fiction

“Fred Sasakamoose played in the NHL before First Nations people had the right to vote in Canada. This page turner will have you cheering for 'Fast Freddy' as he faces off against huge challenges both on and off the ice - a great gift to every proud hockey fan, Canadian, and Indigenous person.” (Wab Kinew, leader of the Manitoba NDP and author of The Reason You Walk

"Call Me Indian needs to be in every library and on every school curriculum in Canada. Fred Sasakamoose’s story is gripping and powerfully told - a story of triumph and tragedy, of great success and the perils of excess. There is laughter and tears here aplenty, but also inspiration. Characters as large as Gordie Howe and Bobby Hull are easily matched by the likes of Moosum, Freddy’s grandfather; Father Roussel, the only good to be found in residential school; George Vogan, who always believed in Fred - and Loretta, who loved him, gave him family, and ultimately saved him.” (Roy MacGregor, best-selling author of Chief: The Fearless Vision of Billy Diamond and Canadians: Portrait of a Country and Its People

"Sasakamoose goes on to become an award-winning player and a celebrated storyteller, an inspiration to Indigenous communities across the country. Fred Sasakamoose['s]...legacy is not ancient history; thanks to this memoir, his continuing presence will become all the more widely and deeply felt." (Winnipeg Free Press

Featured Article: 8 Hidden Gems of Canadian Memoir

A quick search brings up lists of the memoir bestsellers: stories of celebrities, athletes, politicians and the rest. But what about the lesser-known stories? Unknown books? The unsung heroes? These memoirs can be just as - if not more - powerful, often because listeners can relate to them on a more personal level. We’ve compiled 8 of the finest hidden gems books of the memoir genre that tell these underrated but no less powerful real-life stories.

What listeners say about Call Me Indian

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Eye Opening!

Great story which tears at your heart and feelings. Felt the pain of Fred throughout, but also enjoyed the highs that he did have.

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every canadian needs to listen or read this story

great story and performance. heart-wrenching and enlightening. every canadian needs to listen or read this story

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What a journey

I was sickened. I was sad. I was angry. I was proud. Great Read

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Incredible Story

Beautifully narrated important piece of history. Thank you for sharing your heritage especially the trauma you have endured. I feel I have a bit more understanding of indigenous peoples and the impact of multigenerational trauma.

If your choosing between this book and Indian Horse…read Call me Indian.

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Anger, laughter, and tears.

I absolutely love this book! This is the best book I've heard in years. I

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Compelling! A Must Read

Loved how the author shared fully of his life, embracing his identity and honest about his joys and challenges.

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Very well written.

This book makes you angry and sad . This things done to this man is so so sad to me. This is a must read

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Wonderful Entertaining and Informative

I really enjoyed this book and got through it quickly. This is a must read for Canadians and should be in the school curriculum.

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Honest and moving story

I enjoyed the honesty of the author throughout the book. The narrator brought the story to life. A fantastic read!

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Fantastic Story Telling

This book is one to be read (listened) by all, not just sports and hockey fans. Sasakamoose’ story of his past and horrors of the residential schools are eye opening and ones that need to be heard more.

This is a book I will share with many and my own children once they are older.

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