Understanding Canadian Culture
The Story Of Forget Me Not
The power of storytelling cannot be understated. When done well, our personal stories can educate, enliven, and inspire change.
The story of Forget Me Not (Joanna Jesmer) – like so many of her indigenous brothers and sisters – is a tale riled with heartache, oppression, neglect, and abuse. These harsh realities are important for understanding Canadian culture as we move our world into a more empathetic and just place for all.
In Joanna’s story, her father dies at an early age. Shortly after her father’s death, Joanna’s pregnant mother gives birth to a new baby in the hospital. While she’s away and vulnerable, an unjust social system swoops in, divides the family, and places Joanna in a series of abusive and neglectful foster homes. While eventually adopted, Joanna’s new family is riddled with alcoholism, mental health disorders, neglect, and discrimination.
But the story of Forget Me Not is so much more than just a tale of grief and prejudice. From the ashes of injustice, Joanna rises with a powerful drive to heal, find hope, and impact a change for Native Canadians everywhere. By helping others in understanding Canadian culture – and the experiences that Native’s have endured for centuries – the mission of Forget Me Not is to see that no family will have to experience the pain of being wrongly ripped from a loving life because of their heritage.
Joanna’s extensive education and experience as a teacher, writer, and educator of Native History has equipped her to thread a line between the personal stories of her people, and a detailed history of the Native Canadian history from the 15th century to the present.
Forget Me Not’s engaging lesson plans exist to help Canadian students gain insight into the history of Native Canadian culture from a firsthand source – and better understand how this history continues to impact contemporary indigenous issues so that we may all do better in the future.
We thank you for choosing Forget me Not as an educational tool, and for trusting Joanna with the telling. Together, through the power of story, we believe we can make a difference.
About Joanna Jesmer
Joanna Jesmer has had many names throughout her life, but her heart’s name is Forget Me Not. Both delicate and hardy, Joanna has survived oppression and carried on to bring both an awareness and a respect back to her people. As a Cree woman who sits among the Mohawks, Joanna is a researcher and writer for the Chiefs of Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, and has a history of work in education and social services. Joanna received her BA in Native History from Trent University and her Masters Of Education at SUNY Potsdam. She has two children and 3 grandchildren.
For Crees:
If one sees wild roses on a Cree’s clothing, barret or jewelry it means that the person belongs to the Cree Nation.
The thorns on the beautiful roses protect them from being overeaten.
The rose hips can be eaten as a vegetable and has a high amount of vitamin C.