An Inspiring Story of Native American Culture and Community

Helen Keller said, “Life is a daring adventure or nothing.”?Cecile Ouellet, one of my heroes, has lived a daring and adventurous life. Never married, she lived life on her own terms. She earn a bachelor’s degree in music, became an esteemed flutist, and traveled the country alone, living in a motor home and selling educational music to music stores all over the US.?

At age 84, Cecile lives with her cat "Keyaha" (the Lakota word for tortoise shell) in a senior apartment building in Idaho. She has many friends all over the US, is very involved with her local B’hai faith community, and has a wry sense of humor. I am very fortunate to be her friend!

Cecile recently fulfilled a dream to publish her book The Days of Mawatani. This?is an inspiring story of a teenage boy’s resilience; it also highlights Native American culture and community in vivid detail. Cecile has first-hand knowledge of Native American culture from growing up in Moapa, Nevada on the Moapa Valley Paiute Reservation. Attending the reservation school, she grew up immersed in the Native American culture. She has a passion and respect for indigenous culture which shines throughout the entire book.?

I savored this book! I gained valuable insight about Native American culture and inspiration from our hero’s strength and persistence. At 12 years old, Mawatani experiences a great emotional loss and a severe leg injury leaving him with a limp. He believes his future as a brave and as a tribal leader is doomed. His uncle jolts him out of his pessimism and self-pity through challenging Mawatani to accompany him on a trip by foot rather than horseback. That trip leads to a series of pivotal events where Mawatani’s strength and bravery are put through many tests. Readers of all ages can learn many valuable lessons along the way!?

This book will transport you to a time before social media and cell phones. It offers a laser focus on what matters most in our lives: family, friends, community, resilience, hope and love. It’s a booster shot of inspiration for our new year!?

May your life be filled with community and meaningful connections this year!

Lisa Cook, Plan B Connections