"Irene [Couchie Dupuis] and her family live together on Nipissing First Nation, until the day a government agent comes to their door to take Irene and two of her brothers away to live at a residential school, very far from home. Irene's parents don't want to send their children away, but they are given no choice. Irene's mother hugs her close and tells her: "Never forget who you are!" Irene cannot guess what awaits her at the residential school, but through everything she will cling to her mother's words. She will not forget who she is or where she comes from" -- Cover [p.4].