Michelle Porter and the Métis Way: Genesis, Themes, and Healing Past Trauma

Michelle Porter, author of Scratching River, didn’t set out to write about her family. In fact, the idea for the title began when her aunt recommended she read Vanishing Spaces, the memoirs of Métis ancestor Louis Goulet. Initially planning to research the past and present of the land where Goulet lived, his descriptions of travel reminded Michelle of her childhood days driving through Canada to visit her older brother. From there, Michelle wound together Métis themes, family interviews, and the natural world to tell the story of her brother and reconcile past trauma.

In this second episode, Michelle discusses the genesis and thematic elements of Scratching River. She talks about her brother—who is autistic and schizophrenic—and the abuse he experienced, as well as the importance of maintaining his agency throughout the story. In addition, Michelle digs into the themes of the title—family relationships, Métis ancestry, trauma—and the healing nature of writing.

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