Book Review: Rekindling the Sacred Fire by Chantal Fiola

Reading Rekindling the Sacred Fire was a deeply meaningful experience for me. Chantal Fiola’s honest storytelling and thorough research illuminated how Métis and Anishinaabe spirituality are not only alive, but also resilient and adaptable. Through her work, I found new ways to understand the enduring strength of Indigenous spiritual traditions, even in the face of historical and ongoing challenges.

Fiola masterfully weaves together personal stories, ceremony, and history, creating a narrative that is both intimate and scholarly. Her willingness to share her own journey makes the book feel welcoming and authentic. I felt seen in her reflections on identity, belonging, and the search for spiritual connection. The stories of ceremony and the careful attention to historical context helped me appreciate the layers of meaning that shape Métis and Anishinaabe spirituality today.

What stood out most was Fiola’s ability to bridge the personal and the collective. She shows how ceremonies are not relics of the past, but living practices that evolve and adapt. Her research is meticulous, yet always grounded in respect for the communities and Elders who share their knowledge. This approach inspired me to look more closely at my own roots and gave me new language and confidence to explore my spiritual path.

Rekindling the Sacred Fire is essential reading for anyone interested in Indigenous spirituality, Métis identity, or the power of story and ceremony. It is a book that offers both wisdom and hope, encouraging readers to honour their own journeys while recognizing the strength and beauty of Indigenous traditions. I finished the book feeling inspired, empowered, and grateful for Fiola’s contributions to the ongoing conversation about spirituality, resilience, and belonging.