The poems in “pihta ekwa wihta” portray deep spiritual transformations and understandings of the ever-present feeling of being haunted by a not so distant past. Revealing important issues of Indigenous discrimination, poverty, and violence, the author undeniably illustrates the reality of the experiences many Indigenous people encounter while living on and off-reserve. This poetry collection reveals strong links to land, to family, and to the wisdom of elders. The book exposes struggles many Indigenous people encounter in getting an education, dealing with family issues and abuse, learning to respect themselves and demanding respect from others, finding their place in the world, and recovering their rich history and culture. “pihta ekwa wihta” illustrates the resilience and strength of the Indigenous people and the determination that they bring to their communities.