“I was hoping you didn’t get it.” laughs David Sam when I thank him for faxing me his answers. I had asked to do his profile weeks before the Chisasibi Kung Fu exhibition. He refused. There was nothing I could do but skulk away. After all, he holds a brown beltin Long Fist, one of the many styles of Kung Fu, a green belt in Karate, a brown belt inanother art and I don’t even own suspenders.
He probably doesn’t remember, but once at an impromptu demonstration David kicked me in theface and I almost went sprawling against a wall.
Strangely enough, I didn’t even feel his attack connect.
It is said Kung Fu means energy and time. Or skill, such as that possessed by a cook, apainter, a trapper, a warrior.
David in person is modest, almost taciturn, humble. All these qualities are hidden when heopens up and performs what he has studied, and brought to his family and community, sincehis teens.
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Swish.
If you had a magic wand what would you do with it? Dismantle the dams and return the land to its original state.
Who were you in a previous life: Warrior.
Last book read: Black Elk.
Who’s shoes would you want to walk a mile in? Grand Chief.
In the morning, the first thing I do… Give thanks for the new day. What did you want to be when you were young: Bush Pilot. Greatest fear: Heights.
Person you would like to see as Grand Chief: Violet Pachanos. Favorite Name: Geronimo.
If you could meet Bruce Lee what would you say? Demonstate your famous one inch punch.
Magazines read: The Nation, Time, Macleans, Popular Science, Inside Kung Fu, Black Belt, Sports Illustrated.
Person you would like to meet most: A Shaolin monk.
If you were an animal what it would be and why? Wolf: A survivor. Despite attempts to eliminate the species, it has survived. Bear: Power and fearlessness. Tiger: agility and prowess.
Who would play you in a movie? The good, the bad and the ugly.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? Living
out on the land.
Person you love the most: My wife.
How you would like to die: In my sleep.
Your choice for Cree of the year: Freddie Jolly, talleyman, Nemaska.
Hobbies: Carving, camping, hunting.
Most embarrassing moment: Driving up on a busy one way street.
Most interesting person you know and why: A
Mohawk elder — for his wisdom and knowledge.
Brush with greatness: Meeting Jean Frenette (Kata champion, martial arts).
Favorite politician: Pierre E. Trudeau.
Favorite song: “Who Made Who.” AC/DC.Favorite quote: “For goodness sake, why don’t you goand sin a little?
Doesn’t God deserve to have something to forgive you for!”
Song you would play at your funeral: Imagine.
First job:
Unloading HBC barge.
Talent you would like to have:
Writing.
Who are your heroes in fiction?
Superman, Batman, Homer Simpson.
On what occasion do you lie?
When I cross U.S. Customs. Dream opponent:
Sifu…
