David Languedoc (born Alfie Petonoquot) has worn the label "incorrigible” since he was a toddler.

Born on a reserve in Ontario in 1955, Alfie lost both parents by the time he was 3. Placed in the care of Ontario's Children's Aid Society, Alfie endured a revolving door of foster families — 18 in all — by the time he was 4, cementing his nickname in the minds of those around him and securing his placement in an orphanage with more than 60 other native children.

Incorrigible from David Languedoc is a deeply personal, raw account of his life, beginning with his earliest, most tragic memory — the shocking hit-and-run accident that killed his deaf-mute mother, which left him parentless. He suffered unspeakable physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuse in the orphanage at the hands of other children and the very adults who were supposed to take care of him. Addicted to drugs and alcohol by age 12, Alfie languished in the childcare system, struggling to come to terms with unimaginable circumstances.

Incorrigible invites readers to understand the long-lasting implications of childhood trauma, as Languedoc reveals details of his 16-year struggle with addictions and his 35 years of battling the daily challenges of recovery.

Incorrigible touches on many different forms of abuse, self-harm, suicidal ideation, grief and loss. But ultimately, Incorrigible is a testament to the power of unconditional love and the resiliency that children are intrinsically gifted with — and when the two intersect, the results are nothing short of miraculous.

Author David Languedoc is also a foster parent, wellness consultant and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to helping others impacted by childhood trauma, addiction and other domestic issues. He has worked directly with children, youth, adults, couples and families for 43 years. In conjunction with Grant MacEwan University, Languedoc developed substance abuse modules for the Child Care Worker Program and also instructed the Law Enforcement and Aboriginal Police Studies Programs. He has developed two Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention Programs in the Edmonton area and provided individual, couple, family and group counselling for federally released inmates while on contract with the Edmonton District Parole Office.

Part 1

Part 2