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SEVEN Magazine, April 2, 2009, Volume 2, No. 4
miscellaneous
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[title] => Hello from the NAN Decade for Youth Liasion Officer
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Connecting resources
[teaser] =>
 Jacki Alto Decade for Youth Liaison Officer |
My name is Jacqueline Alto I was born in Dryden, Ont. I am a member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Treaty 3. I have lived all over Canada from Ottawa to Dawson Creek.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University and a Human Resources Post Diploma Certificate from Confederation College.
Recently I worked for Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service located at the Thunder Bay Police Station. I am currently in the Leadership Thunder Bay Program 2008- 2009 and I am very much interested in giving back to my community.
I am motivated by varied interests and experiences. I’m pretty open and love to try different foods and customs. I love reading, dancing and traveling.
I am married and my husband and I are waiting on Citizenship & Immigration Canada to process us and allow him to come to Canada. I find it funny that when one First Nation person wants to invite one immigrant to come to Canada Immigration denied our case on the first round! We are still hopeful! He is in Khemisset, Morocco which is in western Africa (think Casablanca).
I am the mother of two beautiful eleven year old boy/girl twins who are and continue to be both inspiring and thoughtful people. They can be challenging as well, they are after all my children.
I am looking forward to being on the team as the Decade for Youth Liaison Officer and meeting everyone at Nishnawbe Aski Nation!
Connecting resources
My new role as the Decade for Youth Liaison Officer is to get our Girl Power and Wolf Spirit Warrior programs up and running.
These two youth empowerment programs are in ten communities so far and we are hoping to expand into other NAN communities.
We just had our Girl Power and Wolf Spirit Warrior train the trainer session from March 16, 2009 to March 21, 2009 in Thunder Bay at the Nor’Wester. It was a positive experience and everyone learned something new.
I will be the liaison between these community Girl Power and Wolf Spirit Warrior workers assisting with resources, support and further training. I am looking forward to going to these communities and meeting the youth who will be participating!
| Thank you, Jacki Alto Decade for Youth Liaison Officer Nishnawbe Aski Nation 710 E Victoria Ave Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5P7 Direct Line: (807) 625-4932 Toll-Free: (800) 465-9952 Fax (807) 623-7730 Email: jalto@nan.on.ca |
 |
| www.nan.on.ca | |
Jacki Alto Decade for Youth Liaison Officer |
My name is Jacqueline Alto I was born in Dryden, Ont. I am a member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Treaty 3. I have lived all over Canada from Ottawa to Dawson Creek.
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lakehead University and a Human Resources Post Diploma Certificate from Confederation College.
Recently I worked for Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service located at the Thunder Bay Police Station. I am currently in the Leadership Thunder Bay Program 2008- 2009 and I am very much interested in giving back to my community.
I am motivated by varied interests and experiences. I’m pretty open and love to try different foods and customs. I love reading, dancing and traveling.
I am married and my husband and I are waiting on Citizenship & Immigration Canada to process us and allow him to come to Canada. I find it funny that when one First Nation person wants to invite one immigrant to come to Canada Immigration denied our case on the first round! We are still hopeful! He is in Khemisset, Morocco which is in western Africa (think Casablanca).
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My name is Jacqueline Alto I was born in Dryden, Ont. I am a member of Naotkamegwanning First Nation, Treaty 3.
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I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs. )
By Joesph Hugie, Kashechewan First Nation
My spirit flows along the shores of James Bay.
I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs.
These are the things I go through on my reserve, not enough jobs, activities.
I feel like I’m bored with nowhere to go.
When I am depressed and confused, I start to drink and do my drugs.
When I am high and drunk. I feel happy, just for the moment.
When I am sober, I have nowhere to go, except walk around in a circle, in a dike that was built.
When I am in trouble, I go to jail and do my time, and do it again.
When I am in jail, the only respect I know, is my fist.
When I am in jail, I think, but I don’t act.
When I am in jail, the warriors inside of me is always weak.
When I am in the bush, I am a warrior with a lot of respect.
When I am in the bush, I know who I am and know what to do.
When I am in the bush, I can see and know where I’m going.
When I am in the bush, I feel so happy, and my heart feels so peaceful.
When I am in the bush, I seek for answers, I always find them.
When I am in the bush, I respect the land, my people, the creator and everything around me.
When I am in the bush, I find myself, love and forgiveness to my parents.
This is my path, It may be hard, but living off the land is what make’s me strong and powerful.
| This poem is going to the Nishnawbe Warrior’s, who are struggling with the same pain I’m going through. This is how I found myself my brothers and sisters. |
By Joesph Hugie, Kashechewan First Nation
My spirit flows along the shores of James Bay.
I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs.
These are the things I go through on my reserve, not enough jobs, activities.
I feel like I’m bored with nowhere to go.
When I am depressed and confused, I start to drink and do my drugs.
When I am high and drunk. I feel happy, just for the moment.
When I am sober, I have nowhere to go, except walk around in a circle, in a dike that was built.
When I am in trouble, I go to jail and do my time, and do it again.
When I am in jail, the only respect I know, is my fist.
When I am in jail, I think, but I don’t act.
When I am in jail, the warriors inside of me is always weak.
When I am in the bush, I am a warrior with a lot of respect.
When I am in the bush, I know who I am and know what to do.
When I am in the bush, I can see and know where I’m going.
When I am in the bush, I feel so happy, and my heart feels so peaceful.
When I am in the bush, I seek for answers, I always find them.
When I am in the bush, I respect the land, my people, the creator and everything around me.
When I am in the bush, I find myself, love and forgiveness to my parents.
This is my path, It may be hard, but living off the land is what make’s me strong and powerful.
I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs. )
by bumblebeeman
My spirit flows along the shores of James Bay.
I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs.
I was raised in a community called Kashechewan First Nation.
I am a warrior, fighting and struggling from alcohol and drugs.
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My name is Jayson* and I come from OZ (Osnaburgh or Mishkeegogamang First Nation.) It’s a small growing reserve in northern Ontario. However I am residing at the Thunder Bay District Jail for past and present issues.
I have a short story, I want to share with people that may be going through hard times right now, thinking there is no hope, left. With me it has to get worse before it gets better. I have to hit bottom in my life.
At first, I had no hope. Then later, I admitted to my wrongs, thinking I should use this as a learning tool, and not thinking of the past. Now I think and look forward too life.
Self-healing is one of my processes of getting better. I have asked for forgiveness, asked God to come into my heart, and forgive myself and others that hurt me, and others.
I like to help people that are in need. That’s how I was brought up. I’m in here and I accept that.
Now I’m taking responsibility for my actions and mistakes. Now it’s time to look ahead, and learn my new feelings and experience my new found belief – Jesus Christ.
Now I have an opportunity to work on myself, so there will be no next time. I want to guarantee there won’t be a relapse.
There was so much I had. But I guess I wasn’t ready to be on my own just yet. Learn and move forward.
Upz & DownZ
* We had to change the contributors name due to confidentiality issues.
[teaser] =>My name is Jayson* and I come from OZ (Osnaburgh or Mishkeegogamang First Nation.) It’s a small growing reserve in northern Ontario. However I am residing at the Thunder Bay District Jail for past and present issues.
I have a short story, I want to share with people that may be going through hard times right now, thinking there is no hope, left. With me it has to get worse before it gets better. I have to hit bottom in my life.
At first, I had no hope. Then later, I admitted to my wrongs, thinking I should use this as a learning tool, and not thinking of the past. Now I think and look forward too life.
Self-healing is one of my processes of getting better. I have asked for forgiveness, asked God to come into my heart, and forgive myself and others that hurt me, and others.
I like to help people that are in need. That’s how I was brought up. I’m in here and I accept that.
Now I’m taking responsibility for my actions and mistakes. Now it’s time to look ahead, and learn my new feelings and experience my new found belief – Jesus Christ.
Now I have an opportunity to work on myself, so there will be no next time. I want to guarantee there won’t be a relapse.
There was so much I had. But I guess I wasn’t ready to be on my own just yet. Learn and move forward.
Upz & DownZ
* We had to change the contributors name due to confidentiality issues.
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My name is Jayson* and I come from OZ (Osnaburgh or Mishkeegogamang First Nation.) It’s a small growing reserve in northern Ontario. However I am residing at the Thunder Bay District Jail for past and present issues.
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Erick Hanson (B.A. Hons, University of Toronto) is the new Acting Decade for Youth Coordinator for the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. You can contact him at ehanson@nan.on.ca for more details about becoming involved with NAN’s youth. You can also view the Decade website at www.nandecade.ca.
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Resolution and Authority As the resolution was read to the assembly, my hands began to sweat. I was sitting at the side of the room, with 50 or so of the most powerful political leaders in Ontario. What would the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs think about the Youth Council’s resolution to extend the “Decade for Youth?”
In 2000, it was decided that the years 2000- 2010 would be declared the “Decade for Youth and Development.” An office was set up to move this project forward. The Decade office was given a clear mandate to focus on four key areas: economic participation, political participation, social participation, and cultural participation. Ten years seems a long time, but time really does fly when you are talking about a generational revolution.
At a recent meeting in Ottawa, the Decade for Youth’s Council met for a planning session. They discussed the goals of the Decade, and how they were just beginning to meet them. The Youth Council decided they would need more time.
As I was saying, my hands were sweating.
“Next item for business, resolution number…”
All day long it had been like this. Resolution after resolution had come up on the screen. Some provoked heated discussions, while others passed easily. How would the leaders react to the Youth Council’s plea for more time?
Two chiefs introduced the resolution. It was clear from their voices that they believed the Decade needed to be extended. When the co-chair asked for a show of hands in favour of the resolution, more than enough hands went up. I felt the room relax, but maybe that was just me. It seemed everyone was in favour of extending the Decade.
Looking over some documents lately, I saw that about 70 per cent of Nishnawbe Aski Nation’s population is below 30 years old. That’s a really young population. We can see that young populations have different needs than older ones. Right now, one key need is for leadership.
The Sleeping Giant moves I have heard some talk of a “Sleeping Giant” beginning to stir in the land. The old stories talk of men turned into rock due to disobedience. What I see today is a nation of young people beginning to stir. They are not content to continue sleeping. They are beginning to wake up and realize that someone must lead and guide them. Perhaps the youth are this “Sleeping Giant”.
At the Winter Assembly, I saw the youth move forward in authority. Just like the other power players at the meeting, they brought their agenda forward. I also observed these youth being empowered by the Chiefs in Assembly. This is a powerful mix, because the young people don’t have to fight against a system, like in the 1960s. The youth want leaders from within and they want help from those older than themselves. Right now, it looks like the older leaders want the youth to rise up and they are going to empower them to do it.
Today, ask yourself if you are part of this new youth movement. Are you a young person, wanting to be stirred to action? Do you care about your friends and family enough to risk stepping into leadership? Are you an older person, with some wisdom that needs to be shared with a young man or young woman? Are you willing to be a part of this new revolution?
Erick Hanson (B.A. Hons, University of Toronto) is the new Acting Decade for Youth Coordinator for the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. You can contact him at ehanson@nan.on.ca for more details about becoming involved with NAN’s youth. You can also view the Decade website at www.nandecade.ca.
[teaser] =>
|
|
Resolution and Authority As the resolution was read to the assembly, my hands began to sweat. I was sitting at the side of the room, with 50 or so of the most powerful political leaders in Ontario. What would the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Chiefs think about the Youth Council’s resolution to extend the “Decade for Youth?”
In 2000, it was decided that the years 2000- 2010 would be declared the “Decade for Youth and Development.” An office was set up to move this project forward. The Decade office was given a clear mandate to focus on four key areas: economic participation, political participation, social participation, and cultural participation. Ten years seems a long time, but time really does fly when you are talking about a generational revolution.
At a recent meeting in Ottawa, the Decade for Youth’s Council met for a planning session. They discussed the goals of the Decade, and how they were just beginning to meet them. The Youth Council decided they would need more time.
As I was saying, my hands were sweating.
“Next item for business, resolution number…”
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[title] => MUSICalinspirations: Dressed in Black N Blue
[body] =>
 Lance Kejick-Echum Contributor |
My name is Lance Kejick-Echum, I am twenty-three year’s old and I am from Iskatewizaagegan Shoal Lake #39 Independent First Nation in Ontario. I am the lead singer in a band called “Dressed In Black N Blue”.
Recently I have been given a grant from The Ontario Arts Council to get a professional CD recorded, and I am currently working on getting it (the CD) released.
I went to high school and graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School in Kenora, Ontario. I was greatly interested in Art while attending school, my favorite subject’s were English, Art, Drama and Music. My music teacher’s probably had the greatest influence on me during that time when I was just learning how to play instrument’s. One guitar teacher encouraged all of us who took the course “to practice, and only through practice would anyone ever get any better”. I once took a vocal class in grade 11 or 12 where I remember some advice our teacher “Ms. Mac” once told us at the start of the course, she said “You all can sing higher, you’re just not used of it yet” or something like that, but that advice encouraged me to test out that theory and I actually started trying harder to improve on singing.
I took a music class where I learned how to play the clarinet, but my interest was more about the big black grand piano the school had right in the music room, the music teacher “Mr. Scott” used to let me stay in the music room during lunch hour so I could play the piano as long as I wanted to, and I know I wouldn’t have gotten any better at it if it weren’t for him letting me play the piano and he was actually giving me time to focus on making my own music during school hours.
Last year I went to audition for the Canadian Idol, where I made it in playing my own material for the judge’s until I advanced to celebrity judge round. I decided to play my own material for the celebrity judges as well, only because I wanted to see if my music had the right stuff since they’re all professional’s in the music business and know what sounds good, after performing a song for them of my own… sure enough, they liked it. The celebrity judge’s encouraged me to pursue my own music career and get a CD recorded, after that I needed help… lots of help, funding wise.
I got in contact with a lady named Marilyn Macintosh who helped me apply for a grant from the Ontario Arts Council, later on I received the grant and if it wasn’t for the grant I wouldn’t have been able to get a CD professionally recorded. Someday I would hope to achieve some kind of music award, and I would also hope to make more fans for the music the band creates.
I have learned that it takes a lot of hard work, patience, practice and motivation to really get things done, and to never give up on whatever it is you would like to do with your life.
Usually if I’m having a bad day, or going through a rough time I usually tend to draw, listen to music or even write a song. It is just best to try and turn something bad into good, like the saying goes “turn that frown upside down”.
Today being apart of the seventh generation means being proud of who you are, and where you come from, as well as respecting our culture and looking forward to the future of our people and hopefully we can restore many teachings of the past.
My last words come from my cousin Blair whose one line from his graduation speech had an impact on me, it was kind of funny they way it was said actually but it stuck with me, he said “Pursue your dreams, if you have any”.
You can hear Dressed in Black N Blue at these sites
www.myspace.com/dressedinblacknblue
and
www.youtube.com/dibnb
Lance Kejick-Echum Contributor |
My name is Lance Kejick-Echum, I am twenty-three year’s old and I am from Iskatewizaagegan Shoal Lake #39 Independent First Nation in Ontario. I am the lead singer in a band called “Dressed In Black N Blue”.
Recently I have been given a grant from The Ontario Arts Council to get a professional CD recorded, and I am currently working on getting it (the CD) released.
I went to high school and graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School in Kenora, Ontario. I was greatly interested in Art while attending school, my favorite subject’s were English, Art, Drama and Music. My music teacher’s probably had the greatest influence on me during that time when I was just learning how to play instrument’s. One guitar teacher encouraged all of us who took the course “to practice, and only through practice would anyone ever get any better”. I once took a vocal class in grade 11 or 12 where I remember some advice our teacher “Ms. Mac” once told us at the start of the course, she said “You all can sing higher, you’re just not used of it yet” or something like that, but that advice encouraged me to test out that theory and I actually started trying harder to improve on singing.
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[title] => A Father’s love
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One day as the sun was shining down upon this world there was a young man, and this young man had an idea of what life should be like and what should be in it. Little did he know what was in store for him.
As he strolled up the road one day in late spring he came across a visitor. A visitor that would change his life and his thoughts of this world for all his days.
As he walked along, out of the corner of his eye he could see the grass move. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. As the young man approached the movement in the grass, he was astonished with what lay on the ground before his feet. He leaned down and picked up what he had found and feelings that he has never felt before came across him.
Wondering what happened to the little (gift) visitor that lay near his feet. He started walking while looking closely at its many colors, the hues of green, pink, white, gold, red and a tad bit of yellow around the eyes.
Just then the little miracle had come to and left his hand. A sense of lonesomeness came upon the young man’s heart and spirit Not thinking much of it the young man continued on his way. He soon forgot about that day.
Five months later a baby was brought into this world on the best day of November. It seemed that the sun was shinning even more brightly then usual.
Nearing eight o’clock in the morning, a beautiful girl was born. By the most beautiful and loving mother that any little girl could ask for. Making that day the most special day in that young man’s life.
This father had fallen in love with two of the best people that would come across him in his life time. Knowing this he put his everything, all of what he knew how to feel into the new spirits that surrounded him.
Some months later that baby was in need of her name so that the spirits would recognize this child in this world that we live in. Anishanahbay people do this so the spirits in the other place will know who we are. When we ask for help we use our first names not the names of the chimookmaan people.
About 20 people were attending this naming ceremony. The little girl had five sponsors, one for each direction and one extra because she was a special girl. The first great-grand baby of the family.
During this ceremony the pipe keeper looked at the young man and said “This little girl has already come to see you. Her name is Ninokaysay.”
The pipe carrier had asked the young couple to repeat this name four times and so they did. Not knowing what he was saying he said it out loud four times. Then the pipe carrier told the young man that the girls name is Little Humming Bird. Tears filled his eyes and a lump grew in his throat. Standing in front of these people he tried to swallow but could not. The day of his walking up the road and finding what he found in the grass that day in June overwhelmed him.
That little thing he found in the grass was a little humming bird. The colors on that little bird were the same colors that were given to the little girl on that day.
Knowing this he felt like the one person that brought this little gift into this world would always be with him.
Being young and taking this for granted he didn’t do the things that he was supposed to. Being there for his new family, instead he was out with his friends and never around. He should have stayed, instead of asking for time out. He should have rubbed her back and made bottles instead of making her feel bad. A father’s love, and this was love he would say. This was not love that he showed. It was control he wanted.
Now with a broken spirit he knows what he should have done, he never felt more sorry in his life for what he done to this young woman and her new born baby.
As time passed the pain grew more. Seeing his girl grow so fast when all he wanted, was to see her and be with her while she is growing.
It was too late.
A father’s love.
He treated them wrong and now for many years he is now empty inside. Trying to love when all his love is elsewhere. Missing what was brought to him with his heart everyday.
Missing some of his mind, body and spirit everyday. If he was able to go back and live it all again I know that he would make it so the love between the three of them, would be unbreakable. I know that he has never been more sorry about anything in his life and misses them every night and day.
Soon he will learn to swallow that lump in his throat. Soon he will learn to forgive himself and not hate.
Boonandama chijhemnado Thank you for the family that you taught me to love.
A father’s love.
By Brendan Syrette
Batchewana First Nation
One day as the sun was shining down upon this world there was a young man, and this young man had an idea of what life should be like and what should be in it. Little did he know what was in store for him.
As he strolled up the road one day in late spring he came across a visitor. A visitor that would change his life and his thoughts of this world for all his days.
As he walked along, out of the corner of his eye he could see the grass move. His curiosity had gotten the best of him. As the young man approached the movement in the grass, he was astonished with what lay on the ground before his feet. He leaned down and picked up what he had found and feelings that he has never felt before came across him.
Wondering what happened to the little (gift) visitor that lay near his feet. He started walking while looking closely at its many colors, the hues of green, pink, white, gold, red and a tad bit of yellow around the eyes.
Just then the little miracle had come to and left his hand. A sense of lonesomeness came upon the young man’s heart and spirit Not thinking much of it the young man continued on his way. He soon forgot about that day.
Five months later a baby was brought into this world on the best day of November. It seemed that the sun was shinning even more brightly then usual.
Nearing eight o’clock in the morning, a beautiful girl was born. By the most beautiful and loving mother that any little girl could ask for. Making that day the most special day in that young man’s life.
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One day as the sun was shining down upon this world there was a young man, and this young man had an idea of what life should be like and what should be in it. Little did he know what was in store for him.
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[title] => Project on ‘teen suicide’ seeks youth to share experiences
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In times of trying moments, there is always a thought that comes to everybody’s mind – escape. Escape the hardships, the pain, the grief, the overwhelming thought of having to move away from home, parent conflict, social conflicts just makes us want to end it.
In recent days, I have been on a quest to gather information for a project I am working on which speaks on the subject of teen suicide. I’ve been spending countless hours interviewing (after work hours of course), researching, sending countless emails and even opening up my own personal phone for people to share their experiences with suicide with me. I started thinking about this project when I started a group called, “Stop Teen Suicide” which can be found on Facebook groups.
In my own experiences, I recall having to lose my closest friends, then my neighbours. Eventually it involved my family.
My uncle was one of them. He was a hard worker, held many names. He was a loving type of person to be with and even loved to share what he had with others. But growing up, he had an inner battle – a battle that took his life and shattered the circle of our family. Could have this been prevented? Yes.
However, at the time of this ordeal, there was little hope for many of us. Resources were limited then. It seemed so overwhelming that after the death of my uncle, a few days later, our neighbour then took his own life which caused even a greater pain not only to my family but the community as a whole.
Months have past. Years have gone by. Many of us continue to hear of someone taking their own life and it seems too normal now a days. It seems the message we all send to one another is, “It’s OK.”
But really, it isn’t. My goal, vision and purpose for this project is to hopefully bring awareness to the younger generation – to let them know that there is hope and a purpose in life for them. So far, the responses I’ve been getting have been by far more than what I had expected.
Emails have come in from the great US of A, countries overseas and of course locally. As this is an ongoing project, I am hoping to deliver this to schools and community based youth groups. I am also looking to find someone reliable who I can work with and hopefully score a few good working laptop computers to use in this mission project.
If you’d like to keep in touch or would like to meet other people involved in this project, you can find our group on Facebook under the name, “Stop Teen Suicide.”
Any comments, feedback or questions are welcome. If you or someone you know is in need of help due to a loss of a friend or just feeling like there is no use to live, please talk to someone or phone the kids helpline which is included in this edition of SEVEN.
As the technology in the north increases in speed and strength and the resources become more openly available, let’s work together; get together and combat together to win back the seventh generation!
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Who to call for help
Suicide Prevention Lifeline |
For. Your. Information When calling any of these numbers they will not show up on your phone bill or cost anything. You do not have to give your real name or any personal information such as your: location, age, or background. Every call is confidential. |
[teaser] =>
|
|
In times of trying moments, there is always a thought that comes to everybody’s mind – escape. Escape the hardships, the pain, the grief, the overwhelming thought of having to move away from home, parent conflict, social conflicts just makes us want to end it.
In recent days, I have been on a quest to gather information for a project I am working on which speaks on the subject of teen suicide. I’ve been spending countless hours interviewing (after work hours of course), researching, sending countless emails and even opening up my own personal phone for people to share their experiences with suicide with me. I started thinking about this project when I started a group called, “Stop Teen Suicide” which can be found on Facebook groups.
In my own experiences, I recall having to lose my closest friends, then my neighbours. Eventually it involved my family.
My uncle was one of them. He was a hard worker, held many names. He was a loving type of person to be with and even loved to share what he had with others. But growing up, he had an inner battle – a battle that took his life and shattered the circle of our family. Could have this been prevented? Yes.
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In times of trying moments, there is always a thought that comes to everybody’s mind – escape.
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[title] => Threading together a future
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photo by Amanda L. Murray
Fancy shawl dancer Deanne Morrison takes a break at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Festival in Toronto, Ont., last fall.
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My name is Deanne Morrison I am from Temagami First Nation but I was raised in Thunder Bay. My dad is from Big Island and my mother from Wabigoon. I turned 25 here in Toronto in January. I moved here in September 2008 to attend Fashion Techniques and Design at George Brown College. I had started a small business called AbOriginal Apparel that year selling apparel and fancy shawl dresses. I loved to sew and create things and I wanted to become more professional about it. I made nice dresses, but I knew I needed a solid foundation to develop it into a professional business.
The previous year I completed the Entrepreneurship Program at George Brown College. I loved the excitement of owning my own business and I knew it was for me. I need the freedom to travel all summer to powwows. I am a fancy shawl dancer and I have been dancing since I was a small girl. It is my passion and I knew I needed to follow my dreams.
My step-dad drove me here with my little sister. I had a place to live but I hadn’t had a chance to see it until that day. I got to see it at 2 p.m. and it was horrible. It was close to a bad neighborhood and it was in a small crowded basement. I was disgusted to discover mouse poop in the closet.
I knew I would find a place though, even though my step-dad was getting upset and yelling at me for not being as prepared as he thinks I should have been. While he was going to get change for the parking meter I found a posting on a pole on Spadina not far from my campus and I called it. Within 10 minutes I was viewing a small, small room in a very clean house right across the street from my school. So I took it and my family left back to Thunder Bay. I didn’t know what to do with myself. So I loitered the Native Canadian Center for a few days and made some friends my age.
I am recovering from alcohol addictions and moving here was a nice fresh start. I feel like my life is moving on from that segment. I know addictions are a big problem in Thunder Bay, at times I even felt hopeless that I would never change. But I kept visualizing my goals and dreams of living a healthy traditional life and it’s getting easier.
School is very busy. My classes have 50-60 students per class. There are all sorts of browns here, not just dominantly Caucasian. It’s a very diverse place, downtown Toronto. I appreciate it though. You learn about places and cultures all over the world and I have opportunities to educate unaware people of our beautiful Culture.
The Native Community here is very strong. At the Native Canadian Center there are events and classes happening every night. There’s Cree and Ojibway languages, dance classes, traditional and hand drumming socials, and art classes. It’s a beautiful thing to see so many Anishnawbes making a difference here in Toronto.
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But at times it gets lonely. I am heading home for the weekend to see my family. And it gets difficult but then I just have to remind myself of why I came here in the first place. My family is very supportive and I’ve met similar people here. Even though I’ve been here since September I feel like this is home now. The world is so big though and I want to explore all the beautiful places now. I think I’ve been bitten by the “travelling bug.”
After taking action on this dream of mine (coming to Toronto to go to fashion school) I feel stronger to follow every new dream I dream. I have one year left in my program and I’m still unsure of what I will do. I feel happy because I honored myself by coming here. I would encourage anyone just to do what they love. If you love it, it will just work out for the best.
I feel very lucky to be here. My life has had a lot of difficulties in the past. My grandpa went to residential school and its effects are still in me. I see them in my mother and my aunties. But there comes a time when you just have to decide what kind of life you want to create for yourself.
My choices were: alcoholic/drug addict on welfare or successful traditional happy woman. I of course am choosing successful traditional happy woman. Moving here has made me learn so much about myself and made me so much more mature about things. It’s what’s best for me at this time.
| AbOriginal Apparel Group on Facebook and Business contact number: 1-416-966-2384 |
[teaser] =>
photo by Amanda L. Murray
Fancy shawl dancer Deanne Morrison takes a break at the 2008 Canadian Aboriginal Festival in Toronto, Ont., last fall.
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by bumblebeeman
My name is Deanne Morrison I am from Temagami First
Nation but I was raised in Thunder Bay. My dad is from Big
Island and my mother from Wabigoon. I turned 25 here
in Toronto in January.
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