Proud to be a Nish

On a recent wait at the Toronto Pearson International Airport in Toronto, I was amazed by the different cultures and backgrounds of people from all over the world. Sitting there with my laptop and book, I would often stop my reading and just gaze at the people around me.

I felt so proud for some reason. I would look around and would notice a First Nations woman probably in her 40s gracefully wearing her nice moose hide coat and a ear ring with a golden feather jeweler. I would often stop to smile at her being to unsure if I should introduce myself or not. I kept my silence and simply said hi.

As I was sitting there, I would remember the time when my grandma would always talk about how proud we should be for who we are and for where we came from. She would often times tell us that when she was younger, life was so different. Life was hard because everybody had to work. Whether it was getting up early in the morning or late at night, she would say they all pitched in to do something. It seems today all that has changed.

Today we got computers to do our work, we got facebook and bebo to communicate with each other, we got telephones and cell phones to keep in touch with each other. Made me think of every word my grandma would tell us... that is: “Things are going to change, people will want you to change but always remember who you are and where you came from. Never forget your background and your culture.

It was God (the Creator) who gave you your identity don’t forget it” As they called for my flight en-route to Winnipeg, I got up and very proudly and I said to myself, “I’m proud to be a nish” Without their teachings and their knowledge being passed down who knows where would I be today.

Being part of the Seven Youth advisory board, I am happy to tell you that being part of this group means a lot to me. Remember, be proud of who you are. Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not because if you cover yourself it will only lead to depression. Express yourself openly and proudly. Get up and say “I’m proud of to be a nish” Never under estimate the power of your inner-man!