When I first started on this journey I did not understand how truly needed this work was. I had an idea for a workshop and being of an entrepreneurial nature and wanting to be in service I thought, why not? As it turns out, I have created something quite unique that has and continues to touch the lives of a wide diversity of people working and living together in First Nations organizations and communities.
Almost always I find myself with diverse groups of people who have been brought together by fate and who are at odds with each for one reason or another. My audiences can be antagonistic in the beginning, having experienced so much conflict in their day-to-day lives that certain behaviours have become normal. I move slowly to start with. I understand that change has historically not always been positive, especially for the elders in our groups. I have come to understand that this is a deeply personal journey for people. Each person has come for their own reasons, bringing unique experiences and perspectives but all sharing a longing for the same connectivity, sense of belonging, and healing that hold is possible.
It is my intention that hope is restored. That people believe that change is occuring and that they only need look as far as themselves and each other for the solutions. I hold the possibility that we can live together in harmony again. That each of us can find our voice in regards to that which is most important… and not always easy to express. That we are able to come together to create intentional spaces in which all voices are important and can be expressed and…most importantly, where we feel free to explore issues that need to be discussed in order to move forward. I simply invite you to show up with an open heart and mind and a willingness to communicate. The rest will take care of itself.
I want to sincerely thank those who have invited me into their organizations and communities. Your courage and determination inspires me to carry on. To the elders who have so generously shared their teachings with me no words can express the many ways in which you have touched my heart and shaped this work.
You are the ones we have all have been waiting for.
