I don’t know how to stem the tide of never ending grief that we are experiencing. I know that I am called to work at system levels to help improve health, history, education and child welfare. I know that when I have a chance to influence people and systems to be proactive and to take informed action to support our relatives struggling in grief and other forms of darkness, that I do so with urgency and with love.

Poverty in Canada has risen for the 3rd straight year in a row, meaning there are 30,000 more kids experiencing poverty across Canada (Campaign 2000 National Report). In Manitoba, we are looking at 85,790 children and their families who did not have enough to meet even the most basic needs” (Campaign 2000 Manitoba Report). In simple terms, this means that 1 in 4 kids in Manitoba and 1 in 10 across Canada are living in poverty.

We are not helpless in the face of injustice, our example can be our message. Let's all take many small actions today because they will add up tomorrow. I promise to do my part if you will too; use your example to encourage those around you to do their part too and little by little, we will change the world.

Being present is the real present - let’s give gifts of our time and attention to one another so we can create memories that last longer than the dollars in our bank accounts.

If you have been wanting a signed copy of We Need Everyone (signed of course by Sushi the Cat) AND you want to check out a winter market that supports local Indigenous entrepreneurs at RRC Polytech - you are in luck! I will be setting up a We Need Everyone Booth at this Indigenous Holiday Market that supports the Mittohnee Pogo’ohtah program, please come grab a book and finish your holiday shopping too!

In June, the province of Manitoba released data on “the experiences of Black, Indigenous and racially marginalized patients and staff in emergency departments”. On behalf of the Manitoba Health coalition, our provincial director and myself, chair of Indigenous Health committee authored this article on the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives - Manitoba website calling for more systemic action to confront racism in our province.

Many people have challenges with security guards, but what if there was a security guard who cared for you with Indigenous knowledge like Wâhkôhtowin (kinship) as their guide? Check out the newly released report about the beautiful work of the Community safety Hosts in Winnipeg and the 7 ways they create safety.

What would the state of reconciliation be if every non-Indigenous person committed to a specific TRC call to action and worked on it in their own daily lives? Not because they caused any of this but because they have benefited - from the land being their home, from the clean water they drink, to the electricity that powers their community.

Tansi nitotemahk! I am pumped that the Ininímotán Language Table is back! This free program, open to families and lanugage learners of all levels is now a 10 week program, starts October 4th and happens every Saturday from 10am to 12 noon at St John’s Library. See you there!

What happens when community members occupy a spiritual space in defiance of board negligence of community needs? The current situation at the Thunderbird House in Winnipeg is what happens! But what happens if everyone involved is correct?