I was born on a typical reserve and I am a citizen of Long Point First Nation. It is located in an isolated area, and provides little employment, outside the few civil service jobs that are available, such as being a teacher or working for The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. I have many fond memories and experiences that have shaped me while earning my two-year diploma in the Native Community and Social Development Programme at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario. Now, I take on the challenges confronting me as a first year Social Work student at Ryerson University in Toronto

As an Algonquin woman who will work in the field of social work, I am committed to following our peoples' call for the use of Aboriginal ways of helping. I look forward to integrating my Aboriginal approach to helping.

Through my experience with Elders, traditional healers and Aboriginal helpers who incorporated our values, beliefs and practices into their work, I have witnessed our own ways of helping. I have participated in ceremonies that have contributed to the healing and wellness of many people, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal. All of this has convinced me, as a social work student, that our ways of helping can be followed in social work and in other helping practices. Unfortunately, this conviction is not shared throughout the helping fields.

Just a word of advice to those young people who are working with FabOriginal Productions. Both you and I are in this in hopes of promoting our beautiful culture nation-wide. We are all leaders given a gift from the Creator and Mother Earth. We are in these circles together guys, and we are constantly learning from one another. We all have abilities, some of which are more pronounced than others. Many Aboriginal people refer to these as gifts. I believe we are to seek out these gifts and try to understand how they are to be used. Indeed, this belief is demonstrated in our peoples' practices such asVision Quests, TalkingCircles and the deep contemplation experienced in many ceremonies.

All FabOriginals are to use their gifts for the betterment, wellness and self-esteem, not only of themselves, but also of their families, communities and nations.

It is time to celebrate our continued existence and to draw strength from the fact that the nations live on despite the terrible losses of the past 500 years. Young people, remember who you are, and where you come from as Anishnaabe. The lesson of the past is that indigenous people have far less to fear by moving away from colonialism than by remaining bound by it. In their resistance, they demonstrate an inner strength greater than that of the nations that would dominate them. So I wish to welcome FabOriginal and Junior Fabs in rejoicing our survival.

See you next month!