I would like to nominate myself for the Holiday Hero.
All too often selfless acts go unnoticed by those who do these selfless acts naturally and for no other reason than because of their good people. As a DV/SA Survivor and recipient of prestigious Awards in the Community I have learned its these selfless and often random acts of kindness for all people which are the little things that really make the biggest impact on peoples lives. Last week I was on the bus heading somewhere and seen an elderly man get on with no gloves on a rather cold day...I at the last minute had packed an extra pair of gloves in my bag. I was grateful I reached for that extra pair of gloves before setting my alarm to leave. I approached the man after he had sat down and asked him, rather informed him that I had an extra pair of gloves (he could see I was wearing a pair & had another in my hand) so could everyone else on the bus who weren't glued to their devices. I asked him if he could use these gloves, he gratefully accepted with a stunned and perplexed look on his face. I'm sure wondering who and why this stranger was talking to him much less offering him something for his hands. It's small random acts of kindness like these which have the biggest impact on someone. He was able to continue with his day now with warm hands.
I'm a traditional hand drummer who lives with severe mental health issues and serious health challenges (trauma-related) however I'm "everywhere" despite my challenges advocating for the vulnerable, singing and drumming for numerous & various events around the city. As I believe the only way to heal the Indigenous community is to return their languages, songs, traditions, ceremonies, and teachings they lost so many years ago during the 60's Scoop and Indian Residential Schools.
I may look fit and healthy. I assure you I am anything but! I bet you would be surprised to learn I am HIV+ and have been for 15+ years. I believe I acquired this disease shortly after I lost my four sons due to domestic violence. I had taken them to a Women's Shelter to keep them safe from harm and had the Police come into the shelter and physically remove them. This act would change my life forever. I was unsuccessful in ever having my four sons returned to me. My ex-held the power using my mental health issues against me every time. Having had two sons within one year I suffered from postpartum depression along with having depression previously. I am here today because of my children. Showing them you can't keep a good woman down. My hope is that someday they will learn the truth.
I have been "there". I have been hungry and homeless. Not knowing where my next meal was going to come from. I have had nothing. Knew nobody. Because I looked "fit and healthy" people often overlooked me. Because I can put myself together and put on a brave face people over look me. I've been used and abused. Taken advantage of due to my vulnerability. Spend many Christmases alone and lonely much like many of our Seniors and other vulnerable people in society. I give because I have had nothing. I still don't have much however what I do have I share with others. Whether it be my time, songs, teachings or whatever they need. However, by doing this I have learned sometimes I have been taken advantage of sadly. I have one for others more than they have done for me and that's ok too. They have other gifts to share. This Holiday season pays it forward as it's often small and random acts of kindness which go a long way to making someone's day just that brighter and happier.
Chi Miigwetch
