I have never understood activism but I do know there are a lot of good people who do speak out on many issues. I have been involved in a few events pertaining to women who have been murdered in the community. It’s so hard to see the pain and hearing the many voices speaking out about loved ones who have been taken away from their families.

This one event I had attended, last year was called “Take Back the Night.” What an array of many different women and also men talking about abuse. Abuse has many different ways in which it affects people from young children to the elderly. I myself have had many different experiences that have had negative affects on me. The only way to overcome all these negative effects is to stand up for one’s rights. To take back your power, so to speak. No one has control over us unless we allow that to happen.

I used to go to the House of Refuge Mission as a Minister and participant. I enjoy reaching out to people who have lost their lives to alcoholism or whatever has brought them there. My partner and I talk to the hurt and lonely people who make up our community such as the homeless. I have been homeless several times in my life due to loss of my home in a fire and other reasons. It was not easy to get back on my feet right away, but there was hope. With good loving neighbours and the community agencies I have been able to take back my life.

So therefore I am busy volunteering my time to help men and women learn to understand abusive situations and to rise up against them. It takes courage and strength to move on and let go of old ways and to learn new skills. The group I am helping to create is called Suhkeyamo. It’s a Cree word meaning to run away, fast. This I pray will help others to learn some self-defense. But all in all, stand up for your rights and Take Back the Night.