THUNDER BAY – COLUMN – I am compelled to send out thoughts and prayers to all of our First Nations across Turtle Island this morning.
With mixed emotions, I greet this day. On one hand, there are thousands of First Nation children, youth and adult learners going off to school! And many pre-schoolers going off to daycare! That is awesome – we have a great future!
We also make an emotional note and are mindful that some First Nations across Turtle Island are dealing with loss in the community. Often by natural cause, some sudden and unexpected deaths, and some by suicide. This is a very unfortunate reality that some will awaken to today.
May the loss of life, and the grief of loved ones due to suicide, not take away our instinct to push forward, as the instinct to enter this world was so strong when Our Mothers helped us into this place called life.
As the Ontario Regional Chief and part of a great circle of leaders in this region – I am compelled to ask you to reach out to the people; let them know that they are loved and that they are a special and significant part of this great circle of life.
Humanity has one very basic and common purpose and instinct; To push forward – it is when we lose sight that the Creator gave us this instinct as a collective gift, that we somehow lose our way. Family, friends, community, nation – we are all breathing the same air, need the same clean water to live, walk on different paths but are all on the same precious road of life that can be taken in an instant.
As we begin our day today and send Our Children off to school, let’s remember those families and communities that are dealing with losses due to suicide and send prayers, positive thoughts – and even extend a phone call to the family or to the community leaders having to deal with that loss.
Send them love.
If you are reading this and you are somehow thinking you are not considered or loved, please know that someone is thinking about you and that you are valued. Don’t give up!
it’s time to take notice; our people who need it most, wait for us to reach out.
Miigwetch.
Chief Wiindawtegowinini Isadore Day
Ontario Regional Chief
