First Semester's Teaching

Yesterday Galen and I were able to finish all our marking and submit them to be recorded. Man, there is no feeling like clicking send and knowing you have finished another semester! I love it and feel so overwhelmingly grateful to be given such an opportunity. Especially after a semester like the one we just had -- coming into the semester a month late, becoming a mother for the first time, for unforeseen events in our pregnancy which still has me on a very light load. It has been awesome to not only have a boss and colleagues that are not only very supportive, but also loving and encouraging during these crazy times we could not have even helped.

It was tough though, coming into a semester and class that had already been taught for a few weeks before hand. For those of you who do not know me or know what I am like as a teacher, I very much believe that learning happens in a highly interactive and community-like environment. So, you can imagine my nervousness and fear coming into a class that was already a month into it.

I am so thankful and grateful to have had a class that has been so loving, encouraging and accepting of all that has happened in my life throughout the course of the semester. And, at the same time I am so thankful that they were able to walk down this path alongside Galen and I. We had class at my home several times – which was lovely [insert sarcasm here!] (I was still recovering from my surgery, still looking like crap, and barely able to walk/situp well) and yet, they were so gracious! It was so meaningful to me to have this kind of experience with such a great bunch of students.

The course that I taught this semester was Introduction to Native Studies. It is my absolute favorite course, yet is also one of the scariest courses I teach as many come face-to-face with their own humanness throughout. And of course, as a First Nations woman, who believes in the One, True Creator it also presents some challenges as well. However, I think we made it through with flying colours and we all left with lives that will be forever changed.

My final exam was a take-home and my students were to watch 2 movies that had to do with Indigenous people and look at them with a critical lens and integrate all that they have learned as they watched these films. It was the most amazing assignment and I was pleased to read each and every one, as each were really quite well-done. However, the one that really brought tears to my eyes, written by a beautiful young woman who is on the cusp of a new life and adventure at the end of April:

. . . Entering into this class I knew it would be difficult in some ways, though I didn't think to quite this extent. I have always enjoyed a history classes so this seemed like a good elective to take. This course accomplished so much more then I ever expected. Growing up around Ipperwash like I have, I have witnessed a fair amount of prejudice and racism and even felt something similar in myself: “Why should Natives get all that free stuff? What are they whining about now?” These were common questions asked in some way shape of form by those around me and sometimes myself. Now, knowing the lies and the promises the government has rescinded I am truly ashamed of myself and my culture. Seeing the horrors of the past brought to light and seeing what my ancestors inflicted on others I am ashamed of my heritage. I want no part in the legacy of open wounds and pain they have left our generations to deal with. What is worse, we are continuing to perpetuate it.

It was fascinating to look at another culture especially through the eye of some of its members in the class. I wish there was a part two where we could go even more in depth then we already have. We always talk about going overseas to visit foreign cultures and to experience new ways of life and so on, yet, we seldom realize what we have here in North America. It was once brought up in class that the Ojibway had a fishing fence that is older than the pyramids! The First Nations people are a different culture, a separate nation within the Nation of Canada. I've realized how blind I and many other have been to the fact and I hope that I can learn to embrace what this culture has to offer, truths that span different cultures, such as the Grandfather teachings.

Although this is just one perspective, it echoes many of the same sentiments of fellow classmates. I just want to say thank you, guys. I love each of you so much and I am so thankful for this time that we have had together. So many times you wondered and questioned how you each could change the world in regards to what we were learning and experiencing regarding Canada's First Nations. I have one thing to say to you: YOU ALREADY ARE! Thank you for not only being up for the adventure and not only being willing participants but active agents in this huge task at hand. I know our God, the Creator is going to do great and mighty things through each of you.

Chi Megwetch.

Dale's Personality

The light at the end of the tunnel is a wonderful sight!

I find it hard to believe that I have almost been away from home for 6 weeks now. I am greatly looking forward to enjoying the things that I so often take for granted about being in your own house – simple things like your own bed, your own shower, the comfortable daily routine, etc.

It has been such a hidden blessing in being able to be with my family in Ontario for all of this time. I think it has been almost ten years since I have been here for such an extended period of time. It has been good reconnecting with family and old friends. Sometimes I forget that the world keeps going here when I am out west. Kids I used to babysit are huge and now adults. The places that I used to hang out during weekends have closed and are now something different, the farm that I grew up on is now a golf course with beautiful, huge houses. It is amazing what happens over time. I do not even feel that old!

The time I have been able to spend with my mom, dad, sisters, nephews and brother-in-law has been amazing. I am so thankful that Gwissy is really getting to know his cousins. It is going to be tough leaving. I grew up being very close to my cousins. So much so that it was as though they were big brothers to me. I lament that Ngwis will not experience those things the same way as I did.

Do not get me wrong, I do believe that he will be close to Owen and Wylie. They all get a long very well. Owen is the best big brother and big cousin out there! Yesterday we went swimming with the little ones and Gwis loves to jump off the side of the pool into your arms. So, we decided to let little Wylie try. It was so cute sitting them side-by-side. Gwissy looked at Wylie and said, “Hi, Wywee”, reached out for his little hand and started to count: “One, two, yaa, faa, mee, way. . .” and jumped into the water. It was so cute. He wanted Wylie to jump in with him and sure enough he did! I think once the two are a little older they are going to be little buddies conspiring plans to get into trouble and have some fun. I cannot wait to see the kind of adventures they have when we come back for our annual visits!

Yesterday our social worker from St. Catherines came to Orillia for a visit. It went well. She informed us that they are waiting for one more piece of paperwork from SK and upon receiving it they will be able to submit everything to the Ministry. They have already been in contact with the Ministry and have requested that they would be able to approve it right away. So, we are all hoping we will be on a plane back to SK next Friday, September 21! I hope it all happens quickly!

I am really looking forward to seeing Galen, Abby, friends, students and our new basketball guys. I am looking forward to Ngwis adjusting to his new life on the prairies. It is going to be great! He is really going to love it. We are going to be jumping in to a lot of craziness once we return. The semester will be in full swing by the time we get back. We are going to the preseason tournament in Red Deer almost right away and the start of Galen’s season is right around the corner. I am working part-time with one of my favorite people, Tony Schnare, in the Counseling Centre and teaching one class this semester. Brian Gobbett (who I consider to be my wise, older brother!) has so graciously been filling in for me while I am away. It is not as crazy as some might think. It is great to have a husband and sister that are so supportive and helpful and live in a community that is loving in order to do all these things!

I am getting excited and am starting to see the light at the end of this tunnel. I am really excited to get back into a routine and just start living and serving with the life I have been given. I cannot wait! Yet, I will be sad to leave this place which holds so many memories for me. I am so thankful for my family. They have been amazing and it is going to be tough not seeing them everyday. Luckily, Brooke, the boys and Care are coming out for Thanksgiving and we are buying a ticket for my Mom’s birthday to come out to visit in November. So, that will be awesome!

I am hoping the next time I write one of these things I will be in my house – sitting next to our little fireplace, looking out our window at all the new found couples walking down our street that met each other last week for the first time. . .

Ahhhhh, the joys of a new school year in a small, college town. . . . I miss it!

And we are still in Ontario!

I can hardly believe that I have been in Ontario for over a month now. The time has really gone by so quickly. I left at the beginning of August to go on a trip with the school to the North and Eastern Door. It was an amazing time! I travelled with Dwayne Uglem, Wes Olmstead and Brian Gobbett. We were welcome very warmly by two communities - Moose Factory and Waskaganish. It was such a dream for me. I cannot begin to explain what it was like for me. It was two of my worlds meeting for the first time - my Native world and my Briercrest world. Anyone that knows me knows just how dear these two worlds mean to me. We were sitting at dinner one of the first nights and there were three great leaders from Briercrest, myself and three other leaders from the Native communities that we were visiting. It was the craziest thing for me. I felt tears coming to my eyes continually because of what God is doing. For Briercrest to begin walking down this path in how to serve my people better was astounding to me. This merging of my two worlds was amazing. I look forward to seeing how we continue to walk this path and how God will move at Briercrest and amongst First Nations communities.

This project is really quite groundbreaking and I believe many other educational institutions will pay closer attention to this project and may even begin to walk down this same path. Exciting times ahead. . . I will write more on this later as I am still processing this whole trip.

In regards to how our adoption is going: We had a great week. We had a meeting with Family and Child Services in Niagra this past week and it was great to finally meet and have a better understanding of what is going on. They admitted to making some big mistakes with us and things are much better now. We are just waiting for this appeal period to end and praying that the paperwork that FACS needs to finish is completed this week. They have to send it to the Ministry and get approval from this before we can come back to SK. If you think of us, please pray that it all works out and we are able to come home the weekend of the 21st. They have also agreed to pay the travel and hotel costs for Galen and I for that time as well! We are so thankful!

I am really missing home a lot. I miss my Galen, my house, my job, my dogs, my students, my friends, just everything that one comes to love about home. It was tough being away from all the exciting times in Caronport this week as a new school year begins and a new basketball team has been chosen. I cannot wait to see these new young guys that will become a big part of our lives. It has been great being with my family though. I am thankful that it is here in Ontario, rather than anywhere else in Canada. It has been good. My parents are loving the chance to know their third grandson better. And my sisters, their nephew. It has also been good for my nephews to get to know their new little cousin. It has been awesome that way, actually. We have also been able to see extended family a lot - which has been awesome. However, we are getting a little anxious for Ngwis to settle in to his new permanent home.

Galen was able to visit us this weekend. It has gone by too quickly. I am so thankful that he was able to visit, thanks to my parents and Galen's parents. Galen cannot believe how much Gwissy has grown in the two weeks he has been gone. He was also excited to see how tough he is and what a great little swimmer he has become as well (We go swimming everyday with my sister and Wylie). Galen leaves tonight for the Port. We are really going to miss him. On the bright side, we only have 12 more days left for the 30 day appeal period. That is good! I cannot wait for it to be over and get the final okay to go home. It has been quite the journey. Gwissy is settling in really well. He is attaching well to me and Galen. Which is a huge answer to prayer. Grammy is his absolute favorite person in the world right now and he is loving Starla (my dog that is back home in the Port now). He calls every dog we come across now, LaLa (how he says Starla's name). Starla is absolutley in love with him as well. She is super protective of him if she believes someone is trying to hurt him. I am so thankful for that because part of the reason for getting her and Jett was for him.

I am just so thankful for this opportunity that God has given us in welcoming this little man into our lives and hearts. I just cannot believe it. I always sneak into his room and just watch him sleep because I am just in awe. I would not have imagined that love would come so easily and quickly for this little one. He is amazing and I look forward to him meeting all those who I love.

That is it for now. My two favorite boys are finally awake!
dale