From the Shores of the Ottawa River

What Brings Me Happiness

I come from a small northern helmet, Fort Chippewa, Alberta. It is the little things that bring me happiness. I am a proud Denesuline (Dene)

 Happiness to me is when I feel the warmth of these little moments. They fill me with joy. It sparks a sensation akin to tiny butterflies fluttering in my belly. This delicate feeling spreads upward to my heart. It radiates outward through my eyes and lips to form a smile. This smile is a reflection of contentment. It mirrors the simplicity of those cherished memories. The happiness from small blessings is profound. It is rooted in a sense of gratitude and connection. This shapes my outlook on life. The foundation of which is I am enough.

As the youngest female in a household of ten brothers, my basic needs for lodging, food, and clothing were met. Although we were not wealthy, we did not live in poverty.

Our house was neither the largest nor the best in the community. However, it was clean. Our mother taught my sisters how to clean thoroughly.

I did not have the best clothing. However, I have memories of receiving new summer clothes for the July 1st parade in our community.

My older sister Dora bought clothing for all of us. This included outfits for Sunday Mass. She also bought outfits for holidays like Christmas, Easter, and July 1st. She worked as a cook at the Indian residential school. Dora earned money to supplement our father’s income as a hunter and trapper. My older brother Peter worked at Uranium City at the El dorado mine. He also contributed to the family’s finances.

The Bennett Dam was built in British Columbia after 1970. It drastically reduced water levels in Lake Athabasca. This reduction devastated the trapping industry overnight.

As an adult, I appreciate simple pleasures like making matcha tea with a whisk. When the tea forms a smile-like shape on top, it creates an enjoyable moment. It also be sitting outside on the deck. I drink my tea and listen to my favorite music with the trees and plants around me.

In conclusion, happiness blossoms from gratitude and acceptance. By viewing negative events through a positive lens, I find the silver lining and emerge feeling grateful and joyful.