From the Shores of the Ottawa River

I dropped a tear in the ocean. The day it is found is the day I will stop missing you. – Unknown

It shattered my world when you died. The world as I knew it changed forever in an instant.   Tears cascaded down my face as I try to process that your beautiful spirit is on its final journey home. RIP Connie your struggle is over, it is up to us to continue the fight. Connie was a kind person with a bright smile and a loving heart.

I got news yesterday of her passing into the Dene spirit world. The last few weeks before her death, I spoke to her once. She was trying her best. She was accepting the grief of Annie’s passing. Annie was her mom and my sister. Annie passed on December 25, 2025. We cried together.

On her last day on earth, she spent the afternoon at a celebration of life for her mother-in-law.  Grieving two matriarchal women so close together must have been unbearable pain. She inspired me in many ways. Her strength stood out. She stood up for what she believed in, and It cost her her job as a bookkeeper. I feel she never completely recovered from it. But she didn’t complain.  

When did all the pain start? Was it because of residential schools? Was it the loss of our Indigenous language and traditional lifestyle? Is it intergenerational trauma?

It’s important to honour the lives of those we’ve lost. We can do this by advocating for change. We should also support initiatives like the 7th Generation Indigenous Foundation and Training. Your commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and the impact of alcoholism is commendable. Raising awareness and fostering community support can make a significant difference for future generation.

Now more than ever, we must emphasize prevention and build capacity within our communities. We have the means to do it with your help.

In 2022, I founded the 7th Generation Indigenous Foundation and Training (GIFT). You can read about our mission on the website. Each course we develop costs $10,000 and is tailored to the community’s needs, deeply rooted in cultural values. Visit seventhgift.ca for more information.

Connie was a kind person with a bright smile and a loving heart. here with family sharing a meal

Your donation to the 7th Generation Indigenous Foundation and Training (GIFT) goes beyond supporting a cause. It invests in the lives of countless individuals. These people are fighting against the devastating grip of addiction. Your support will help develop culturally relevant programs that empower our communities, offering hope, healing, and a path to recovery.

Together, we can break the cycle of addiction and trauma that has plagued our families for far too long. Every dollar you contribute helps to build a supportive environment. This is where our children can thrive, free from the shadows of addiction. Let us honor Connie’s memory by ensuring that her struggle is not in vain.

Join us in this vital mission. Donate today and be part of the solution. Together, we can create a legacy of healing and hope for the next seven generations. Your generosity can change lives and save futures. Let’s stand together and make a difference.