I am realizing more on more than one of the main ingredients for success in life is having work that is meaningful and rewarding. Lucky for me I have had a lot of help in learning how to write, how to interview people and even put together a newspaper. I love this kind of work and I am very grateful that I have had direct training ever since I decided to leave my community and pursue a career as a writer.
Recently, I attended a grand opening for Mamo-Wichi-Hetiwin Employment & Training in Timmins. The organization hosted a day of information and an open house concerning their new offices and resource center. Many dignitaries were on hand for this celebration and made me feel really good to be part of such a positive First Nation event. I was moved by the words of Deputy Grand Chief Stan Louttit of Nishnawbe-Aski Nation as he talked above being proud of Mamo as a First Nation agency dedicated to creating career opportunities for First Nation people. Stan has always been well known for his commitment to his people and it was refreshing to hear his positive message to everyone concerning the need for employment and training programs.
Surprisingly, I didn’t feel intimidated in the company of VIP’s like Stan, Rose Anna Campbell, Mamo Executive Director Colin chief Elenore Hendrix, Matachewan First Nation; Gary Naveau, Mamo board member, Reg Blair, MP for Cochran-Superior; Mayor Vic power, City of Timmins and Gilles Bisson, MPP, Timmins-James Bay. I really got the feeling through their words and the way they acted that all of these people felt proud to be a part of the new era for First Nation people.
I was also struck by the congratulatory note by Andrew Reuben, Executive Director, Chiefs of Ontario, in which he pointed out that First Nation agencies like Mamo contribute much from an economical and cultural point of view to the cities and regions in which they are located. It had never really occurred to me before that all of our First Nation organizations located in cities right across Canada are contributing much to the economy and the social aspects of these communities. Organizations like Mamo with an office in Timmins and one in Thunder Bay pay rent, pay for services, use local transportation systems, use the services of local businesses and provide training and employment programs that benefit First Nation people and in turn the local employers. Mayor Vic Power is keenly aware of the hundreds of thousands of dollars that First Nation people spend in his community and he is supportive of First Nation initiatives.
It was good to hear the commitment for organizations says as such as Mamo-Wichi-Hetiwin from a political VIP like Reg Blair, MP. He reiterated the government of Canada’s commitment to First Nations people and to agencies like Mamo saying, “I am a firm believer in the fact that every person in this country has the right to work and live in dignity.” Gilles Bisson, MPP added his support for Mamo and noted that the work of the organization has benefited many.
Another thing that made me feel good about this event was that the media was out in full force to provide coverage. For too long I have read sad, tragic and derogatory reports about First Nation people in the media and I am very happy to say that in general the media is now very willing to report on all of the positive things happening with First Nation people. Mamo-Wichi-Hetiwin means helping each other together in Oji-Cree and I got a first hand look at the words in action at this event.
