Loss

Several tragedies have taken place in the lives of First Nations people who are close to me. I hear people say again and again, “It’s just one thing after another.” We’re in disbelief right now that so many bad things can happen to two of our dear friends.

I went to a monologue last year where an aboriginal person told the stories of his life and experiences on the reserve and in the downtown eastside. I hear the stories of the suicides, tragedies, substance abuse, depression, and general loss experienced by individuals in aboriginal communities. Because of my relationships through work, I feel so close to the pain.  If I didn’t have this job, would I even notice, or hear about these incidents? These two individuals have brought so much life to me, yet it seems that their own life is constantly being drained.