b'ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDactivator of the young people to help them to use their voices. Even if it is on the street and someone hits them, they can yell. I know the drum is the spark needed for young Anishinabe Kweg voices, because they are so used to being told to shut up. And that is something that needs to change; people need to listen to Indigenous womens voices. The drum is a healer, but it doesnt make life perfect or easier for us. In our drum circle we still struggle with issues such as cancer, suicide and addiction. Even though we have that drum, we still have to fight for ourselves, our family and community. Any support from outside our community, such as when we are asked to sing at an event or protest, it lights the women up and they look forward to it. We still have our challenges and we are not perfect. Even going to a restaurant and being served as a human being can be hard for us because of racism and discrimination. As an Anishinabe Kweg, this struggle [exists] every day. Anything else that you would like to share? Do you have a message to those who will follow in your footsteps?My first thought is a ceremony that we had at the blockade site. The ceremony was done by Jacob Stonechild. We had just lost an 11-year-old girl to suicide. In ceremony I asked how we can help the young people,Photo courtesy of Taina Da Silvaand he answered, You drum. At the time, he didnt know we had a Big Drum. His instruc- families and communities. I am grateful forThe youth in the community participated in tion was to drum, in the community hall orthe knowledge he shared with us in that cere- a NWe Jinan project and the lyrics Sometimes wherever we could, and the young peoplemony, and I want to share it as well because Iits hard to find the words to say youre home to me would come. They would begin by learningknow it helps.ring true.So instead of saying the words, a song, then they might want to learn theirthey sing them, and that is the strength of this spirit name, their clan, and their colours.Drumming is how we heal ourselves and Then they will want to dance, and then wantothers, it is powerful and beautiful when wecommunity. They truly understand that it is to learn to make regalia. From drummingsing. It is ceremony, it is activism, it is culture,the land, culture and community that makes they will learn who they are, and it will helpit is the power we need to make our worldthem home to one another. And for them, them. This is how we help the youth in oursafer for ourselves, family and community.that is love. ENCOURAGE, INSPIRE Tammy Williams AND MOTIVATE OTHERS Tammy Williams Family Law and Matrimonial Family Law and Matrimonial TO POSITIVE ACTION. Real Estate MattersReal Estate Matters332 Aylmer St. N., P.O. Box 1146332 Aylmer St. N., P.O. Box 1146M.A. in Transformative Peterborough, ONK9J 7H4Peterborough, ONK9J 7H4Leadership and Spirituality T705.742.1674 ext. 242T705.742.1674 ext. 242TF1.877.755.0661TF1.877.755.0661www.llf.ca Etwilliams@llf.cawww.llf.ca Etwilliams@llf.caLEARN MOREustpaul.ca Offices inPeterboroughBobcaygeonOffices inPeterboroughBobcaygeonOntario Native Womens Association65.ca.ca'