b'COVER STORYextensively with a medical team that exam-ined her mental and physical health to ensure that she was fit to donate an organ. During that year, Derosier chose not to tell Chacaby that she was being assessed. I didnt tell her I was in the process because I didnt want to give her false hope, she says. The last step in the process for Derosier was a psychological assessment, and the reality of what she was agreeing to do began to dawn on her. I had to talk to my family and my daughters about it. Some were a little scared and concerned for me, she says. In the end, it all worked out and seemed kind of seamless in some weird way.Once Derosier was cleared to donate, she told Chababy the good news: she was a match. Chacaby was getting sicker and her kidneys were failing. She had been hospit-alized, and feared she was going to die. Derosier was ready and the medical team quickly set the transplant date. In September of 2022, prior to travelling to Toronto for the surgery, a ceremony was conducted with community members Chacaby and Derosier were attending anin Derosiers home. I wanted to bethe process makes a well person sick and event honouring the late Barb Kentnermindful of the process and to acknow- a sick person well. Derosier and Chacaby when Chacaby expressed to Derosier thatledge what was happening, for us to beboth continue to go through tests to she was sick and in need of a kidney. Itsurrounded by our helpers and people,make sure their bodies are functioning was really strange; I instantly felt like I wassays Derosier. Because when I was doingwell: for Chacaby, ensuring that her supposed to help her, Derosier says. Iresearch as a donor, I had read that otherbody doesnt reject the kidney, and for dont think she quite believed it at thatdonors felt depressed afterwards [becauseDerosier, ensuring that her body adapts point because people said before theyof] the grief of letting go of your body.to losing one. Derosier says she is feeling would help and things [didnt] happen. Having diligently researched beforehand,much better since donating her kidney; so It took about a year for Derosier getDerosier had anticipated the side effectsmuch so, that she decided to take a yoga the go-ahead to be a donor. She metof being a donor; the inherent nature ofinstructing course and now leads yoga IPREP (Indigenous Poverty Reduction Education Program)A college pathway support program in partnership with First Nation Ontario Works offices.Ontario Works and ODSP Clients:EligibilityAre you interested in attending a program Ontario Works or ODSP recipient or dependentat Canadore College? Do you knowInterest in pursuing a college education at what program you want or do you needCanadore starting this fall and winter semesterassistance in choosing? For more information please contact: Specialized Support Sunday Bear, IPREP Lead Direct application to Canadore 705.474.7600 ext. 5548 Assistance with funding applications cell: 705.825.2775 Education plans/goal setting sunday.bear@canadorecollege.ca Mature Student testing For more information, talk to your Ontario Works Access to Indigenous knowledge staff for an application and referral to the program.keepers/eldersSupplies, laptop loans and residence subsidies Tutoring and customized supportEmployment Services before andafter graduation canadorecollege.ca/iprepOntario Native Womens Association11'