b'COVER STORYtaught our oral historythings you Credit: Christian Fleury. dont learn in the mainstream education system. Learning how to read at an early age also allowed her to think critically and understand the importance of keeping an open mind. As a young girl involved in sports, she learned the value of teamwork and resilience: the need to work hard together to achieve something greater. It was through sports that she learned to both win and lose, recognizing the value in both. Debassiges desire to learn motivated her to develop skills that brought her self-assurance: At an early age, my dad would teach me how to change the oil in the car and fix things in the house or build things. By learning and building her skills in different areas, she was able to be more comfortable in herself. As a young person, Debassige always denied being confined to gendered activities. I wanted to learn how to run an excav-ator, so I did, she says. I learned how suffering from intergenerational trauma, she says. Debassigeto survive in the wilderness very easily and be able to sustain feels that a part of her work is understanding that, and shemyself through hunting and fishing. Throughout her learning, recognizes that the political is very personal. Sometimes I thinkDebassige always recognizes the importance of ceremony, to myself, well, theyre being a little bit more mean to me becauseknowing that culture and tradition help her to understand her a mother will always love their children [.] and Im still going toplace and purpose.help them. And I still will. Participation in both mainstream and First Nations politics hasLIFELONG LEARNING also meant sacrifices for Debassige, the biggest of which has beenFor Debassige, learning is a lifelong journey that includes not time for her family. When I was elected Chief in my community,only academics but also connection and experience. Our I became very busy with community issues, advocacy and all oflearning is from cradle to grave, she says, noting that education that, she shares. I quickly realized that I no longer was able totakes many forms, through people, through Elders, through spend the time I needed to with my family. But that sacrifice, sheour young people. affirms, is part of what allows her to serve the greater good of ourThe importance of those connections echo in Debassiges nation and the future of our people. relationship with politics. She is diligent about having a clear understanding of who shes voting for in elections. When I look BECOMING A LEADER at who Im voting for [.] I look at their policies and not just the Debassiges experiences as a young girl informed her worldviewrhetoric, she says. What are the written policies, and what has and shaped her as a leader. Knowledge gathering has been anbeen that history? Politics are personal, as far as Debassige is important skill throughout her life: As a little girl, I was alwaysconcerned, and it is important to critically consider a persons reputation when casting a vote. She shares some key questions to consider: How does that person help others? How do they care about and take care of their own family? How do they treat HEALING PATHWAYS EMDR their grandmothers and mothers? And do they have the ability COUNSELLING & CONSULTING to write and speak in a kind way? Shelley Pompana Spear Chief is a clinical socialTo Debassige, kindness is key to change. We have to be able worker certified EMDR consultant with over two decades of experience. She offers EMDR consultationsto have that compassion or empathy to understand that when along with consultations working with Indigenouswe tell the truth, it might hurt someones feelings, she says.In clients along with numerous workshops. In addition, she is the author of EAGLE WINGS FLAPPING:politics, there is no room for empty allyship; our relationships Beaver Learns to Manage Big Emotions.to each other are what drive us forward and build pathways to real change. Together, were stronger. United, were stronger. Allow yourself to live life to the fullest, visitThats our history, Debassige concludes. As first peoples of this healingpathwaysemdrcounselling.ca to learn more orland, the only times weve been successful is when weve stuck contact Shelley to discover a treatment thats right for you. together. For Indigenous women in politics, its that connec-tion that determines our shared success in what we are doing 403-593-1807shelleypompana@ymail.com now to help those yet to come. 34Fall/Winter 2024'