Reader has very positive outlook

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Firstly, thank you to Raven's Eye for printing such inspiring articles!

I love to read the Raven's Eye newspaper. Every time I pick up a new issue I end up putting it down feeling inspired and walk with even more pride in being Native.

Secondly, thank you to my brothers and sisters for your voices. You encourage me by your strong words. I look forward to our new century with a powerful pride. I will no longer stand on the sidelines and watch young people grow up in a life of hopelessness, poverty and lack of honor. Being a young independent Native woman, I love where I stand in life. What I enjoyed about your January 2000 issue was the articles, "Native candidates looking forward to next time," "Manifesto for a new century - To:ske," and "Child poverty has many long-term harmful effects."

I was able to relate very well with each writer's message.

My name is Shannon Johnny of the Kwakwaka'wakw Nation - Quatsino. I am a proud 25-year-old single mother who always strives for "good, better, best." I live in the city of Burnaby with my son Brandon and I commute every single day to and from work in Vancouver's downtown eastside. I hold a position as executive assistant with the Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA).

I feel a high degree of self-satisfaction because of where I work. UNYA is a non-profit society that has been providing services for Native street youth for the past 11 years. My job is fulfilling simply because I enjoy watching Native youth move forward having gained invaluable skills and confidence through attending our programs. We provide life-skills training, peer and staff support, counselling for alcohol and drug use, dealing with two-spiritedness, academic courses, recreational programs, structure, stability and so much more. The age ranges vary from program to program but, all together, we provide services for youth ages 11 to 24 years old. I do volunteer work as well and enjoy being a helping hand for both Redwire Magazine and the Vancouver Aboriginal Restorative Justice Project's community council. Being involved with the community helps me maintain a connection with urban Aboriginal people.

I will not be labelled for 'pity' by anyone. Continuing to walk with pride, dignity and self-respect will give me strength and courage to make my dreams become a reality. I am only human; when I am weak, I will take massive action by asking for support where necessary.

Honorably, I will continue to do my best to break the cycle of alcoholism and create a new, healthful cycle for my child. My son will learn to stand as a strong individual from my example; I know in my heart that is where I need to begin in order to stand strong with my people.

Also, instead of looking at life as a struggle, I will face life's everlasting challenges and hold on to my beliefs, values and morals in order to be non-judgmental. That will help me to stay open-minded for whatever my future may have in store.

A sincere thank you to our true leaders; the ones who are truly fulfilling dreams and reaping the rewards of success for the betterment of themselves and our people alike.

Respectfully,

Shannon Johnny

Kwakwaka'wakw Nation - Quatsino