Individuals set example for all of us

Page 7

EDITORIAL

This issue of "Windspeaker" features a number of stories about individual Native people - their achievements, and their trials and tribulations in achieving them.

There's Pauline Dempsey, first recipient of the David Crowchild Memorial award recognizing her efforts in successful bridging the gap between the Native and non-Native communities.

There are Elvis Grey and Joe Courtoreille, who have fashioned meaningful and productive lives for themselves despite their blindness.

There is Ken Steinhauer, who realized that the secret to beat alcoholism was to find something to replace it.

There is Dwayne Hoof, who refused to accept the discouragement he encountered in choosing to pursue a career which has not appealed to Native people before.

There is Danny Charles, who faced the last days of his too-short life with dignity, fulfilling goals of his own and inspiring goals in other.

There is Phillip Bearshirt, successfully fighting against a system that would deny him rights touching on the very heart of his existence.

There is Denise Boucher, who refused to let a host of obstacles prevent her from achieving her educational goals.

Each of them can be an inspiration to all of us.

First all, they strived to achieve them.

Secondly, they did not let obstacles stop them.

And finally, they were willing to share themselves and their success with others.

Whatever we achieve as a group, a society, a nation, will be built on the determination and success of individuals, and the inspiration they provide.