Because so many First Nations men across North America have been marginalized by the dominant cultural narrative, it is no wonder that so many are barely surviving. Because so many aboriginal men have been torn from their families at an early age due to the impact of colonization on their parents and grandparents, they had no foundation from which to move forward in a good way. Because so many indigenous men were not provided with the necessities of life; including: a proper home, nutritious food, schooling, and most of all, love, they thought very poorly of themselves and the world into which they were born. Because so many First Nations men lost all connection with their culture because they were told that it was illegal to discuss it or because it was meaningless, they had no compass to guide them on their journey; they had no sense of who they were and where they came from.
- How is it possible for these men to feel safe in their world with no sense of self?
- How is it possible for these men to feel strong and capable of receiving or giving love when they were never shown affection from their caregivers?
- How is it possible for these men to feel any sense of safety or stability when they were moved from one foster home to another because they didn’t matter?
I think that for First Nations men to feel safe and able to heal and move forward in their lives, they need to know their place.
- Where do they come from?
- How did they end up where they are?
- Who allowed this to happen?
- What is their story?
- What is their truth?
- Who do they need to forgive—to let go off to proceed?
- Do they need to ask someone for permission?
- Do they need to have money to heal?
I believe that for these questions to be answered these men need to be provided with a safe place to share their stories—to unload their baggage before they can then receive new information. These men need to learn to trust others and themselves before taking their next steps. I hope that more and more First Nations men hear the call to come and heal; that they are worth it!
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