My name is Jeremy Raven. My roots stem from my reserve of Brokenhead Ojibway Nation. However, I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I was raised in the north end of Winnipeg. Growing up in the inner city. Through my childhood, I became aware of the effects of intergenerational trauma. I was exposed to various forms of destructive lifestyles,  from gang culture, violence to substance misuse. This upbringing led me to cope with my internal battles that had me searching for my own answers in similar ways.Developing my own addictions at a young age, I can say that I know firsthand what it is to be a prisoner of your own mind. Furthermore, understand how it feels to be free from the chains of unhealthy habits. I have lived with addictions for many years and struggled with my mental health. I also know what it feels like to try regulating my emotions, and it feels like a losing battle. Taught at a young age. I was shaped to live by a certain code of ethics, which I believed to be true at the time, only to realize after years of being involved with the justice system and walking my own road to redemption, that it was a harmful destructive street-mentality and a selfish way of living. This learned behavior is all for the self-gains motivated by greed and carrying the weight of infamy. Today, I am a proud father, sundancer, a pipe carrier, a mentor community helper, and most importantly, im healthy and can keep showing up for myself in a good way. If not now, then when, if not me, then who.

My names is Terrence Morin I was born in Thompson MB grew up there tell I was 11 got tooking away from my mom and put in the CFS system for many years so right from the start at a early age I was in some kind of system, I’m an Ex-gang member from wpg I come from incarceration did many years behind the wall, I got out and went to treatment to better my understanding of my Addiction as I am a Recoverying  Addict in my time that I’ve been out my life is changing for the better I Graduated from Adult Ed got my Mature Student Diploma and now in College and taking Addiction and mental health Diploma program. Culture played a big part in my Recovery I’m a Sundancer, Ogichidaa Dancer, I’m a Pow-wow Dancer I’m also Scabe for our people.

Hi my name is Glen Hondz. I was born and raised in Winnipeg Manitoba . As a youth and into my teen age years . We moved around a lot between the ruff parts of the city north end and Elmwood area . I was looked after by my mom and dad along with my three sisters . As a very young youth I started doing crime and being surrounded by drugs and alcohol at home and in my community . I was influenced by gang culture . I started getting in trouble by the law from 8 years old to 14 years old . And this went on into my adult life . I’m a survivor of gang culture , Incarceration , and addiction . I was lost and disconnected from spirit with no sense of belonging and no positive support to look up to . It took going to a federal institution Stony mountain to realize that it’s time to make a change in my life . I didn’t want to cause anymore hurt to my family my community and myself .  That is not the legacy I wanted to leave behind . In the institution I started to get involved with culture started to learn about intergenerational trauma and the impact of residential schools . And it was passed down to my generation and the generations of today . I started my healing journey . Today I love and follow the Anishinaabe way of life called the red road . Along with my brothers the Four Sacred Hearts . I am a scabbe for the creator . I help others and support men and youth who need support . A role model a mentor . I sing and drum . I am a Sundancer . An Ogitchidaa dancer .  A pipe carrier . I am a helper for the community doing community walks . I am going to be working on my education . I am 14 months sober today thanks to culture and the supports that I have today. 

My name is Timothy Jeffery Allen Barron Jr, I am born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I am a second and third intergenerational trauma survivor, addiction survivor, incarceration survivor, and former ex gang member. I grew up in poverty with a mindset of making money, through selling drugs, closed minded, angry, trying to be the tight guy. 

My uncles were gang members and I wanted to be just like them. At the age of 15 I began to serve time inside institutions up to the age of 35. I struggled with keeping relationships with my family, friends and jobs. I spent roughly 14 years of my life in and out of jails. I dropped out of school in grade 10, only to think I would become like the movie scarface. Growing up I followed lots of people. I never thought I’d make it to the age of 35. I sobered up at 35 years old. Went back to school, received my GED, went to College to study Addiction and Mental Health. I received my Diploma. I work as a traditional Counselor at a five star treatment center. I work action therapy with some of my biggest mentors. I’m a sweat lodge conductor, Sundancer, Ogichidaa Dancer, Traditional Ceremonial Singer, Pipe Carrier, and a man with a big heart. Currently, I am going to be initiated into my first degree Midewiwin. 

Indigenous Spirituality and Ceremonies have been such an integral part of my spiritual healing journey. Today I am breaking cycles of Intergenerational trauma and guiding others to do the same. 

Chi Miigwetch for taking the time to read part of my story.