CHALLENGE YOURSELF
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HIGHWAY OF TEARS
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FINDING SOBRIETY
NEW TRIBE magazine STOP V AGAIN IOLENCE ST W OME N
Rain, Resurgence & The Sacred Hoop by Cara Mumford
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CHRISTIANA LATHAM
*YOUR CITY, YOUR PROGRAMS *TRIBAL STREET STYLE NEW TRIBE HEALTH
Free Vol. 1 2 Issue 1 MARCH 2013 Now Available online www.usay.ca
NOTEBOOK from*the*editor Hello New Tribe Readers,
Magazine events? Feel free to search us out on Face book Welcome to the March 2013 and join our growing friends issue of New Tribe Magazine. list. We post upcoming events, It may not seem submission like it with the r e q u i r e me nt s latest blizzard and deadlines, we had but and fun stuff spring is on the like upcoming way and with it movie nights exciting times and book for New Tribe clubs. It is also and USAY. a great place Keep checking to comment out New Tribe on stories or for updates and articles you also at www. wish to see in usay.ca our upcoming issues. In this issue of New Tribe magazine we covered some serious issues to try and keep Do you have an opinion on this awareness high regarding issue of New Tribe magazine? violence against women and Good, bad, or ugly send in the importance of keeping your thoughts and we will safe and free from harm. We print it in the letters section. published a fantastic photo essay from Cara Mumford and Spread the word, and stay true I urge all our readers to check to it. it out on page 20. John Medeiros Need updates on upcoming Managing Editor USAY and New Tribe
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Calgary’s Aboriginal Youth Monthly usayeditor@gmail.com Managing Editor John Medeiros Graphic Design Aboriginal Design Group Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth Suite 600, 615 Macleod Trail South Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8 403.233.8225 Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland Program Manager Rachel Paris Office Manager Jessica Hawryluk Board of Directors President Sarena Provost Vice-President Amanda Gonet Treasurer Melaina Patenaude Secretary Cheryl Hanley
NEW TRIBE is a monthly magazine. Our mission is to promote a positive outlook on Aboriginal living in an urban setting by promoting information sharing within the Aboriginal and youth communities Opinions expressed in submitted work/letters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of NEW TRIBE or USAY. This magazine is a forum for Aboriginal youth to speak their minds and share their stories without intervention. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for plagiarism of the works in the magazine. All writings are presumed to be the original work of the contributing authors.
Special Thanks to our Community Partners & Funders
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CONTENTS
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20 MARCH
COVER STORY
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NEWS BRIEFS
15 24 TEARS
7 WHAT’S GOING ON?
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COMMUNITY
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STREET STYLE
10 HEALTH
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MUSIC REVIEW
12 ON THE TABLE
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MOVIE REVIEW
14 POETRY
34 AMANDA FOX
15 COMMUNITY
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POETRY
16 YMCA
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U AROUND TOWN
18 FINDING SOBRIETY
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SPRING CAMP
COMMUNITY
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NEWS*BRIEFS
Aboriginal Happenings From Across Canada RCMP questions claim of 600 missing aboriginal women
included a Liberal proposal to strike a special committee to investigate the issue. This week also saw a report from New York-based Human Rights Watch that accused the RCMP in British Columbia of abusive acts, including rape, against aboriginal women.
The RCMP is questioning the oft-cited claim by an aboriginal group and some federal politicians that about 600 aboriginal women have gone missing or been The number 600 — used murdered in Canada. repeatedly in the House On today’s edition of CBC of Commons this week Radio’s The House, host — comes from the Native Evan Solomon says that when Women’s Association of he contacted the RCMP to Canada. In 2005, they began confirm that there are 580 a program called Sisters in cases of aboriginal women Spirit — a five-year research, who were either missing or killed in the country, the education and policy initiative force said it wasn’t aware of funded by Status of Women Canada – to collect data about 500 of them. and examine the causes The question of exactly how of the missing and killed many aboriginal women are Aboriginal women and girls. missing or killed in Canada They say they documented comes during a week that 580 aboriginal women and included the Annual Day girls across Canada as either of Justice for Missing and disappeared or dead. That Murdered Aboriginal Women number counts cases until on Friday, and a debate in the House of Commons that 2010, the year their funding 4
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was not renewed. But spokeswoman Sgt. Julie Gagnon said in an email that the Sisters in Spirit have shared the names of 118 alleged victims with the RCMP’s National Aboriginal Policing Services. Sixty-four of the 118 names were confirmed to be in a police database, while 54 could not be confirmed. “The RCMP is concerned with the over 500 possible victims from the Sisters in Spirit database that have not been shared,” she said. The RCMP said they investigate all cases of missing and killed people regardless of sex, ethnicity, background or lifestyle and run special programs to investigate the aboriginal women file. SOURCE -CBC NEWS
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What’s Going On? MARCH,2013 March 07 - 09 Annual $100 Film Festival Plaza Theatre Calgary, AB
March 17 Sarah Brightman in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
March 07 Maroon 5 in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB
March 20 Billy Talent in Concert Stampede Corral Calgary, AB
March 07 - Apr 06 Petawawa Martha Cohen Theatre Calgary, AB
March 23 Raffi in Concert Jack Singer Concert Hall Calgary, AB
March 09 - 17 International Festvial of Animated Objects Vertigo Mystery Theatre Calgary, AB
March 29 - 30 Easter Eggstravaganza Calgary Zoo Calgary, AB
March 13 - 17 Calgary International Auto & Truck Show BMO Centre Calgary, AB
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Calgary, AB
March 30 Rihanna in Concert Scotiabank Saddledome Calgary, AB March 31 Fort Calgary: Hop into Spring Fort Calgary Calgary, AB
Calgary Flames Home Games
03/03/2013 6:00 PM Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames 03/06/2013 7:30 PM San Jose Sharks @ Calgary Flames 03/13/2013 7:30 PM Detroit Red Wings @ Calgary Flames 03/15/2013 7:00 PM Nashville Predators @ Calgary Flames 03/24/2013 6:00 PM St. Louis Blues @ Calgary Flames 03/27/2013 8:00 PM Colorado Avalanche @ Calgary Flames 03/29/2013 7:00 PM Columbus Blue Jackets @ Calgary Flames Calgary Hitmen Home Games 03/01/2013 07:00 PM Swift Current Broncos @ Calgary Hitmen 03/09/2013 07:00 PM Lethbridge Hurricanes @ Calgary Hitmen 03/10/2013 04:00 PM Red Deer Rebels @ Calgary Hitmen 03/12/2013 07:00 PM Medicine Hat Tigers @ Calgary Hitmen 03/16/2013 07:00 PM Kootenay Ice @ Calgary Hitmen
Calgary YMCA Rec night Every Tuesday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
If you have an event you’d like us to include in our monthly calendar, email it to us - usayeditor@gmail.com by the third Wednesday of the month. Submission deadline for the April 2013 issue: March 27
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HEALTH
Early Prevention of Diabetes Can Begin With You by: Christine McFarlane
Diabetes affects Aboriginal peoples in greater numbers compared with mainstream and multicultural Canadian populations. It is a disease that was virtually unknown in the Aboriginal population until the 1940’s and has now reached epidemic proportions. Knowing what diabetes is and how you can be proactive about its prevention is integral for everyone to understand, and it can begin with you.
insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, your body does not make or use insulin well. Your system can end up making too much insulin and your body will not recognize it. Without enough insulin, glucose stays in your blood, and when there is too much glucose in your blood, it can lead to serious problems. It can damage your eyes, kidneys and nerves. It can also cause heart disease, stroke, and even lead to the amputation of a limb. With Type 2 diabetes, your Diabetes is a disease in which pancreas is functioning but your your blood glucose or sugar body is just not using it well. levels are too high. Insulin is a This is called insulin resistance. hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them Your muscle, fat, and liver cells energy. With Type 1 diabetes, do not use insulin properly with your body does not make insulin resistance.Your pancreas 10
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tries to keep up with the demand for insulin by producing more, and eventually your pancreas cannot keep up with your body’s need for insulin and the excess glucose builds up in your bloodstream. This means that many people with insulin resistance have high levels of blood glucose and high levels of insulin circulating in your blood at the same time. When this happens, your system gets confused. A current project Transforming Diabetes in Urban Aboriginal Toronto has been documenting challenges and successes of program delivery and the experiences of those living with diabetes in the Aboriginal
COMMUNITY community in Toronto. It describes tangible, practical tools for both health and social service providers, encompasses both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal service providers and individuals in the Aboriginal community who live with diabetes themselves. Youth involved in a focus group within this project have specific concerns when it comes to discussing the rate of diabetes being higher within the Aboriginal populations and how it affects their overall health. They are aware of the colonial legacy and colonial policies that play a role in the way society has shaped how everyone sees the world around them. It is these colonial policies that have led to a switch in diet for many Aboriginal people, especially urban Aboriginals. One participant in the focus group suggests, “Some people don’t have very good eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, not moving, not being active, and this contributes to why aboriginal people have higher rates than other groups because we have been introduced to this kind of like consumption culture.” The youth involved in the focus group are very much aware of diabetes and the complications it can cause. They know that diabetes prevention needs to begin while they are young. A few participants who joined in the conversation talked about family members and how often it has been both parents that have been diagnosed with diabetes, and how
they have had family members pass away from complications associated with the disease. The youth also stressed an overall importance on spiritual, mental, emotional as well as physical well being as integral to good health. They would like the ability to use Aboriginal traditional practices alongside western healing methods, have access to health information and know which sources to engage with, and also feel that if there was better accessibility to healthy food choices, it would be beneficial.
level. On a personal level I have learned a lot on the need to begin prevention now, which has led me to a healthier lifestyle and better choices. It also helped me to understand the disease and how it affects those closest to me.”
“I heard individual, first hand stories of how diabetes has impacted members of our community and their families. It has been a journey that has really engrained in me the impact of diabetes on people and how important it is for all of us to work Living in the city has its challenges together to affect change now to when it comes to accessing prevent future generations from healthy food. It is easy for anyone the disease.” to walk down the streets of a metropolis like Toronto or other To be proactive in the prevention big cities in Canada and see that of diabetes, Abel suggests “Find a fast food is a lot cheaper and easier local program that promotes an to access. The accessibility to fast active lifestyle through exercise food produces a conundrum for or sports or start something urban Aboriginal people. Instead with your friends and other of taking the time to head to an youth. There are also excellent outside market, they are faced programs that teach cooking with having immediate access to healthy foods on a dime, or you the many fast food chains that can start your own cooking party. are spread around the city. Easy Working with others always leads access to fast food means that to more success, so get friends instead of thinking about what and family involved.” your food is made of, and what it can do to your body, you are less For more information on diabetes and how you can be proactive self-aware. in its prevention, visit your local Krystine Abel, a third year health or community centre, Aboriginal student at the pick up a brochure from your University of Toronto who doctor’s office, start a dialogue was involved in the project as with your friends and family or a peer researcher says “being visit a diabetes website like the involved in diabetes research Canadian Diabetes Association in the Aboriginal community at www.diabetes.ca has been extremely rewarding on a personal and professional NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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FLAVOR
On the Table St. Patrick’s Day Fudge INGREDIENTS 4 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup butter 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk 4 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows 18 oz. (3 cups) semisweet chocolate chips 2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, cut into pieces 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 (6-oz.) pkg. white chocolate baking bar, cut into pieces 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract 1/8 teaspoon green paste icing color 2 tablespoons chocolate sprinkles DIRECTIONS Line baking pan with foil so foil extends over sides of pan. Grease foil. In large saucepan, combine sugar, butter and evaporated milk; cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows, stirring constantly until mixture is smooth. Remove 2 cups mixture; place in medium saucepan. Set aside. To mixture in large saucepan, add chocolate chips, unsweetened chocolate and vanilla; stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Quickly spread mixture in greased foil-lined pan. Add white chocolate, peppermint extract and green icing color to reserved mixture in saucepan; stir until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth. Pour evenly over fudge in pan; spread gently to cover. Sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles. Refrigerate 2 hours or until firm. Remove fudge from pan by lifting foil. Cut into squares. 12
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coloring
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POETRY
Standing On Barren Land By: Christine McFarlane
Substandard housing Concrete oors These are not Warehouses Yellow lighting Bulbs burnt out Hanging from cords I squint Unseeing Winds whistling through Rushed buildings Down to the foundations Flood prone lands That threaten to Displace Inmates huddled Behind Treaty walls While empowered eyes Dissect and disgrace
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Community
HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY? The Native Student Centre of the Student’s Association of Mount Royal University is calling for submissions for their launching of RED WORDS 5th edition! RED WORDS is a compilation of artistic photography, short stories, art work, poems, essays (500 words max) on Aboriginal content and/or Aboriginal experiences (18 and up). Edited Word documents, pictures of art work and photography may be sent to nsc@samru.ca for submission. Once submissions are finalized, they will be printed for publication. Also, the planning for a RED WORDS 5th edition book launch is in the works!! So get excited people, because if your submission is chosen, you will be invited! Last but not least, feel free to express yourself through your submissions. We yearn to hear your voice as we are open to reading your thoughts. Sincerely, Ursula Vargas Costa | Head of the Editorial Board Native Student Centre | Student’s Association of Mount Royal University
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COMMU NITY
STACIE HIMMELSPECK NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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Community
finding sobriety
by: Wo Wetha This reflection was written at a dark time in my life. What many people would refer to as rock bottom. The reason that I am sharing this is because I want others to find themselves in these pages. As colonized indigenous people we have been oppressed for generations in many, often unimaginable, ways. One of these ways has been the unleashing of the spirit known as alcohol upon our people. This spirit is a powerful one which was developed, I was once told, by kings to control peasants. This makes perfect sense when you consider how powerful and controlling this spirit actually is. Just look at how many of our people battle with this spirit, how many lives this spirit has claimed; those of the innocent, killed by drunk drivers and violent alcoholic rages, and others who were eaten away by its degenerative effects on the body, those who lost themselves completely and saw self-inflicted death as the only escape. It was and remains a form of controlling people, by making them so powerless that they begin to think that there is no other way to live. It is only when one takes an honest look at the
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spirit that we can truly realize its destructive and powerful nature. Over the course of the next couple months I will examine the process by which I found myself in an abusive relationship with this spirit and how the community I was born into, which for the most part was a sober traditional one, came to find itself surrounded and embedded with alcohol. I will begin by recounting how I was able to break free from this relationship and to find myself. It was a difficult journey, but one that was necessary in order for me to gain the knowledge that I possess today. I hope that by sharing this others will find a way to break free of the oppressive nature of alcohol. Finding Sobriety Today I went to my first meeting with my mother. I was feeling terrible about the somewhat recent breakup with my wife and was driving out to the Reserve to possibly find a smoke and try to forget my troubles, when I thought that maybe I should give my mother a call. I stopped at a gas station and called her from a pay phone. She answered and told
me to meet her in a nearby town. I headed over and waited for her. When she arrived we went over to eat at a local Vietnamese restaurant. We talked about my situation and she related her experience in dealing with separation and the feelings of anxiety, pain, suffering, longing, loneliness, depression. She told me that it was ok to cry and that if I felt like it I shouldn’t hold in my pain. She told me that when her and my father separated she cried every day for a year. I’ve cried many times since my partner left. I told her that I was trying to quit drinking and that I had been sober for 2 days, the longest time in years. I told her how hard it was and that I had come to realize after my partner left and I stopped drinking; the immense destructive effect that alcohol had had on my life and relationships. There was no part of my life that had not been adversely affected by alcohol. I wanted to stop drinking. She suggested that we go to a meeting for others that had been in the same situation as myself. She looked for a newspaper but couldn’t find one, so she made a call and
COMMUNITY located the meeting. We rushed over because it had just begun. We made it: at this point I was completely broken and beaten. I cried. I spoke. It felt good. I was reassured by the others and heard stories of success. I wanted to change my life. I wanted to be a better man and I could do this by first being a sober man. I thought to myself what I wanted in life and I wrote this down: “My goal is to stay sober for as long as I can. I know it is very difficult to avoid alcohol but I don’t ever again want to give it control over my life. I never want my loved ones to suffer because of my disease. I want to rebuild the relationships that I have broken. I want to find peace with myself for all the pain that I caused, for the grief and regret that I carry. I want to be a role model for my children. I want to be a supportive person to my children’s mother who took the worst of my alcoholism. I know that I can’t give her back that time, but I can make sure that she never has to be afraid of me, either being drunk or high, ever again. Her forgiveness is something that I aspire toward, but it is hers to give. I will never again seek to abuse her emotions, her body, her mind or spirit. I will support her in her journey of healing as she stood by me through the worst of my disease. I love her with all my heart and I thank her for opening my eyes by doing what was most difficult: leaving the one you love. I hope that one day she will forgive me and we can rebuild our broken relationship that was sunk by the hurricane that was my addiction. One day I pray that we may once again find love in each other’s eyes and hearts; the love that we had before my addiction pulled me away; the pure love that we shared, the love that we built together. But until that day comes, and it may never come, I will live a sober life and be the best man that I can be. The years with her have been the best of my life and I want to be here for the years to come.
I will be a sober father for my children. I will never again drink around them. Show anger toward them because of alcohol. I will have a clear mind so that my emotions are truly mine and my children and I can have a healthy relationship which is built on trust and love. I want to be a good parent. A loving, kind, gentle, father who would never scare them or make them feel bad or sad. I will do this by being sober and by making sure that I am able to spend every opportunity that I get with them. I will be there for them. I will teach by example. I don’t want them to make the same mistakes that I made, to take someone’s love for granted, and to mistreat people that they love. This is NOT how I want them to live or for them to think that it is ok. The only way is to show them by being the best father that I can be. I hope I can forgive myself, eventually, but it will be a long journey, filled with many lonely nights and trials, challenges and pain. With the Creator guiding me I will have faith. I will take every day that I am given as a blessing and a gift. I will not worry beyond the day but look to how I can make the most of it. I will be in the moment so that worry does not temp me to drink ever again.” It was incredibly difficult those first few days and weeks. My body and mind were crushed from the breakdown of my relationship with my wife, and I came to learn, with my body’s breakup with this spirit. It was only when I pushed myself and sincerely believed that it was possible, that big changes began to take place. My mind-state and body eventually started to clear, though this was a difficult and arduous journey. Only by giving myself over to something greater was I able to achieve peace within myself. I was tested after my first week when I found myself alone searching for a meeting. As I wandered the streets, filled with the sounds of raucous drunken laughter all around me, feigning good
times, searching for this location, I wondered whether or not I was meant to find it. Whether I was searching for something that wasn’t there, whether or not I should just give up and go home to rest my tired mind and body. I found myself in a dark alley with no place to go. There was no door to enter. The only sounds were those drunken laughter floating down from the two storied bar next door. The night was chilly but not too cold, not for a wandering soul such as I. I couldn’t give up. I knew that somewhere in this dark space, was what I was searching for. I walked up to the seemingly solid brick wall and to my amazement; I found a door, hidden amongst the graffiti. I buzzed and as the door opened up, bright light poured out, welcoming me. I had found myself at my destination. I realized then that sometimes the things that we need most are right in front of us. We can’t let our fears, anxieties, our doubts hold us back. We simply must walk up to that seemingly impenetrable wall and believe that we will find a way through. We must believe. The path that I am on has been one of spiritual re-awakening and selfdiscovery. The next step is to examine how I came to be this way. My story is not unique and I hope that every person can see some aspect of themselves in it. It is important to share what we learn. Not to seek power over others but to use the power of education and learning to teach, heal and empower others. We must be living example for others to follow. We can create a greater societal change when we clear our minds and bodies. We gain new power to overcome the difficulties placed in our path and to build unity which strengthens us as a people.
Wo Wetha is a Sioux living in the city who currently attends University and is hoping to graduate this year. Wo wetha was raised in a traditional community is fluent in the Siouan language. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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HIGHWAY OF TEARS Highway of Tears: a poignant term for a beautiful, sinister stretch of highway. Many, many tears have indeed been shed for women who have gone missing from this highway since 1969. The most recent disappearance was less than two years ago, the last known homicide less than three. Although one man has been posthumously tied to as many as seven of the murders, and another man to one, the majority of the missing women’s families wait for answers...and for justice. Highway 16 Breathtaking, rugged, and largely isolated, the Highway of Tears is a 500-mile section of Canada’s Highway 16, between Prince George and Prince Rupert, 25 miles from the Alaskan border. It was first dubbed the “16” in 1942. It originally ran a more northerly route, but construction brought realignment; although it previously ended in New Hazelton, in 1947 24
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the highway was extended to the coast. In 1953 it expanded eastward to Prince George. Today warning signs pleading with women not to hitch hike jolt travelers through its scenic beauty into perhaps involuntary awareness of its dark side. Case histories of missing women Many of the young women who have gone missing were, indeed, known to be hitchhiking. Although easily a condemned practice today, when the murders began in the late 60s it was common practice.
been adequately considered by the RCMP. Who were these women? Of the 20 under official investigation by the RCMP, the youngest victim was Monica Jack, just 12 years old back in 1978 and out riding her bike. The oldest victim was the next victim: Maureen Mosie, 33 years old. The first victim? Gloria Moody, age 26, in 1969. The most recent? Loren Leslie, 15 years old, in 2010. The most recent disappearance was Madison Scott, 20 years old, in May 2011; her body, if she has been murdered, has not been found. There was one murder in 1969, six in the 1970s, two murders/one disappearance in the 1980s, three murders/two disappearances in the 1990s, and two murders/three disappearances since 2000.
Twenty missing or murdered women are officially tied to the Highway of Tears investigation by the RCMP. However, the unofficial number of victims may be as high as 43. Over half of those missing are Aboriginal, and a side story to the Highway of Tears murders is their claims that investigations The most startling break in these of Aboriginal women’s cases came in September 2012, disappearances or deaths have not when the RCMP announced the
COMMUNITY first suspect ever tied to any of the murders. Colleen was just 16 in August 1974 when she talked her brother into covering for her as she hitchhiked to her friend’s house. Her body was found a month later. In 2007, DNA collected from her body was resubmitted to a national database and matched an unknown male; in May 2012, due to advances in forensic technology, the DNA finally identified Bobby Jack Fowler, who had died of lung cancer in prison in 2006. It was the oldest DNA match in Interpol history and Colleen MacMillan’s family finally had closure, 38 years after her death. Since then he has also been tied to the deaths of 19 year olds Gale Weys and Pamela Darlington in 1973, and may have been responsible for ending the lives of six more women on the Highway of Tears. However, imprisoned since 1995 after the attempted murder of a woman in Oregon, he could not have committed the six murders occurring since that time. Authorities believe the drifter, who lived in 11 U.S. states and believed women wanted to be violently sexually assaulted, may have committed as many as 20 murders in all--seven in Oregon alone. The only other Highway of Tears victim tied to a known suspect is Loren Leslie, 15 years old. Cody Legebokoff, 20 years old, was spotted by an officer on routine patrol driving away from a logging road where the legally blind girl’s body was soon found. She had befriended Legebokoff online. Authorities charged him
with four murders, the other three being adult women involved in the sex trade and not linked to the Highway of Tears. He will stand trial in September 2013.
women, knocking on doors and interviewing people; he believes more is to be gained this way than by detectives in front of computer screens or billboards asking people to call in to a faceless What has been done agency. It would seem much more E-PANA, formed in fall 2005 information could be gleaned by and costing an initial $11 million delving into the aboriginal cases; (Canadian), was the first official perhaps that is the informational commission formed to investigate pool through which an additional the Highway of Tears cases. It killer or killers could be identified. included bodies found within a mile of Hwys 16, 97, and 5. Precautions women should take Since that time they have amassed It seems incredulous that any 750 boxes of files. They have woman would, after more than identified 1400 persons of interest 40 years of murders along the and interviewed 60,000 people. Highway of Tears, hitchhike there, One of the investigators reports yet that is what 22 year old Tamara chillingly that in the course of the Chipman was doing just several investigation they have discovered years ago when she went missing men who had vans on which inside and left behind a three year old door handles had been disabled, son. Clearly, the public relations stocked with duct tape and wrist campaign to discourage hitchhiking restraints, and even modified to is ineffective. Women in this area include trap doors. In April 2011, of Canada should be exceedingly a 20 year old woman escaped from aware of their surroundings and an elderly man, driving a van, who should never travel alone. Any was attempting to kidnap her; a suspicious interactions should be sketch of the man was generated reported to local police or the task and distributed, but the lead went force directly. cold. Clearly the work of more than What more needs to be done one murderer, the Highway of After a recent CBS “48 Hours” Tears homicides remain largely episode aired regarding the unsolved. However, mysteries beg Highway of Tears, the RCMP to be solved, and it is hoped that received 30 new tips; CBS received through a fortuitous incident, a 10 directly. The investigation glimmer of understanding, or the continues, and the officers assigned confessions of someone who can clearly feel a pressing commitment no longer bear the secrecy of his to bring justice to the families who behavior, the families that have wait for answers. One private either buried their loved one or are detective who is no longer with the waiting for her will someday have RCMP simply goes through the answers. communities with missing young NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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photo by Brad AJ Georgekish
First Nation Cree Youth Trek 1,100km in Social, Political, Quest for Unity Right now as I write this, six Cree youth under twentyone years old and a guide are embarking on the inspirational journey of a lifetime, trekking through harsh and rugged arctic terrain bearing the torch of their tribe and that of all indigenous peoples of the world before and after them. Setting off on January 13, 2013, their statistical mission is to cover the 1,100 kilometer distance from their community of Whapmagoostui, Quebec along the Hudson bay to Ottawa, Ontario, where they will arrive at Parliament Hill, the seat of the Canadian federal government. Having trained 26
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allies, to reclaim indigenous ancestral roots and culture, and to inspire all of humanity to do the same. Their vision is to revive humanity’s connection to the voices of its great ancestors, or “Anskuusheyuuch.” It is the hope of all those involved with the Quest of WisjinichuNishiyuu that these ancestral voices will be heard once again through legends, life lessons and and storytelling. It is believed that with ancestral strength and guidance, all of humanity can return to Oneness, Unity, Their greater social mission is to Balance and Unconditional restore these trade routes, to re- Love for All Living Things. create and reconnect historical extensively for the mission, with utmost attention to maintaining fitness and vitality, the group will complete the journey completely on foot, pulling gear by hand on sleds, aided by snow shoes and other gear constructed in the traditional Cree fashion. The physical journey is of historical and ancestral significance because it follows the ancient trade routes of the Cree, Algonquin and Mohawk First Nations, the indigenous people of Canada.
COMMUNITY Cree Chief Stan George states, “They will walk to deliver a strong message to other First Nations across Canada that the Cree Nation of Quebec are not sell-outs, but true keepers of their language, culture, traditions, and more importantly today, that the Cree Nation continues to respect the sacred laws of our ancestors. The time to stand united is now, we support the Idle No More movement and respect the duties entrusted upon our leaders. Through peaceful processes, unity, and proper negotiations, we can solidify our rights to ensure the Earth and our way of life will be fully protected forever.” This Quest of WisjinichuNishiyuu, meaning Quest for Unity of Humanity, is just one movement inspired by the collective Idle No More Movement. The Idle No More Movement is an ongoing peaceful political protest spearheaded out of necessity by the Aboriginal Peoples of Canada, a group consisting of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples and their nonAboriginal supporters. It was in reaction to historical and current continuous abuses and violations of indigenous treaty rights by the Canadian federal government. The movement’s
official website offers much heaviness and emptiness that more information here: http:// surrounds us all, but they will idlenomore.ca/. return home as Great Men, our Warriors!” The Journey’s members are Travis George, Stanley George At the time of this article, Feb. Jr., Raymond “Bajo” Kawapit, 24, 2013, the group has arrived Johnny Abraham Kawapit, in Waskaganish Territory, Geordie Rupert, David Kawapit Quebec. According to up-toand guide, Isaac Kawapit. For the-day Facebook updates, the individual young men, the supporters have been joining the trek marks the journey into seven walkers along legs of their manhood. Several of the youth journey. Today, they have about celebrated their 18th birthdays sixty walkers accompanying on the journey, and the youngest them. The journey is a quest for walker is 17 years old. As current oneness, for a better future for temperatures in this terrain all. It is a journey in the name of rarely rise above 15 degrees protection of Mother Earth and Fahrenheit and with windchill, the Natural Kingdom. It is seven plummet down to as low as inspirational leaders and many -50 degrees at night, the trek is supporters working together to of great physical, mental and inspire political transformation, emotional challenge. Along the social and environmental way, each young man will grow responsibility, universal balance exponentially in his navigation, and harmony through action. survival and leadership skills. There is great social media The journey is a physical one support around the Journey for sure, but it is also a journey of Nishiyuu. They keep a of the mind, heart and spirit in Facebook group up to date with which the “Sleeping Giants,” as pictures and status updates here: they are known traditionally by https://www.facebook.com/ the tribe, are awakened. Each groups/nishiyuu/. Currently the individual must learn to dance group has over 28,000 members with each “Giant.” The Sleeping and followers worldwide! Giants are Courage, Honesty, Their official website features Humility, Compassion, Respect, tons of information, photos, Sharing and Wisdom. Chief contact info and a place to make Stan George states, “They donations to the cause: http:// left as young men to carry the nishiyuujourney.ca/. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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The idea of youth and style promotes this ability to be uninhibited about selection. As we try trends, and muse over celebrity style, the door is wide open to cover oneself in a variety of chic ensembles. This is the time in life to try on anything and learn about what works for your body, and features. One day grunge, the next boho, tomorrow athletic chic. This teenage experimentation contribute to refining the essence of a young adult as they develop their personal style. The first time I met Shayla, she was new to the city and embarking upon her career as a model and aspiring actor. Having been asked to bring some clothes in for wardrobe, she dug into her bag and began to pull out a variety of
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items. She explained how she had quite a wardrobe to select from as she had just finished High School. We visited about this for a minute, as I recalled my High School days and the freedom there was at that time to express oneself by curating a wardrobe. Her style caught my eye right from first glance. It is rare for me to not want to change a single thing. My inner stylist always wants to add a pop of colour, or mute out something else. In the case of Shayla Stonechild, this does not happen. Every outfit she selects for herself works, and she knows how to accessorize to compliments her natural beauty. I asked her where she likes to shop, and she shows me her
designer cross-body leather bag informing me that she found it at a Thrift store for ten bucks. Her shopping bags tell me that she is a beauty on a budget, and works hard to pull together a wardrobe for photo shoots that can double for city life. As a working model, and student at Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts, her attention to detail is profound in that she is camera ready as part of her daily ritual. Shayla Stonechild has entered the world with a bold look, and some serious style. Embraced by the western fashion industry as an “It�girl, and holds her own while maintaining role model appeal. With her star on the rise, Shayla blazes ahead as our March Fashionista.
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BEATS
Turn up the Volume By Katty Jo Rabbit
Kate Nash Girl Talk Has it really been three years since we have heard from this fit British stunner? Yes it has been, wow, there was a fleeting moment there when it seemed like her last album was going to be the last time we would have heard from her, as she was walking a fine line towards obscurity. But here we find her alive and well, with her third full length album ready to drop March 4th. First impression, it felt like she has sat down one day, found two other girls who were trendy and feminist, who of course were also marketable; and decided we are going to try and included as much of the 90’s “angsty” female rock as we can and then splash it with pop and reoccurring themes. Which is great, most of the girls from this era still haven’t event moved on because every time you go look for a Hole or Le Tigra album they are sold out. So for sure this works and if it works then why bother. Somewhere between all of this there are some new styles coming through, you can tell she is doing her own thing, although she does get lazy and just sing lines over and over it creates a sense of bored attention usually apparent in feminists who exist on another level. Not sure if this is the message intended but it just feels like it, it’s a good listen overall, something to drone out the traffic. After the sixth or seventh listen, there are actually some really great aspects of this album only because there are a few moments that it feels like true emotionally invested song writing where there are raw lines paired with some great bass lines, if you haven’t figured that out, yours truly has a thing for bass lines. Over all check out the songs Are you there sweetheart, and Sister.
The Strokes Come Down Machine Seems like the old has become new, and that forgotten vibe has been made once again, with boys fighting never lasts too long. This will be the bands fifth studio album, it has been highly anticipated as it was rumored and viewed that they would no longer be as for the last album in 2011 Angles the lead singer Julian Casablanca had recorded the vocals separately. Again something that made individuals think that this was the last, but really a two year break must have done wonders, because the it is found in the listening that they have returned but not to the same stage. A lot if all has to do with the fact that there are some brand new elements, romantic easy highs, and gritty solid lows, you can’t this anywhere else except in a band that reached major success only to fall apart, make rubbish and then come back together. For all you super fans out there prepare as March 25th is the release date. Before you would expect fast edgy garage rock, really rushed catchy riffs, and bored indifferent lyricism, this time it feels relaxed. Light, when best friends who have had a falling out and they return but have grown a little in their friendship and in their understanding of each other’s boundaries.
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BEATS
Music You Can Feel In Your Toes Tyler, the Creator Wolf Catchy, vulgar, and quick witted, yes he is back, and with him he brings a new third album. This album has been talked about for the past year, but who said that Tyler was the best at staying on track, with tour dates, and art work set up it is actually amazing that he was able to get it together to make video press release with OFWGKTA crew member L-Boy sky diving and relaying information as to the plans of Tyler. Crazy how his last album Goblin was out and about in a matter of time, and this all due to the fact that Tyler, “was only 18 and broke as f*%K” seems like now he has too much money to care that his fans are starting to salivate at the ideas that are coming up in sporadic interviews. In one interview with SPIN magazine, Tyler revealed that he wants to focus more on beats and not so much on rapping. Just listening to the teasers it is apparent that he is living the glamorous life, gone are the days when cutting up people was the topic of the day. With songs like “Bimmer feat Frank Ocean” you can tell already that the nostalgia is laid down thick on the tracks, and this is a great time to do just that. Lay down and relax, take a listen with no expectations and know that you are in the hands of Tyler, the creator, who knows where you might end up, but what you can guarantee is that there will be some great artwork and some good tunes to keep you company, oh and it should all be fun and games. Concrete Knives Be Your Own King With a testimony like that it is expected to be catchy and uplifting, but thank you Concrete knives for not doing it in a sickly sweet sort of way. Yes, you must listen to this album especially if you’re getting a little squirrely due to the weather. Sometimes you just need a good tune to remind you of the future and how past regrets do not need to be revisited. This all passed in the time it took to listen to the debut album from these indie types from Northern France, but ten songs are not even enough to get to know the band. Most of the time it feels like they are just trying to get the best out there and hopefully the second time around we will be able to catch the rest of the meat and potatoes. Generally the album is a freaking great listen, it’s fun, it’s catchy and it’s call and answer male and female vocal harmonies. It is also a lot about just being in the moment, because the moments pass frequently, with great tasty little hooks, it is just not enough to satisfy the hunger for fun with friends and summer time, but it sure sets the stage. Check out these tracks if you want all of your wildest dreams to come true: Brand new start, Wallpaper, Truth, Bornholmer. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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MOVIES
See You at the Movies Starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich Warm Bodies was directed and written by Jonathan Levine based on the novel Warm Bodies by Issac Marion. Though Levine is known for horror and drama film, this paranormal romantic zombie comedy showed a new approach in that he developed a deeper concept for what it means to be human. The movie stars TV star turned movie star, Nicholas Hoult as R, Teresa Palmer, a well known Australian actress, as Julie Grigio, the young woman R feel in love with and 30 year veteran actor, John Malkovich as Julie’s father. Other characters include Nora (Analeigh Tipton), Julie’s best friend, Perry Kelvin (Dave Franco), Julie’s boyfriend, and M/Marcus (Rob Corddry), R’s best friend. The direction the movie toke reminded me of the Twilight series, which I loved. R reminds me of Edward, in that the lion feel in love with the sheep.
During a zombie apocalypse, a zombie R spends his time roaming an airport filled with the undead including his best friend, M. R and M sit and occasionally talk through moans and groans. The movie is narrated in R’s point of view which makes it even more intriguing. R talks as if he’s thinking, but as we all know zombies can’t think, or can they? The movie goes on to show R, M, and other zombies go out for lunch. While on their journey they find Julie and her friends whom her father sent to gather medical equipment. R see’s her is drawn to her, then R see’s Perry in front him. R kills Perry and eats his brain which gives R Perry’s thoughts. R spots Julie and saves her from hi fellow friends. During their time together R grew to love Julie, and want to talk to her more, but when she leaves and goes back home to her father, Colonel Grigio, R realizes that the undead are changing and he needs her help. When he reaches her, the Bonies, skeletal zombies, are enclosing on the human enclaves. Julie and Nora try to convince Colonel Grigio that the zombies are changing, but he doesn’t believe them, shooting R, and causing him to bleed. After Colonel Grigio realized his daughter was right his team and the zombies killed the Bonies and a cure was found. I especially like the fact that in the end Julie tried to convince R to remember or give himself a new name, and he choose to keep his name as R because he was content with his new life.
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MOV IES
See You at the Movies
by: Tia Ledesma
Starring Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman The Hobbit Fantasy, Action and Adventure- Rated PG13 Director Peter Jackson returns to the beloved creation of fantastical world of dwarfs, elves, and orces and of course hobbits in addition to other amazing creatures and characters from the Tolkens book series, with The Hobbit. Although the The Hobbit reprise characters like Cate Blanchette and Hugo Weaving as their elven selves and Gandalf in younger years, The Hobbit is different in character and atmosphere. If you went to see The Hobbit because you were expecting a Lord of the Rings kind of movie, you will be disappointed, so go with an open mind of a different kind of expectations of a great fantasy adventure movie. Young and old will enjoy this movie regardless of previous experience with LOTR. The hobbit is a different in many aspects in tone and in feel. The movie runs for close to three hours (2h.38min.), but I was too immersed in the movie’s humor, characters and battles to care. The Hobbit is about Bilbo Baggins and his life prior to the story of LOTR and his epic journey and adventures to Lonely Mountain. Bilbo is reluctantly sent on a close to impossible quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom from the keep of a treacherous dragon. Along for the journey are thirteen unruly and comical dwarfs, and long time friend Gandalf, and along the way encounter Gollum with his “precious” The Hobbit is great for preteen boys and girls because the story line is easy to follow as well as the characters and fantasy world is amazing by itself. The battles are epic with death and furious destruction, however there are many and they seem to last for longer then the time they spent otherwise. They face many obstacles and welcomed relief such as the elves, orces, goblins and magical tools, giant fearsome eagles, and many more. Overall, this would be recommended for a family outing with older children who are able to sit for a long period of time.
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COMMUNITY
Challenge Yourself: a calling to all by: Amanda Fox photo by Keegan Starlight
Hello New Tribe readers! My name is Amanda Fox and I am from both the Siksika reservation and the Morley reservation both in southern Alberta, Canada. I have an equal understanding in both cultures; however I lived in the city a few times while growing up. I moved to the city at 18 to continue my education because I wanted to “be” something. The city is where I began to be challenged. Sometimes in life there comes a time where one decides if they want to start taking on a challenge. Stretch or stimulate your mind and soul and don’t forget to take care of your body also. A challenge can mean something different to each person, which is sometimes achieved instantaneous, or requires life long endeavor, so I will only talk about my experience as an example and where is it leading me. I dropped out of high school to continue education my education in the city, because it is sad to say I wasn’t learning anything new at the Morley high school, and in my opinion I seen their education curriculum is a whole other issue in itself; For example, on the math handouts for grade 10 were 34
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photocopied from a grade 7 math book. Living on the reservation and/or in the city is challenging for anyone in there own way, but I
paid and I was attending school everyday to reach my goal with the help of friends and family. School was all that mattered at that moment. I received my certificate in the Aboriginal Education Program in 2005 and got Top grades in Pure Math and Calculus but not so well in English, so with that in mind I thought I would challenge myself and become an engineer. I went to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and it was not easy so I started to question if I really wanted this. Just when I felt like taking a break I got a much-needed boost to keep myself going and so my hard work got me a scholarship! With my hopes high and my life on track and on the road to my destination I had seen a sign that said, “detour?” I am think it is all on how you adapt (in talking about the Alberta College respects to achieving your goal in of Art and Design (ACAD). whatever you challenge yourself in.) Everyday I passed those free spirits off the train and up the stairs, and I moved to the city and adapted. I then we split our separate ways did my very best and sometimes like the left and right brain. I failed, but I didn’t give up. always loved math and I realized it Sometimes I had to skip lunch when I started to solve challenging and didn’t have extra money to equations in my dreams. I think go out to the movies ect, but I am I developed a healthy addiction proud because all my bills were solving equations, and this was my
COMMUNITY ‘fun’. Math aside my other passion was art. In my free time I would draw, paint, bead, sew and just make stuff. Creating something was so soothing and enjoyable. I was attracted to art because it is freeing. In math there is sometimes only one solution and in art you can end up anywhere all covered in it, devoured by it. Art and math can be significantly compared. Math has steps to solving equations and figuring out the different variables and art has a problem solving aspect to it, which is the creative process. The creative process asks you many questions on how you are going to achieve your goal and is it the best way to reach it? Who do you want to reach? In 2006 I had a meeting with admission to see what my options were. I had a peep talk prepping me that there are limited spots in the program and portfolios are reviewed with a fine toothed comb, but I could always apply again if I didn’t get in, but in 2007 I got into ACAD and I was excited! It was all fresh like all new beginnings are. At ACAD the learning process was completely different and way more challenging to me, but it was what I was searching for all along! I felt like my life was finally starting. As I took more classes, and challenged myself in classes that I never thought I would put towards my education and practice. The basic year gives everyone the technical skills you would use in future art, but after that you’d have to choose something to major in. In the beginning I thought I wanted
to be a design major in digital arts and media technology (MADT) because in this day and age everything is digital…well in the first world everything is involved with it. Although design proved to be challenging it wasn’t in my heart. I thought it would be cool but in the bigger picture I wanted to help the youth and adults from what I learn at ACAD and give back to the indigenous community locally and globally. Most of the teaching art boils down to the bare bones of technical skills (how it is done) and methods. I thought the more skills I knew the more I would be able to teach it to people. Every instructor at ACAD has their own methods on showing you how to do something, but at the end of the day we achieve our goal in one way or another and one day I want to develop my own way to teach. Jewelry was what my heart wanted and I knew this when I was in the jewelry studio and eating and using the washroom felt like an inconvenience and a waste of time. I get lost in jewelry and find that I am constantly learning, growing and adapting to what is put on my plate in jewelry classes. There is so much to talk about when it comes to jewelry and I think I will save that for when I get my degree and teach it. It doesn’t mean I can’t teach basic skills right now. Jewelry goes had and hand with fashion and design and it’s a great choice for me and my personality, but it took me this long to find that out. Keep in mind I am not good at everything but that
doesn’t stop me from trying it out and why shouldn’t you? I always hear “I can’t draw” and I say “you can hold a pencil and spell right… well that’s drawing and start there and practice , practice, practice!” I wasn’t always good at math. I made it my goal to be good at it. You can at least complete the task you set yourself to do even if you fail you tried, and try again until you reach your goal. Right now with the new year here I want to start giving back to the indigenous community in opportunities that come my. I am starting to collaborate with who ever I can work with to get some real world experience to further my career and hopefully develop a clientele, because after all it is going to be my job to make art for people. It is good to reach out to someone new (no matter what their background) because you can learn a lot that is not written in a book or taught by an instructor. Hopefully I reached someone by them reading this and for those people I say, “Challenge yourself”. Apply it to any aspect in your life and stick to it until the end and see if you want to take it a step further one goal at a time, and do it with love in mind. My definition of love is: forgiving, non-judgmental, love has no face, but just is. Feel free to check out my facebook page (Clever fox by Amanda fox) or email me at: perpetualchimera@ gmail.com Thank you for your time. NEW TRIBE MARCH 2013
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POETRY
Idle No More by Kesley Praire Chicken Some people may look at me and see a criminal to the core Never seeing that I m a loving father just like any other Yes I’ve made mistakes just as everybody has I’m labeled as a criminal the judgment has already been passed How people see me their vision only goes so far To some just another statistic a number that raises the bar I’m what some people may call an animal To some not even considered to be an equal They walk on me like they walk on this land that was taken No longer it’s time to step up it’s time to take action I’ll light the fire and re-kindle their lost spirits Make them remember our once and still beautiful heritage We are the rightful owners of this beautiful land You guys robbed us of what is ours so really you’re the bad men You pass judgment so quick when it is you to blame Just because we were nowhere near the same You come in and try to destroy our values and our beliefs When it is you who needs a spiritual retreat If you don’t know me you shall know me now……….. I’m Native!!!!!! I will now and forever be proud to say it.
Mom by Marlon Ledesma You would think that I didn’t understand the meaning of tough love Then again my heart pounds the difference to maintain Knowing life to have a revolving pain Thoughts for a memory That’s what keeps me sane Wishing you could have stayed forever Are the moments we laugh together Time added up. Its unexplained No emotions I don’t want to see my sorrows fade. Tears aint dropping to feel my battled rage. Were only human to show another face Remembering theres so much you can take Holding on to the fact You’re in a better place. In my blessings, our friendship We will meet at heavens gate Mama turned out an Angel She just gave us love in a different way. 36
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usayeditor@gmail.com
U AROUND TOWN
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