Skip to main content

Community Participation

For many moons I never got involved with local community events I’d stick to my own interests and hang out with my circle of friends.  Then some time ago my neighbour little Debbie suggested I might be interested in joining the Aboriginal Advisory Committee of Hamilton their meetings are held at the City Hall. Being active on social media and the author of Hamilton Native Housing/Urban City Living I thought this might be right up my alley.  Debbie and I talked for awhile about the idea so I decided to attend one of their meetings to see if I have anything to contribute toward aboriginal issues.  The committee members were welcoming and didn't mind me sitting in their discussion. It was a good learning experience.


Jennifer, a guest speaker & Lorraine
This summer I was invited to attend a local multicultural community group again I was apprehensive but I assured Lorraine Brown I would show up and I’m glad I did.  I’ve met people from other housing communities. I’ve talked to participates who live in the suburbs of Hamilton and travel all the way downtown to participate in the program.  Issues and discussions vary from sharing health concerns, life experiences and most important we do it in an open relaxed atmosphere.  No cameras about and no boring outreach workers in this community centre.  Many people will agree Lorraine Brown is a great advocate/counselor/outreach worker she has a lively personality and empathy for others which is why the group has grown immensely.  On Friday morning we had an educational field trip to the Hamilton War Plane Museum over 30 people attended plus Lorraine, her co-worker Jennifer and fellow tenant Linda Biggs. We boarded a chartered HSR bus and off we went to Mt. Hope.  warplane.com
I was in a good mood as we rode up the mountain and I could tell others were looking forward to visiting the museum. Andy is the class clown in the group he makes people laugh with his silly antics. We also have Sybil a dear sweet lady who is 81 years young and still full of life and laughter.
Touring the museum I never realized those old war planes were so huge and bulky.  Sort of reminds me of HSC Ingrid and the UNH’s Director. *joke*   :D
When we arrived back to the community centre we had a social gathering. Some of us helped Lorraine with the light snack trays then the participants sat down to eat.  Soon after I said my goodbyes to everyone and left. I encourage my fellow tenants to join the group there’s always room for more.
The downside was walking home to a dismal KMHC building as I proceeded to my floor I glanced at HOW Lynda Jones in the community room standing near the kitchen counter looking stoic. I couldn’t wait to enter the privacy of my unit to relax and reflect what a good day I had.  :)


Tk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wigwamin Terrace

After many years I received a call for Toronto Native Housing offering a vacancy so I decided to explore my options by attending a viewing of what's available. But first I did a phone interview with acting project manager Paul Feitelberg. He said my personal and financial information checks out fine then we talked about the negative reference I got from Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services. I was asked for my side of the story and I also invited Paul to read this blog site to find out more who I am.  A few days later I called Paul for an update, I was complimented on my blog posts and he could see the love and compassion I have for the Native people on this blog site.  Due to the Hamilton cyber attack it was difficult for Paul get a reference from my current housing provider so with my assistance I helped him get in contact with their office. I received an excellent tenant reference from my housing provider. When I asked about OAHS he said he's going to ignore their negative re...
2 comments
Read more

The Ladies of KMHC

I & friend Teresa Last week I attended a program host by NWC Hamilton, it was there I met up with six female tenants of KMHC.   It was nice to see the ladies again I was greeted with hugs and smiles.   The program was Holistic teachings by Jane Burning she spoke about the Creator and positive thinking.   I enjoyed the presentation though it was a wee bit long.   During lunch break I had the chance to chat with the KMHC tenants to find out how’s life going at KMHC.   Things haven’t improved most tenants don’t like each other and there’s a lot of negative energy in the building.   I offered a sympathetic ear and didn’t judge as they shared their stories. The big problem with KMHC is tenant Aunt Opie and I’m glad she didn’t attend the NWC program.   You may recall I spoke of her in past blogs, aunt Opie’s negativity spreads throughout KMHC.   She brags about sending false complaint e-mails about tenants and staff to Justin the head direc...
Post a Comment
Read more

Koo Gaa Da Win Manitou

I hope one day we can truly say there is a haven where older natives who experienced homelessness can find a place to call home and have the resources available for the best quality of life in their golden years. Koo Ga Da Win Manitou Housing Complex has a long journey in order to reach that goal. Perhaps more funding is needed or better trained/experienced outreach workers who can relate to tenants concerns and health issues. Programs that would interest all tenants as a whole would be nice. Most important we tenants must try to get along with their neighbours. (as the good book says "Love thy neighbour") I've been here less then a year and I've observed alot, we have a diversity of tenants living in the building from different reservations and walks of life. Some have problems with alcohol, prescription drug addictions, physical disabilities and slight mental disabilities. The one thing we all have in common is our health concerns, from chronic back pain to deadly...
1 comment
Read more