Artwork by my great friend  Tooth

I have sometimes expressed my sadness and my feeling of being defeated when it comes to helping my people. I have sort of found my hope with the beginning of the Idle No More movement, but as I was saying to her, it was of growing concern the way the establishment is going to try and shut us down like they did to the Occupy movement. There is a lot of darkness in our world, a lot of deceit, and a lot of pain has befallen upon many of us, especially my people. Some say the reservation is a failure, but I say it is a success, it is doing exactly what the government intended to when they forced us into them. There has been a lot of darkness, but I have to continue to brave through it, as best I know how, and with the same courage my ancestors had. I would not do honor to my name if I quit now, so I won't. I will Stand Firm. I am Stands Firm.

I am deeply grateful for my friend Tooth for drawing this emotional piece of art for me.