STORIES / Okara’shòn:’a
The story of how we met
I didn’t want to go home early, especially not on a Sunday night. So, he gave me a ride home and then we kind of made it a habit. Whenever I’d see him, I’d say, “Can you give me a ride home?”
Resilience and recovery
Back in May of 2023, I underwent a significant operation on my legs due to a blockage in one of my veins.
They breathe, we breathe
There is another way to live with one another that acknowledges and understands that we are part of the land our Mother, we are not separate from her.
Playing sports
I played all kinds of sports growing up and excelled in most of them, especially softball and football. Eventually, I began coaching men's and women's softball here in The Pines. In the 70s and 80s, we played a lot of softball games against different communities, like Kahnawà:ke.
Giving thanks
When I was growing up, my parents always made me go to kindergarten and church. My mother was a teacher, and she would take me with her.
Fan for life
The thing about Winston is he knew the game so well because he lived baseball. This guy knows more baseball than anybody I ever met.
Triple play
When they put the ballfield where it is now - next to the Kateri hospital - the patients would come there and watch. I played the outfield, I played shortstop, and I played third base. I even pulled a triple play.
Wanting to learn
To discuss in our language what we can do for the community would be wonderful. That's where I see our younger people who have learned the language stepping forward and taking over leadership.
Creating trade routes
We used to trade with other nations and bring goods up to Quebec City to get lobster and salmon in return. There were talks at the Chiefs’ table at the Iroquois caucus about creating trade routes.
Keeping warm
My grandfather was born during the civil war, 1862 I think. He was born before Wounded Knee. He did a lot of travelling around the country. In those days there was no welfare, they couldn’t get money to eat. So, they had to work.
Train collection
I’ve got sets and sets and sets of trains. I’ve got buildings, I’ve got cars, buses. I bought them in Montreal, Massachusetts, New York City. My wife didn’t understand how much I liked trains, but she didn’t stop me. It’s my hobby.
Passing Knowledge Along
The first time I got introduced to medicine, I was a kid. I used to go pick wildflowers for my mother. I remember picking violets. They were so pretty. I picked a whole bunch of them.
Memories in the Garden
Being outside in the garden all the time, strange things happen that wouldn't ordinarily happen if you’re just sitting in your kitchen.
Just a business
I graduated from Chatelaine Business College in June of 1964. I was 18 and I started working in August for Dominion Bridge. I didn’t have a good job at first. It was the mail room then the print shop, but I made my way up eventually.
A comforting feeling
Church was just something you did. It was part of your week, and we always felt good about it. I remember our family had our pew where we always sat.
Learning on the job
The people that I worked with helped me. If I couldn’t say the word and if they could, they’d tell me how to say it. I received my education right there with those workers.