Another eventful couple days in Webequie! We've been meeting with various community members to figure out what topics will be most relevant for us to start teaching next week. After talking with Cliff, the nurse in charge at the nursing station, we realized that highlighting aspects of substance abuse and STI's will be quite relevant due to the needle exchange program that is set up in the community. We also met with a mental health worker named Emily, who gave us insight into the different support groups available in Webequie, as well as the importance of discussing anger and grief management, bullying and conflict resolution. It has been nice to speak to a wide array of individuals, with many varying perspectives on where our lessons will be most useful.
We talked with a few school staff, Mary, the principal, Matthew, the grade 5 teacher, and Norman, the alternate education teacher. Mom's fear not, our next door neighbour is a NAPS (Nishanawbe Aski Police Services) officer, Bryan, who makes us feel right at home in the hotel. He is happy to give us tips and answer all of our many many questions. He is starting to warm up to us and might even be enjoying our company during meals. He has also been kind enough to donate an entire box of bottled water, so we do not have to continue our intense water boiling regime.
In other news, the weather has been rather unexpected as it is currently 17 degrees and sunny. Ironically, we wake up to the sound of skidoos in the morning, going across the frozen lake.
Our accommodations are working out well, minus the fact that we cannot figure out the phone or internet. It also looks as if we are living with a man as the toilet seat must be raised in order to shut the bathroom door due to tight quarters. On the plus side, we are learning how to maneuver in very small spaces!
Looks like a lot, but rationing has already begun...
Our wolfpack is looking quite promising, although there was a slight quarrel this morning between 2 members of our little family. We think they have sorted out their issues though and using our conflict resolution lesson, we are looking forward to moving forward in a positive light. During the slight episode this morning, we befriended two young girls in the K-4 and K-5 class, who found our backpacks and rainboots quite amusing. Starting next week we will be meeting more kids in the school and hopefully they will be as easily entertained by our antics.
Stay classy,
Bryan's Besties. (we wish...)
Hey Wolfgang,
ReplyDeleteJust trying to figure out blogging. My bookclub was very entertained by your exploits so far and we know your classes will be as amused by you as we are by your blogs. We are relieved to hear that you have police protection and have not yet been mauled by wolves. Best of luck at school on Monday. Mom
Hi Honey!
ReplyDeleteWhat happened with the wolfpack? You kept me hanging! Were you out running again and were those beasts chasing you??? I think you had better get your police buddy to join your jogging group with his rifle! Are you running out of food? Can I send something up to you? Miss you tons! I am going to try and phone today, keeping my fingers crossed that I will get through to you! xoxoxo Mom
Well when I first met Meagan, Hilary and Sarah in the hotel kitchen, I was a little shocked; I was wondering why three "ladies" were up in Webequie. Usually it's just construction workers, or MNR or miners coming through. But I found out that they were here to teach classes/courses to the youths and was happy to hear that the outside world is helping the remote First Nation communities. I've gotten to know them over the past few days quite well and even heard some funny stories about them, especially the one about Meagan being a "big eater". I've had to hide my food from her already. haha. But I'm glad I got some company in the hotel for the next few weeks, gets a little boring when you're the only person in the hotel. But don't worry "mothers", the wolves (rez dogs) won't do anything, they've probably just never seen three girls running/exercising before and just wondering whats going on! haha. Anyways, if you girls need any help over the next few weeks, I'm glad to lend a hand.
ReplyDeleteCst. Bryan Doherty
PS. Still don't understand the "Bryan's Besties" part. haha.