Friends, the act of volunteering, stepping up to serve the community has always been a Dene tradition.
In fact, many Indigenous societies hold that the true warrior is someone who is always ready to help those in need, asking nothing in return.
From a very early age we were encouraged to go and assist, whenever we could in the community. Most often this involved cutting wood for the elderly or bringing blocks of ice for their tea, from the river, in winter.
When you grow up this way the Elders say that they 'already know' that you will become a good man or woman, for you've had a young start. They also say you will live a long life for having done so.
In my case the volunteering in the North really started about 2012 to the present. I still make sure I am home for at least two months of the year to do so.
Seven years ago, I began with Dene In the Arts, with full support from our K'asho Got'ine Community Council.
A while before there was a major problem, of the youth acting out, burning buildings in town, including our treasured two-story log complex, a combination band office and community hall.
The adults made it a point then to help out in different ways, to help out young people in anything to do with our Dene traditions.
Now it has come to the point that the youth are returning with even trophies, banners for volleyball, basketball and other events. Over the last several years my community activities have also included research for my Indigenous PhD Studies. Hopefully we will have a PhD for our town.
For such a small Northern community we had two murders in fours years. So, the RCMP got some key youth leaders involved in a prevention program.
They asked me to do some art-related events, which went so well we included one for women at risk.
Others in Radelie Koe/Fort Good Hope, who always step up when something needs doing are Vivian Edgi-Manuel and Brenda T'Seleie-Pierrot.
The lessons learned, of course, is to go out of your way, friends, make the time to do something, anything, to help out your neighbours, wherever it is you live. Mahsi, thank you.