The first and only time I left Ontario was when I traveled around Lake Superior to attend spring ceremonies in Michigan. I was 15 years old at the time, so you can probably imagine how difficult it was to get on a plane for the first time, let alone leave behind both family and familiarity for 8 months.
I am Anishnawbe from Wasauksing First Nation and my home is here on Turtle Island. Yet much to my surprise I was able to feel at home on the other side of the Atlantic. From the first time I walked through the door of my host family’s compound, I knew that things were going to be different, but at the same time Ghana quickly became my new home. Of course, it helps a lot when your host-mother says upon meeting you, “Call me mama, I’m your Ghanaian mother now.” It’s that kind of hospitality which made me feel a sense of belonging time and time again throughout my stay in Ghana.
I've often found that words have many limitations when trying to express emotions and meaning. I mean, back at Trent University I had read about economic disparity, inequality, the lack of basic human needs, yet I somehow felt detached. I’ve since learned that nothing can be written which compares to meeting the people these issues affect and getting to witness some of their experiences. Sometimes I wonder, if everyone in the West had the chance to take part in something like the Trent-in-Ghana program, would they still think the same way about the world? Would they still think their actions had no impact? I witnessed many strong individuals and communities who have inspired me to bring the same effort and drive to the work I do here. I now have a strong desire to be more involved in different communities where I once wouldn’t have been.
I truly believe that we all have paths before us, which if followed, can lead to real positive outcomes. During the placement period of the year, I was fortunate to work in a media-based advocacy Non-government organization called Rural Media Network (RUMNET). While there I had the chance to produce a documentary about Waste Management in Tamale, and write stories for their newspaper, the ADVOCATE. From this experience I was motivated to pursue a career in journalism, which now finds me in the midst of Ryerson’s Masters Program. I was given an opportunity and found an interest in something I may not have had otherwise, and for that I am eternally thankful.
In Ghana I felt and saw things that have empowered me to challenge who I am, where my people are headed, and I now see potential for positive-outcomes where once all I saw was conflict.
Chi-Miigwetch.