I am a 63-year-old survivor of Indian Day School and Residential School, and a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Since April 3, 2007, I have lived a clean and sober life, a journey that began with attending a treatment center on Vancouver Island. My healing journey was further enriched by participating in Choices Seminars in July 2005 and Givers 1 & Givers 2. These experiences marked the start of my personal growth, leading me to coach at Choices and now Break Free Seminars. Through Super Choices and Super Givers seminars, I have embraced my identity as a proud Two-Spirit man.

Returning to college, I focused my studies on Child & Youth Care. For eight years, I worked with SN Ayas Menmen, delivering cultural and language lessons to the youngest members of the Squamish Nation, teaching them Squamish language and sign language. Currently, I am honoured to serve as one of the eight councillors on the Squamish Nation Council, passionately advocating for my community.

For 45 years, I have been a member of the Syewen Winter Spirit dancing community and have participated in Sundance ceremonies in Sioux Valley and South Dakota, where I received my Sundance name, Eagleday, from my Sundance grandfather, John Eagleday Sr. Since June 1979, I have been a member of the Shaker Indian Church. As a Men’s Traditional Dancer, I traveled throughout Turtle Island (North America) with my family, sharing our culture and traditions.
Chen Kwenmantumi – I am grateful.