Just before our unexpected trip, I received an invitation to be on national TV.

Faytene has been an advocacy worker since 1997 focusing on topics such as human trafficking, racism, poverty, first nations issues, elder abuse, and women’s issues.  Her work has been featured across Canada and she now hosts a social justice commentary on the Christian network Yes TV.

I was not able to confirm arrangements  until we returned home but, miraculously, was still able to book a flight in time to be in Burlington for Jan 28 filming.  It was such an honor to be part of the passion and energy  of Crossroads Studio.

I was asked to speak from my heart and, after considerable reflection, my message was simply to please read my website.  The manuscript and links provide so much more valuable information than I could summarize in ten minutes.  In the meantime, I hope I was able to do justice to my two main causes of MMIW and prevention of sexual exploitation.

I’m not sure yet when my segment will be shown.  Faytene is featured Sunday evenings on Yes TV and can also be followed on You-tube.

Summer solstice in the northern hemisphere is when Sun blesses Earth with the year’s longest period of daylight.   The Alberta College of Social Workers called its members to acknowledge and celebrate the first people of Canada and to reflect on our path towards reconciliation as we learn new ways of knowing and doing.

Creator provided me the opportunity today to meet a beautiful mother in the city to find her daughter who was caught in the throes of addiction and exploitation.  The mom visits regularly, as I used to do, to see if there is some way she can convince her daughter to leave the drugs behind.  We reflected together about the silent community of parents like ourselves, heart broken by our children’s choices, helpless in the face of forces beyond our control, confused about how to balance caring and detachment while living our own best life.  We are many, often blamed or feeling shame for the random circumstances of birth and history that shaped our lives.

On the subject of turning darkness into inspiration, I want to acknowledge an amazing mom who was featured in today’s Journal.  Suman Virk, whose 14-year-old daughter Reena was murdered by  a group of peers in 1997, worked tirelessly to stop bullying and youth violence.  Suman died last weekend at age 58 in a tragic accident.  She received many tributes for her advocacy work in challenging other youth to change the world around them.  To descend into horror is never anyone’s first choice and the advocacy option often feels like consolation.  Nevertheless, I honor and thank Suman Virk for the work she chose to accept.

As we celebrate the fullness of light, there is much darkness to be dispelled before we can live together with equality and dignity.