Purpose Statements - Ka Ni Kanichihk

Noreen Bailey, WinnipegKa Ni KanichihkNoreen Bailey grewup in a smallcommunity during a timewhen it not acceptable to beof “mixed blood” ancestry.Growing up in that environment, itwas important that everyone “pass” (as awhite person) in order to “fit in” at school andbe able to access opportunities that all theother children in the community had.“My grandparents came out of the days ofscrip, country wives and they would have losteverything had they acknowledged the mixedblood in the family,” Noreen recalls.After completing high school, Noreenbecame a teacher in Lynn Lake. It was therethat she began to make changes in her life,including beginning a life of sobriety. She saidthat she will always be grateful for the friendsthat she met in the north for their support andencouragement.Noreen had a daughter who was part of the‘60’s scoop. Today Noreen and both of herchildren have a wonderful relationship. InDecember, she will become a greatgrandmother.Noreen has “wandered” through manycareers in her life journey as a school teacher,a free lance writer, and small town newspaperreporter, a life skills coach, a programdeveloper, back to being a teacher. She is nowworking as a counselor in the addictions field.“The Elders say that life goes full circle andmy life has. As I look back now I see that thelack of safety I experienced at times as a childhas been at the core of all I have done.”Noreen was introduced to the teachings of theNavaho people. She was mentored by aNavaho woman for many years and was giftedwith responsibilities for a pipe that she carriesfor the people. Many of her teachers havepassed over to the next life, leaving her with agrowing sense of responsibility to teach youngwomen how to live their lives in a good way.At present, Noreen works in the AnchorageAddictions Program, Salvation Army whereshe is one of the counselors. “I have learnedthat loving, honesty and generosity of spirit isat the core of healing, that our culturalteachings support us as we journey throughthis life. I have also learned that laughter healsand that the courage and resilience of peoplekeeps them walking together towards living ina good way.”Miigwetch Noreen for sharing your spirit andfor your courage to stand in your beauty as abeautiful Anishnaabe Ikwe. Ka Ni Kanichihkis deeply honoured to put your name forwardfor this recognition.