Aboriginal - Girls Action Foundation

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I was walking through the quad at my university, having a discussion with a friend.
Throughout our walk we noticed signs and fundraisers raising money for tragedies and
misfortunes that had happened across the ocean in other countries.
I remarked that we have our own misfortunes and tragedies right here in our own
country, that it almost seemed contradictory to be financially assisting other countries
when we should be helping our own first, right here in our own backyard.
It took me 3 months to write False Images, because it really made me think.
My father is full native and my mother is a non-native, and I’ve always dealt with the
negativity surrounding being raised in an Aboriginal community. The stereotypes
we deal with, the negative comments and situations that come about due to others’
“assumptions”. I wanted to make a difference and show others who are trying very hard
to get out of the “False Images” that others have created for us, that it is not impossible.
Being an Aboriginal Women’s leader means doing whatever is necessary to show others
that you can go far in life, regardless of the situation. The only barrier to success is you,
and in my own personal life and career I follow that motto.
Being a leader means educating and guiding others, especially our youth, to make the
right decisions and providing for them a positive role model to turn to when they need
one.
When I hear someone tell me they can’t, I tell them all I hear is they won’t.
If I had listened to every person who told me to quit or stop pursuing my goals I wouldn’t
be where I am today.
I don’t make a lot of money, but I make a difference every day, with my family and
friends, my clients and colleagues, and with our youth, and to me that is worth its weight
in gold. If I’m not a leader then I am surely working hard to become one!
My Aunt Liz. Beatrice Johnson. Cheyenne Lazore. The woman I see in the mirror each
morning, myself. These are strong Aboriginal women.
Hannah Lazare