As Dee began making her way across to the west side of Newfoundland, Ann began researching community organizations for her to connect with and came across NAWN – the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network. An email was sent out and soon a reply came from Odella Pike. Interest in connecting was followed by an invitation to join in a sharing circle taking place at the Bay St. George’s Cultural Circle in St. George for people from across Canada attending the annual United Church General Counsel in Corner Brook. We were very grateful for the profound experience, the beautiful meal, the offer of a place to stay by NAWN member Mary Bungay Gaultois and the four hour conversation the next morning

Dianne Whelan & Mary Gaultois

Dianne Whelan & Mary Gaultois

at the NAWN office with Odelle and Linda Wells. Much was shared by these powerful, generous women including connecting us to Cheryl Maloney of the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association who connected us to Keith J. Julien with the Sipeknekatik Band who canoed the Shubenacadie River section with Dianne.

And thanks also to Mary and NAWN for the parting gift of extra rolls of toilet paper!

August 12 & 13, 2015