Sandi Boucher’s Post

We notice the upheaval, but do we notice the quiet? A few month's back a surprise and far-reaching event occurred in my world. In a second, what I knew to be true was no longer, what I was counting on was now gone, and I was left to question, ponder, and plan to survive. And survive I did. It took twists and turns, tough decision after tough decision but one by one, those decisions brought me to today. And today is calm. But as I contemplate the world that is social media and the person who is reading these words, I know without a doubt just how common upheaval is. So often, each and every one of us, are rocked to our core. Some will jump into action immediately. Some will remain locked in grief over what is no more and some will slowly, painfully construct their new normal. But do they notice? So today, my friend, I ask ... do you notice? Do you breathe in deep and give thanks on the days of calm? And yes, they do exist. They are the days when upheaval does not happen, the ones far enough from the last upheaval that they allow you a minute to breathe before the next hits. Today, I implore you, notice them. They are your fuel. They are your rest. They are your second to breathe. They are everything you need to survive when the next upheaval hits, when next your boat is rocked, when next you are thrown into the seas. Today is a day of calm in my world and for that, I give thanks. The journey continues ... Today, I pack. Today, I prepare because eventually, the next storm will come. But until then, I will enjoy the calm. I love you! HUGSSSSSSSS Sandi

The Card Game ... As I ponder the day’s activities, I cannot help but think it’s one gigantic card game. Thank you Creator for the card that is that email, call, or message otherwise delivered. Do I keep it? Do I discard it? Does it fit with anything else I already hold? Does it improve my hand? Decision by decision, my hand, day, and life are created. Sometimes JACKPOT. Other times not so much but the game continues. Each morning a new hand. Each night, I fold and head for bed. I try not to count at the table, saving that for evening reflection. Did I learn? Did I appreciate? Did I encourage? Did I give? The journey and the hand continues. Thank you Creator for whatever you deal today for I and so many others are simply grateful to still be in the game. A’ho.

Friend just posted this (hid her name to respect her privacy). Life in Attawapiskatt. #Canada2024

There is a way …

I sit here and smile at the abrupt change of plans. I had written a blog post for you. I was proud of it. I liked how the words flooded together effortlessly although I knew the metaphor I was using might get under the skin of some. It wasn't disrespectful. It wasn't meant to be provocative. It was simply a metaphor to describe my day and outlook. As per the norm, I emailed it to myself, from my phone to my iMac. Unread emails on my iMac are actions to take in my world, making it easy to copy/paste it into my social media platforms. But Creator, technology, or both had other plans. For some unknown reason, the message was blocked. IT is not on staff for hours and I am left ... having to write something else. Perhaps it is not what some needed to read today. Whatever the reason, I trust. These words will have to suffice. Time will tell if Creator/IT determine the previous one can be received. Today is not a swim up stream day after all, not in my world, and this is not the hill I will die on. The journey continues ... I love you! HUGSSSSSSSS Sandi

Noojmawing Sookatagaing Ontario Heath Team Leadership Event. Always thrilled to be part of such an amazing gathering working with such a powerhouse team. Thanks Dr Potts for adding so much to this event! ❤️

Today, my smile grows even wider as I celebrate the birth of the baby who made me a Mom once again. You see, my son's birthday comes next on the calendar, but it was my Babygirl who was born within a year of the passing of her elder sister. Cassandra arrived and from the first second, she made it clear she was not her sister. She was one of a kind and I wouldn't have it any other way! As I search for the words to describe the blessing that is my Babygirl, I can think of nothing except to say she is "SO MUCH!" (not ever to be confused with "too much"). In the body of one amazing woman, you will find a confidante, a fierce ally, a philosopher, a teacher, a sage, a witch, a child, a passionate spirit, and one of the best senses of humour I have ever been blessed to enjoy. Nowadays, I watch in awe as I observe the grace and elegance my Babygirl brings to cherishing her marriage and parenting her own Little Man and Babygirl. And my pride in her only grows which each year, for now she has added wisdom and experience to her many attributes. Happy birthday, Cassandra. May this day and the next year reflect back to you the pure joy you bring to the world. May you feel the love you give and the love I have for you, a constant that will never end. I love you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Mom

Today, the tears of the 8th are replaced with the smiles of the 10th as I celebrate the birth of my one and only son, my baby, now a full grown man. Little Man joined us earlier than planned. At only 32 weeks, his early arrival brought with it complications including surgery at only 6 weeks old. He struggled in a school system that was not designed for quiet thinkers like him, but with my support and the support of many, he found his groove. Now my son is on his own entrepreneurial journey, one I am once again thrilled to support. This new journey of his means our paths cross often and time together is ALWAYS filled with loud, spontaneous belly laughs as I savour my son's quick wit. Join me in celebrating my amazing son on his special day. Keith, I love you! Shine bright my son, shine bright, as only you can do! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

“Remembering who we were before the others came.” That’s how one beautiful elder described the decolonization process, but I’m going to take it one step further… "Decolonization is remembering and once again becoming who we were before the shame." Before our beautiful brown skin was equated with “dirty”. Before our arrival in a room, community, or at a meeting was met with disgust. Before the exclusion, the segregation, the ostracism, and the ongoing, never-ending marginalization. Before we were the second thought, forefront in people's minds only on June 21 and September 30th. Before it all … It will require blood memory, envisioning a personal strength and pride that predates most present day Indigenous lives. But we know we have blood memory. We know our blood remembers more than trauma. We know we can. It’s time to realize we must. The journey continues…

I AM SO PUMPED!! Tomorrow, I will once again have the honour and privilege of being part of the Noojmawing Sookatagaing Indigenous Leadership/Service Providers Sessions to be held at the Superior Inn in Thunder Bay. I have walked with this group since their first event and watched as they took a truly Anishinaabe journey together. At the first event, I smiled as they celebrated being in the room together after lockdown. They shared hugs, words, and frustrations and it was powerful. At the second event, they shared who they are and what they do and now, they are ready to discuss how to have each other's backs by sharing what they each can and can't provide. It is the Back to Back teaching come to life and I could NOT be happier! (More on that in my sessions tomorrow!) Join us if you can. We would LOVE to have you! (Note, service provider booths are all sold out but feel free to join us at the Leadership Event if you are one of our amazing Indigenous leaders.)