The beauty within a child...

Germany is a beautiful country, Ganz vielen Dank Deutschland for everything given to me...and is now my home...

After my trips abroad or throughout Europe, flying back home to Germany. Seeing the familiar land scape, gave me a happy and warm feeling inside...I am home again...

How I came to Germany/Europe in 1998...

In early 1998 in Vancouver B.C. Canada, I met a german theater owner, and I told him the story of my life. We then developed my play" Transformation...", that he and myself both co-wrote and co-produced. It was how the Welfare Scoop affected me and my whole family forever. How our children were taken forced and either put into residential schools or the Welfare Scoop throughout Canada and of my healing journey, later in my life. Afterwards I had to re-edit most of it because of many cultural historical misunderstandings. Later in 1998 I then took that leap of faith, I flew to Germany. My theatre play, was sold out throughout every city in Germany/Vienna-Austria, with huge success, where ever we toured. So in 1998 then truly began my own personal journey of healing plus my journey of re-discovery. I have never looked back or regret taking this life changing decision, with coming to Germany/Europe. My personal life changed completely for me and for the better...with a lot of life lessons learnt in the process...

Education is the key...

As a First Nation storyteller, is to tell the stories honestly but not in a negative portrayal, only of the truth. Throughout Germany and throughout Europe, when ever I shared my/our stories. Europeans were totally shocked and horrified knowing the extent of the genocide and the genealogical genocide, systemic racism history of Canada. Many would say to me "Oh please Jim, do not tell me this, it takes away my image and romantic idea`s what Canada is to me..." Also I also told them how I suffered culture shock because how I was being treated with respect and kindness in Germany/Europe...it was new for me. I could of made good money in Europe but I refused to play Winnetou(imaginary native that Carl May, a german writer wrote about)and feel as if I didn`t sell out my culture or my soul...it was/is a decision I have never regretted making. Storytelling is about education of the unknown, it is as simple as that. I know Canada is my birth country, feeling the energy of the native cultural history of my family, makes me feel proud of my native blood lineage. Canada has recognized me and my work many times throughout my art career, something I am proud of and will live within my heart and mind, till my last day here on Mother Earth. With humility, I am proud of knowing that long after I am gone, my legacy as a Canadian native artist/poet/storyteller will remain. That I lived my dreams and am happy and content with how my life went, living overseas in Germany. I hope this will a positive reminder for future generations of our native children, that they too can be happy and live out their dreams...aho

I have to admit what I do miss living in Germany...the culture, pow-wows, round dances, sweat lodge, the laughter and the land...

I enjoyed working with children in the different schools systems, International Schools, Rudolf Steiner schools, Kindergartens, different levels of the State schools systems in Germany and throughout Europe. For the younger children as a native storyteller, specially under the age of 11, to be more gentle as a educator. I worked with Universities in Germany, museums in Germany also, there I could really get to the reality and core of native life in a colonialism mentality, even to this day. I am proud that I have never shared in anger or disrespect, towards my country of Canada but more of the reality. Land claims, justice system, political environment of reconciliation, human rights with the UN, the collusion of the government/welfare system/RCMP and all the christian churches involved with the residential school/Welfare Scoop fall out, the on going missing and murdered native women and children, not safe drinking water on many reservations still today, living with poverty, proper education for native children, reconciliation with the sexual abuse and worse of the Catholic Church and others churches involved in residential schools and outside of the native communities, the shocking discovery in 2021 the findings of 215 unmarked grave sites of native children in Kamloops British Columbia, who never made it home, this process has only just started, there are many more residential schools sites throughout Canada that have yet to be investigated and searched...the list goes on. Only the documented truth, not said in hate or untruths, this was very important to me as a native person from Canada. To share and educate our First Nation children first/communities, to tell our stories to the people of Canada and educate the world of the worst genocide in modern history, that is hardly ever mentioned or even admitted about in public or history books. My elders taught me well to understand what the ancient native traditional teachings truly mean, one is that I have learnt so far...Is no matter one`s age, one never stops learning, for me this traditional teaching is humbling to me...

For a number of decades, slowly many native communities have been rebuilding their communities. Now throughout on many native reservations, communities are building native schools on for their youth, Inter city infrastructure of healing, learning to be pro-active within the family, healing centers, elders programs, out reach programs. Native colleges and native universities for the future generations for our youth, to better their lives, through education. Native run hospitals, spiritually using both ancient traditional native medicines also with modern medicines. Organizing new educational programs on healthy diets to curve health issues such as diabetes and many other health issues. The structure is based on intercultural places of learning, not only for First Nations people, but for non-natives who are willing learn about the past/present/future evolution of change. APTN, a nation wide native television station, for our stories to be told and for all canadians.

Education is the key...

I have often said in public and within the schools systems; "With change, comes pain...". If true reconciliation is every going to become a reality, honesty, social changes throughout the education system and society in general, has to happen first. Denial does not work anymore. Both sides have to learn to work together, for our children and the future generations. Heal and except wrongs and misjustices that took place...Remember, this will takes many centuries of dedication, hard work, to heal the nation...

All My Relations...

EDUCATION IS THE KEY...

As a anishinaabe storyteller, I have painted, written or spoken, and it was never in a negative tone. A few years ago, I was asked to come and speak with the students at the University of Bielefeld, Germany. I was also interviewed for a documentary via Skype that the students were making. Afterwards I was sent the finished documentary and was so impressed what they had done. They did their follow up work and it was very professionally done, they had done their researched...it was very honest and was very well made...People can upload this documentary free of charge and it is not for sale. But it is to be used for educational purposes only. This is a request from the University Bielefeld and myself, we humbly do thank you to respect our request...

All My Relations...

Behind the Mask of Multiculturalism...

"From assimilation to reconciliation..."

The Doctrine of Discovery and Papal Bull doctrine, needs abolished,

Before any reconciliation can ever begin, needs to be admonished...

History changing, a universal truth, no more hidden or no more lies,

Done in the name of god, a moral sin, abomination, no more deny...

Truths shaking the foundation of church and of nations, to the core,

Rewritten history books, reconciliation needed, and so much more...

This for all future generations, to heal and let go, be left in the past,

Creator watching, spirit of ancestors, true reconciliation, for to last...

This is for our children, many colors of the rainbow, work together,

A brighter future, healing our mother earth, she is our true mother...

From assimilation to reconciliation, the challenge, to make change,

The human spirit, is the key, what is within us all, we are the same...

All My Relations...❤

The beauty within a child...

A true story...When I work with children, I believe that if I touch one child, then I have done my work. I know I have touched many...Here is one example, One of my favorite schools was in Mannheim, kindergarten and lower grade school. Most of the children were trukish and other nationalities, from poorer families for a number of reasons, broken homes etc. I would tell a story of my dreams when I was child, going to the major cities throughout Europe. I would mention cities I still dreamt of going to, one was the city of Paris. My next trip, I repeated my story and a young Turkish boy came up to me and handed me this blue pyramid with the Eiffel tower inside. Only later in the evening, I realized why...he wanted me to go to Paris ❤ I ended up going, while I was there I bought a beautiful scarf showing the Eiffel tower and land marks in Paris. The next time I went to this school, I searched for this boy, he had gone up a couple of grades. The teacher from the kindergarten came with me. I told him, I fulfilled my dream of gong to Paris and thanked him for his beautiful gift he had given me. I gave him the scarf and healing stones, thanking him and hugged him. The teacher had tears in her eyes, she couldn`t believe what she was witnessing. We even met when he was a teenager...What goes around, comes around...A true story of the human journey between two human beings...aho

I have many stories similar with children, from Canada and Europe over the decades...that money can`t buy...❤

As a anishinaabe storyteller, all I have tried to do is tell our stories...Not feel sorry stories but our reality. I have tired to speak for the thousands of us children stolen and put into the welfare system/scoop. Many of us have never met our blood families or blood relatives. and may never will because many have past away, records are difficult to find or even get, even in 2022. I have spoken in public many times, to large audience or groups and I have always said; " Be very happy you are not a indian..." I am not sure if they really understood exactly, what I meant by this,,,But, our people are a strong traditional spiritual people, we are doing our very best to heal from the past in justices we went through. Reconciliation takes two, we are ready but are they...All our nations are working for a better tomorrow and it is for the future generations. Why I have decided and have started to write my own personal story and ta have it published. To share with thousands of children and adults who understand the trauma and sense of loss, still doing your best to survive and still become successful and happy. For our future generations...aho

"No one knows..."

No one knows, I hold an empty lonely feeling deep inside,

Hidden from everyone, no one can see, but me, try to hide...

Not unless you lived it, will you ever understand, my sorrow,

Stolen family, culture, connection, wish for a better tomorrow...

No one knows how deep my pain goes, something I live with,

Only in my dreams, what might of been, wishing every breath...

No one knows, have someone hate you, of color of your skin,

Where your ancestors come from, where time for us, did begin...

No one knows, how it feels being all alone, what did I do wrong,

Decades later, still feeling the same, heal to make myself strong...

No one knows, never to have ever met your own mother or father,

Never met most sisters and brothers, a hollow hole for ever after...

No one knows, how empty or my heart is broken, lasting forever,

But I try to be strong, trying to move on, believing in the creator...

No one knows...

Intercultural anishinaabe teacher and storyteller...

Throughout my art career as a intercultural teacher, I have always tried to be as positive and honest with all children. I found that children 11 and over, I could be more direct and honest. With kindergarten and up, I enjoyed the role as a grandfather/teacher, having fun with them. You would be very surprised what questions even they asked me at such a young age. As a First Nation storyteller, I would share my personal stories and of what was happening in Canada, past, present and what we are doing for the future. Being honest always was number one with me when working with children. I find that children are much wiser than most adults give them credit for...

One of the best teaching tools I used was about judgement/pointing fingers at others. Making fun of their looks, clothes, social back ground, physical size etc. I would ask all the children, plus the teachers...to point their finger at me. Then I would say to them; "Remember when you point fingers and pass judgement, you hurt deeply their feelings" and "Sometimes this pain/trauma they carry for the rest of their lives, so be very careful what you say or do"...Children are great learners and understand this very well. Much better than many adults, who were given negative teachings when they were children...so remember...

"Who ever is pointing fingers, passing judgement, they have three fingers pointing back at them self...perhaps it is them in reality who really has the problem..." Children would only smile, they understood what the teaching meant...what I was trying to teach them...Respect gets Respect...

A healing story...

This is a story I have never told to the public. I will do my best to make it shorter but honestly. Throughout my life when ever I was vomiting, it would trigger me and would have a major anxiety attack. I would physically shake and go into total fear. Throughout my life I often wondered why I reacted this way, when feeling ill. When I was first in Germany in 1998, two native brothers left for Canada and I was then on my own. Feeling homesick and struggling to stay, one evening I was feeling sick to my stomach from stress. I felt this old trauma once more. I prayed very hard, asking why did I feel this over whelming fear...Then it hit me...I flashed back to when I was just a baby, standing in my crib. Crying out for help because I had vomited all over myself, yet no one came. Then I realized I was in a large room where many little people like myself were kept...I also remember two older women playing with my penis, while I laid in my crib. Both women were laughing but it did not feel good, making fun of me...my first time of remembering sexual abused, why many children block part or all of their childhood memories out, too painful...This is the moment that I finally found my answer to my question(s). Why I felt this trauma that haunted me my whole life. Since then I have never felt this memory when feeling ill...It makes sense and was a healing for me, personally.

As a intercultural teacher, speaking on behalf of those(children)who can`t or are too afraid to talk about their past trauma. Age really has nothing to do with it, we all have memories. Many block this trauma for self protection and learn to live with it. But it is only matter of time and the walls come down as a adult our childhood trauma comes out and the fear we hold inside. Too many adults under estimate how deeply children feel or remember or adults believe they are too young to understand...wrong. First, it is time to share this story with you, the public. And hopefully it will help others who went through similar situations or trauma of abuse. Know that you are not alone and it ok to tell your story and it is ok for you to be able to move on...Each child/adult has meaning and that you matter...this is real healing...aho ❤

The beat of a different drum...

While I was in the native healing centre, a elder said to me; "Jim, when the eagle comes to you...paint it...". After pondering what he asked of me, was only then I realized, that it already had. My healing vision of "Transformation...". Long before I entered the native healing centre I knew this couple in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who were co-writing a cross cultural educational book for care workers working with our children/youth/adults. My painting was used as a cover of the cross cultural manual...I realized my vision came for a reason, not only for my own healing journey but for all on the healing journey...aho

Education is the key...

This is a patch both me and wife designed...in recognition of my 25th year anniversary of being a professional native artist...

Northern Plains Indian Market...Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA

In the early years of my art career, I twice went down to Sioux Falls South Dakota, I was proud to show and display my art work at The Northern Plains Art Market. As a Anishinaabe artist representative of southern Saskatchewan Canada and even got honorable mention for my art work, one year. I met many of the most celebrated and finest native artisans from the great plains, from many nations that stretching from Canada through central USA. A number of natives came up to and said to me; " Do you know that you have relatives here?...but my last name was spelt Poitra. I felt many eyes on me...I attended a pow-wow also there I met a Ojibwe mother and daughter, from the great lakes region of the USA. They were so excited and told me that they were so happy to see floral designs on my traditional regalia, it reminded them of home. They dedicate their energy to attended my every need, I was touch by their kindness and respect they both showed to me, I was deeply touched...It was a honor to take part as a artist/dancer and it will remain in my heart and memories, forever...aho

Since day one of my art journey, either through dance, my art, music or storytelling...My foundation has always been for our children and children of other races, children are children. For them to have dreams, what they want to become or who they are.

Our children are our futures, to continue our legacy and building a better future, for the generations yet to be born...

As a First Nation storyteller, I would share the teachings given to me and my own journey of life. That anyone truly can achieve their wishes and hopes, to a healthy and life full of love and respect...through hard work and commitment and believing in them self.

I know from personal experience, working with our youth. That our young ones and our youth, have a lot of intelligence and courage that many adults under estimate, too often. A child can see clearly who is trust worthy or not. Why I was as honest as I could be and not lie to their questions. Children see...

Children understand who they can tell their stories to you, no matter what the reason or trauma caused by abuse. Whether it be physical, mental or sexual abuse, it is easy to see if one understands the signs. Children are feelers and thinkers, this is normal process for them, why they are the best students of life...

I have dedicated my whole art career, for the children with the foundation; "Believe in your dreams...", I tell them if someone like myself can over come what I had to, then anyone of can...". Dreams do come true, I know because mine have...

All My Relations...

" The future generations..."

In every prayer, I pray for our children, for the future generations,

So they know are loved for, their welfare matters, full with passion...

Each and every child matters, for tomorrow`s leaders and teachers,

The pride of who you are, where you come from, to better futures...

Teachings past down, from our ancestors, comes from deep within,

A journey of discovery, who you will become, within self it begins...

Bring all of our children home, where they belong, now here after,

Feeling part of family, community, pride in the culture, last forever...

Thank the creator, our ancestors of the past, who loved us all dearly,

Healing and reconciliation, better future, with respect and humility...

Nations pray together, working as one, for our future generations,

Positive gets positive, reality is reality, it never ends, reincarnation...

For the future generations...❤

Spirit Within Spirit...

I have gone to the tree in the Ghost Dance ceremony...aho

Ghost dance...

I painted where our Ghost Dance was, in Northern Manitoba, Canada...from my memory...

Trail of Tears...

The term "The only good indian is a dead indian" goes back as far as the 1860`s. Said by General Philip Sheridan publicly to the governemnt of the time...Even not so long ago by President Theodore Roosevelt of the United States of America. Roosevelt himself would sum up his feelings this way: “I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of ten are, and I shouldn't like to inquire too closely into the case of the tenth.”. This was historically part of the "Indian solution" mandate, both in Canada and the USA.

The elders have always said; "It was always has been about the land, what is under it and what was on top of the land". True history does not lie...reconciliation is the only solution, to fix and heal the problem(s) of our nations...For the future generations...

It took me years before I could pick up and finish reading the book" Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee", written by Dee Brown in 1970, it was too painful for me. As a native artist, I first painted "Ghostdance..." in the 1990`s and in the early 2000`s I painted the piece on canvas "Trail of Tears...". How the people were forced to relocate on long journeys, to different regions throughout North America. My gift of my art is a perfect way to tell our stories and of my own stories as well. When I first picked up the brush in 1992, my whole life changed and all the doors that needed to be opened...opened. I realize that it is rare for anyone to be able to work and do what they love most in life...and I am truly grateful for this gift of art, that the creator has blessed me with...To be a native artist/storyteller...aho

White Buffalo Calf Woman...

The Buffalo (American Bison) survived genoicide from both the United States and Canadian government. Why would you think you could invade their home and not get hurt?

When the United States could not defeat our ancestors in combat, they began to attack our relative, the Buffalo. Colonel Richard Dodge wrote in 1867, while stationed in the Black Hills, "Every buffalo dead is an Indian gone."

The Buffalo (American Bison) provided our food, clothing, tools, shelter, weapons, and more. It was after the United States was defeated by the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Northern Arapaho in the Red Cloud's War (1866-1868) that America decided killing the Buffalo was the only way to stop the Natives who refused to live on reservations.

It is estimated that there were once up to 60 million Buffalo in the U.S. However, from 1870 to 1874, and by 1884 only 325 wild bison were left.

From 325 they survived, they're not going to let you disrespect their home and not fight back. The true history on record...

In 2003/4 a documentary was made of my life story. It is now in education system in Canada, a fact that I am very proud of...

The Awakening Within-one man`s inner journey...

If I have a message it is this; For all children to never stop dreaming what they want from life, I have tried to use myself as an example. If someone like me could achieve my dreams, then anyone can...

My art has treated me very good indeed, more than I thought possible. It opened so many doors for me...not one regret...

Education is the key...

Throughout my 30+ year art career, my foundation has been for our native children and children in general. To speak on their behalf, specially those taken from our First Nation communities and families. And forced into residential schools and the welfare foster care system, abuse issues within, lack of cultural teachings of their culture and the trauma it causes to a child. I know because this is exactly what happen to me and destroyed what ever family I ever dreamt to have, it is my reality. So, I have dedicated my whole career for our children, to show they too can believe in their dreams. Dreams do come true because mine have, I am living my dreams, despite the history of the residential school and the welfare scoop fallout...Believe in your dreams...

With the uncovering of unmarked mass graves in June of 2021...it open up the dark past of residential school throughout Canada. The numbers of range of grave sites in the thousands and many more residential school grounds still yet need to be uncovered. Genocide happen and no one can hide it any more, no one wanted to listen to our stories but now everyone has to...To heal our people throughout Canada and perhaps Canada can heal and truly begin their own road of healing and reconciliation...All My Relations

My Holland experience...

I flew to Germany first in 1998 and tour with my theatre play and worked in Southern Germany as well. Near the end of my first journey, I received a phone call from Holland, asking if I was interested in coming back to Holland on my next trip, in 1999. I agreed right away, and in a few months I returned to Holland, worked and traveled throughout Holland/Germany for three years, always going back home between travels...Until I decided to make Germany my new home...this is how it all began...

Holland was very good to me but my heart was always in Germany, even to this day...

World Climate change...

With my work with children throughout Germany/Europe of all ages. I worked throughout all of the education systems, festivals, museums. Since day one, working in the schools systems in Germany and Europe. I would hold what I called our; "Question and Answer Time", the children could ask any question and if I could answer, I would and if not I would let them know. Generally kids asked about native culture but they also asked other questions on different issues also. One of the most important questions from the children in the early 2000`s+ was about their deep concerns and fears of world climate change happening. Children do watch T.V. surf the internet, with the daily reports world wide of flooding, sea levels, allergies, fire, water shortage, came many of their intelligent questions....Children of all ages are much more wiser than most of the adults give them credit for. All I would say to the children was, it would take something world wide happening, in order for positive change to happen... As each year passes by the weather patterns all over the world are becoming stronger and more dangerous. Sadly greed seems to be the hidden agenda, lets pray it does not become too late. Before mankind wakes up...

Children are our futures...

Schönstatt-Zentrum Liefrauenhöle

A spiritual connection...

I was invited to go to the catholic nun`s Schönstatt-Zentrum Liebfrauenhöhe to do workshops in southern Germany. They were special sect that had went on their own from the catholic church. First, I was given a tour of the grounds. There was a residence for retired nun`s, a beautiful church they build, with color glass windows and crystals on the front hand made doors of the church. They grew their own food/gardens. It was a summer holiday resort for the families/children/parents. I felt the pure spiritual energy there...

Anyways, I was asked to talk about mother earth because they/Euroepans felt most in society have forgotten...I did workshops with their children as a dancer/storyteller. With their parents I did private workshops, telling the stories how mother earth is universally connected to the people/families in every level of life. We also talked of the daily stress that most families face into todays society. Lastly, I danced for all the families members and the nuns. I then changed into my street clothes and the head nun, she then spoke to the families how much they truly appreciated me coming. She ended her talk, saying how similar I was to them as a spiritual human being, that I only used different words and ways but was the same connection spiritually. This touched my heart deeply and has stayed in my memories and I now share for the first time with you...All My Relations ❤

Land of the Northern Lights...

Sami flag...

My journey in Sami lands...

I was invited by the Sami Government, as a anishinaabe storyteller from North America. I displayed my art work and did workshops, with the people attending the event from all over Europe and abroad.

It was a experience I will never forget and humbled and truly grateful to be part of this spiritual gathering. Life long friendships and memories were my reward, playing music, yoking, laughing and even tears...I fell in love with the land and the cultural ways...

World Climate change...

On my journey I have met a number of highly respected people. When I was in northern Norway, I met a man...who came up from behind me and told me to call him "uncle", his name is Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq. I replied and later realized he was one of the shamans attending Isogaisa, Northern Norway. I was also invited to by the Sami Parliament to be part of at Isogaisa 2012.

I watched "uncle" on DW news today, talking about the world climate change we are in and going through right now. It reminded me of my part of my work when I was talking about world climate change to the children within the school systems in Germany/Europe. Children would ask me what was going to happen. I did not want to scare them but said that it would change the world as we know it...The world needs to wake up before it is too late, the change has started, the ice caps are melting, storms are greater, weather patterns are changing throughout the world, as we speak...

In the center, "Uncle" is in the white coat...

A spiritual journey, past the Artic Circle...

Since day one landing on European soil, I have been searching for the ancient spiritual people and ways. It wasn`t until I went past the artic circle did I find what I was looking for. It was in the traditional Sami Reindeer People of Lapland/Northern Scandinavia of northern Europe. Soon while traveling in and around Europe, I saw that most countries are multi cultural societies, So I had to learn to live with different ways and cultures, while still trying to live the rules within the nation. I have nothing but wonderful memories and learnt a lot and I am better off for it all too...With the Sami Reindeer People, I had found that missing spiritual connection to the land and the old ways in Northern Scandinavia. Similar to what I knew from back home in Canada from our native people and culture...I laughed, cried, shared stories with the people, sang and played music together with them, loved their sense of humor, I felt at home...And the land was amazing, breath taking whether in the summer or the cold of winter-the colors of the land and sky touched my spirit...The Sami traditional way of life and drum/singing called "yoik"...I got to drum and yoik with the people...

I worked throughout Northern Scandinavia, a Sami Film festival and at Sami villages and communities throughout the north, Norway, Sweden, Finland/Lapland and even met Russian Sami holy people also at Sami Film festival in Inari/Lapland, not only at the Iosgaisa gathering. I danced and sang opening honor song for their film festival.

I also had the great honor to dance and speak at the Sami Parliament House, in Northern Norway! To talk about our past/present history in Canada and their situation in the north, regarding mining, timber, minerals. To always to protect the land and the Sami people...Experiences that money can not buy...

Sami Parliament Building, Northern Norway...

I fell in love with the land, the colors of winter, the people of the land/kindred spirits, the spiritual connection. So with all my travels/journey, throughout traditional Sapmi territory is something I will always hold dear to my heart...

All My Relations...

A Elder Speaks...

I was not raised in my culture, so like many once I got out of denial of feeling ashamed of being native. I had to look deep within myself and go on my traditional native learning/healing/spiritual journey. It was not till then for me, through the oral stories of the elders/storytellers/Knowledge Keepers of traditional native teachings. Only then did I truly to begin my real healing journey of understanding, of who I am...Only in the recent decades, that our oral stories have began to be published and written down in educational books, of our cultural and spiritual ways. It was originally passed down through oral storytelling through generation after generation, of the ancient traditional teachings, for thousands of years. The older I get, the more I realize, what little I know and I appreciate knowing this...my journey is still continues even in my Golden Age Time. I am only 70 years old and know I have so much more to learn. It is called natural law...

All My Relations...

Where ever I have traveled throughout Germany, I publicly said how grateful I am to Germany and to it`s people. They had made me feel welcomed and respected, as a human being, a man, who happens to be anishinaabe, originally from Canada.

I have had the great privilege to work, give lectures in museums, universities, education system, abused children/handicap kids, spiritual gatherings/festivals. Even got to perform with the Südwestdeutschland Philharmonie of Konstanz, Germany...we did three performances in three cities in the south of Germany for children, "Cowboys and Indians". I was always treated with great respect and kindness and it was a honor to do this for the children and Germany...

All My Relations...

ganz vielen dank Deutschland...

Prayers of Gratitude...

The feathers are the colors of the German flag...

" I`m home..."

From the first day I could remember, I dreamed,

To be part of a family or something, so it seemed...

Have a place I could call my own, belonged to me,

From foster care, to the streets, seeking disparately...

So many dark times, feeling so alone, not wanted,

But I never said no or gave up, a seed was planted...

So my wings of dreams, took me overseas, Germany,

To follow my dreams of youth, search for my destiny...

I grew like a bloom or butterfly, I never once felt alone,

Respect I found, in reality I could now say, I´m home...

So, in my twilight years of Golden Age, finally at home,

A excellent partner in life to share it with, never alone...

I`m home...

The Karl May Museum...

For nearly two decades I thought about going to the Karl May Museum, in Saxony. We took a small holiday to my wife`s old region, Saxony in East Germany where she grew up, so came my chance. Throughout Germany and Europe there is a extreme european stereotype thinking who and what we are. But not as normal people, spiritually, culturally, an example is we are all shamans. Still live in tee-pees, ride horses, the german stereotype who they want us to be in thier minds. Natives are much more than eagle feathers etc. Karl May was a german writer who long ago wrote many books on native culture. He had never been to our land but romanticized the culture, but not to our reality and the true history. We toured the native museum and Karl May had one too. I saw that the displays were done, where native artifacts were kept/displayed there. There were two small displays regarding major sports teams changing their names and a poster on Murdered and Missing native women, that I appreciated. I got to meet a young woman who worked there and we talked and I explained who I was and my history in Germany and Europe as a native artist/storyteller. Kathleen and I both wore our "Every Child Matters" t-shirts out of respect and I explained what is going on in Canada right now. With the uncovering of thousands of mass unmarked graves of our native children who died for many reasons. How the state/chatolic church, all levels are trying to hide the true numbers from our people and canadian people and the dark history as a whole. But to bring to light the true story of the genocide that happened and that the last working residential school only closed in the late 1990`s...The rate of our native children/babies that are still being taken today by force from our families and communities into the welfare system, in Canada. Remember, I am a storyteller...I never talk in disrespect of the country where I was born but only share the truth. Speaking and sharing is healing, so our stories should and can be told and heard. So next generations of our people as a nation can move forward and heal, Canada as well to admit, genocide did happen, what the federal government, provincial governments, RCMP and church( catholic church ran over 70% of the residential schools throughout Canada)...So Canada can also heal...Poeple native or non-native are shocked with the finding of many thousands of unmarked mass graves of native children on residential schools grounds throughout Canada. The true number of children who died for many reasons, may never completely be known...with the church records destroyed or hidden from the public. Knowing that it will take many more decades for the process to take place, in a positive and healing way...Europeans really do prefer the romantic version what is in thier minds...Education is key and the sharing of our cultures both the differences and similarities, not the stereotype attitude. I often said to germans and Europeans, "Be happy you are not a indian, not sure if they really understood what I said or what it meant. Just the same I am gald I went, saw and LEFT...

All My Relations...

Music is universal and heals the spirit...

Music has always played a part of my since I can remember...I studied piano when I was young but quit and always regret that. So I got my first flute at the age of 48 and the desire and passion of music re-awoke. Since then I have played with many professional musicians from all over Europe and the world, Sami, Central America, European and a jazz sax composer, Larry Price. I recorded a number of songs for my videos/commercials and even made promo musical CD.

(note; on all my video`s on my website, I recorded the music on them)

Follow your heart and live your dreams...

My decade journey with the Linden Musuem, Stuttgart, Germany...

The Linden Museum, Stuttgart, Germany.

In 2009,I donated my Golden Age man`s Traditional regalia to the Linden Museum, for their native artifact collection. Then in 2011/12 the Linden Museum in Stuttgart, the Linden Museum held their 100th year anniversary exhibition. My regalia I donated represented North America First Nation culture, plus displays from ancient cultures from around the world. My theme was " Honor and Respect-Stolen Children-Lost Status"...I spoke to two groups, many curators of museums and also to artifact keepers from around the world, throughout Europe, Russia, USA, South America. I spoke about my regalia culturally, where each piece came from, what I hand made myself, what each sacred artifact meant to me as traditional dancer and traditional anishinaabe storyteller...It was such a great pity, that no one was there representing Canada to witness this great event/exhibition...It was and is the high light of my European career...

To record their 100th year anniversary exhibition, a hard cover book was produced. Explaining the history of the museum and the exhibition. I was so proud to have a photo section devoted to my regalia and artifact photos...I am very humbled and honored to know part of my anishinaabe spirit will live within the walls of the Linden Museum, in Stuttgart, Germany forever...aho

I had the great honor and pleasure to work with the Linden Museum for over a decade. I was invited to a number of international exhibitions where I met many interesting people from different cultures around the world. I showed my documentary about my life; " The Awakening Within-one man`s inner journey...". Worked "The night of the Museums", a city wide event in Stuttgart. I was very proud also to do a reading /slide show of our award winning children`s book; "The Drum Calls Softly" that I proudly was the artist/illustrator...Memories to last a life time...

Beautiful memories...

I donated my old traditional regalia to the Linden Museum in 2009 for their native artifact collection...It is a great honor and to realize my anishinaabe spirit will live within the walls forever...Larry Price and I recorded "The Awakening" for this video...

Believe in your dreams-children are our future...

The foundation of my art career has always been "Believe in your dreams...". I focused most of my energy on children, from kindergarten all the way to university/adults. "Children are our greatest gifts, they are our future" the elders say. I have worked in school systems both in Canada and throughout Germany/Europe. The adults I work with, I call them "big kids", because age has nothing to do with it, we all have a past childhood and family history. I started my art career at the age of 40, so it is never too late to live your dreams...When it comes to following your dreams and passions, go for it...

No matter what country I have gone to, the children are all the same, just children. Willing and open minded, eager to learn new cultures and ideas, knowledge. Why I always prefer working with children, they are open...Adults on the other hand are far more closed minded and have blinders on, live in fear. Adults are much more judgemental from negative teachings they got from when they were children. Why I prefer children over adults anytime...

Lahti Book Fair...Finland

I was invited to the Lahti Book Fair 2011 in Finland to promote/speak of our award winning children`s book...It was a great honor for me to represent our 2010 award winning children`s book; The Drum Calls Softly, in Lahti, Finalnd as a traditional anishinaabe artist/illustrator/storyteller...aho

I met many wonderful people and I will remember it for the rest of my life...

I have told my story all over the world. When I was that scared little boy at the age of five. I dreamed of being a artist, traveling around the world...I told myself never to forget that day or my promise to myself..."Just to be happy...." So follow your dreams...

The Southwest Konstanz Philharmonic Building in Konstanz, Germany.

Our performance of "Cowboys and Indians" in philharmonic building in Konstanz, Germany...

Early in my career in Germany, I traveled a lot around the country. Schools, festivals, universities, museums. I got a call one day from the Southwest Philharmonie of Konstanz, asking if I would be interested working with them. To perform three concerts for young people in three southern german cities, they did not have to ask me twice! The musical theme of our concert was "Cowboys and Indians"...it really was a perfect match. This are memories I will never forget and will cherish for the rest of my life...

Ganz Vielen lieben Dank Deutschland für alles...

This performance was in the city of Friedrichshafen in South Germany...

" 11 days..."

I am no different from anyone else, no better no worse...I had gone back to Canada, life situations took place and the foundation of my life was rocked to the core. After I returned to Germany I went to visit a dear friend in Switzerland and stayed with him, to heal. I affectionately called it; "11 Days...". I was allowed to totally relax alone in private to pray and heal...On the 7th day, I went into the Alps. I had realized that life was such a gift, no matter what has happened in the past. I will never regret, taking these precious "11 days", just to reflect and be grateful for all what I do have and not for what I do not...And then I went back home to Germany. These are wonderful memories and I will never regret it taking these "11 days" for healing...

The healing journey never ends, even in Germany/Europe...a journey that continues and one needs to live with it and move on...

"After I am gone..."

After I am gone, for you, it will be too late,

Filled with regret, with those who hesitate...

Told me lies, of black spots, unbelievable,

Shame on you, so heartless, so undeniable...

Too much anger, empty words, this is you,

Living a life of denial, fear, is what you do...

Telling lies to everyone else, all about me,

Many see through them, why can`t you see...

Long after I am gone, it will be much too late,

Now you have to live all alone, with your hate...

You were so blind, you could never see me,

I was always there, regretfully, this has to be...

There is always a reason, behind the reason,

But you needed to see this, wasn`t my decision...

So, I had to let you go, is much better for me,

To go on with my life, without you, clear to see...

Memories are forever, these were always mine,

After I am gone, faded away, forever lost in time...

End of the day, we all have to pay, always a cost,

Do you realize, a love once yours, is forever lost...

After I am gone...

Novemeber, Native awareness Month...

I have never shared this on my website before. But in 2000/01/02 and 2011 I was invited to work with many of the American Army bases in Germany. In 2001 VIP`s in Stuttgart asked me how I was allowed on the army bases and they weren`t. My typical heyoka reply was; " Well, one thing for sure is Interpol sure knows who I am" and giggle like crazy...

I was invited in November because this is "Native Awareness Month" on all bases in Germany. It was a huge great honor as a anishinaabe from Canada to speak, dance, perform and all I asked was that no politics was to be spoken (because I was a Canadian anishinaabe). They honored my request and I was treated with the highest of respect on all levels! They knew I liked special gifts for reminder of my work, so I got letters/framed pieces to prove that I worked at their base, a great honor, for me as well. I also worked in the schools of every base with their children. I worked as a traditional anishinaabe dancer/speaker and storyteller...plus I was taken care of in really nice hotels, food, the works! I received first class treatment at every base.

With the adults/soldiers, I talked about how color, male or woman, spiritual ways really did not matter. How much I respect the men and women in uniform. I also said that we are all children of Mother Earth and that we all belong. It was so special when the native men or women in uniform would come and offer me tobacco and ask for prayers...