My Mi'kmaq Mother

 “Some people collect stamps while others collect cards and if they have loads of money, they may even collect cars or houses. I, on the other hand, collect stories. I was around three years old when I lost my mother to Lymphatic Cancer and to this day she remains in my mind as this beautiful, strong, Aboriginal woman, who I wish, with all my heart that I had known longer. Losing her when I was so young left a hole in my life and my heart so big that it has become an ongoing journey to find out who she was, so I can continue my own journey to figure out who I am.

-Julie Pellissier-Lush