By S.A. Lawrence-Welch | Kakichihiwewin Project Director
Tan’si Kiiyawow!
(Hello Everyone!)
S.A. here, Kakichihiwewin Project Director and Lester Howse Fund Creator.
First of all, I just want to say that it’s so wild wrapping my head around the fact that The Lester Howse Fund is so close to meeting it’s first goal!
So let’s get y’all up to speed!
Since starting the Lester Howse Fund we have been able to raise $4746 with your help! This is a huge feat considering how much of an impact this fund will have on four Indigenous elders.
Along with your donations, we also received a promise for funding from a private donor which puts us only $5254 away from our first $25,000!
This is amazing and couldn’t have been without your generous support and care.
“So since we’re almost there, what will we be doing?” Glad you asked! This first $25,000 will be allocated to our fund’s name sake, Lester Howse who presently lives with extreme financial insecurity.
Lester does not have a vehicle, nor adequate housing at this time. He has had to live through the hard winter in Alberta using small space heaters as he slept on the floor in a basement apartment on a foamie. His family does what they can to support him, but because of the inequity facing much of the Indigenous communities in both the United States and Canada, they also face similar hardships.
So, let’s be honest, this is not acceptable living conditions for any elder, let alone an elder who has suffered at the hands of not one but two residential schools in Canada.
Our goal is to provide Lester with a vehicle and camper so he can go live back on the lands which he was stolen from. He just wants to go home, and at 78 years of age, he is so deserving of that. Lester deserves a place where his family can come see him, thriving, and where his children and grandchildren can come be with him to learn.
We’re getting there. Thanks to you all.
In addition to the fund, we are also going to begin featuring Lester's story via a six party series we filmed last year. The collection will premiere in April where you will get to hear Lester sharing the story of his life, and the hurdles he’s had to face - as well as the triumphs.
Please consider sharing The Lester Howse Fund with your community, and continuing to work with us as we cross this first milestone and aim to support three more elders in Lester’s name.
Kinanâskomitin,
S.A.
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