Story Shoot 2015 Edition #18: Jocelyne Poirier

Who are you & Where are you from?

 My name is Jocelyne Poirier born in QC. a health practitioner now based in Saskatoon and a return to my home land of living-healing  Souls which I call  Saskatchewan where Spirits alike meet again.

 

Why did you want to participate?

It is part  of  my sacred contract  being "The Helper" and needing to heal from this outrage personal adversity.  I witnessed feminine beauty of the Soul in this project when listening to Stephanie G. and I have to mentioned this is by listening with respect to what this project is all about that I felt compelled to participate and contribute.  It gave me HOPE therefore nourished my Beliefs there is ways of healing when you start trusting the love energy with no judgment.

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?

 

... when overcoming my suicidal attempt at age 18 would of been a crucial moment and turning point as I survived.   I even laughed at myself at one point for that attempt as I realised that as I am God`s creation I was made so strong.   The  emotional physical abuse applied  by both of my parents and the weak figure father image of my father through be in total obscurity of understanding "What is being parents" with that image of mine in this world  ..

The heart loneliness caused by the abandonment of my parents and their disfonctionality  to love me unconditionally has been a definite energy drive to create  determination to want  to understand all the endless  Why`s...

 

How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?

Overcoming my latest adversity is in process still .. this project is a way to help me in the process of forgiveness and pure guidance from Above.as that day in my prayer I asked to receive clarity-ease for  my heart ..so I can continue and remained a Believer in a Higher power generated by God`s love and His love healing process so I can forgive.

It tought me am worthy,  loving and  generous person.

 

What would you tell a younger version of yourself?

For any younger person I do say You are Loved and I love YOU..

I will listen to you..Am here for You..

You are important to my heart and I understand YOU..

Your Soul Plan is to be discovered experienced and You are NOT ALONE!! never when You open your Heart.

 HOPE energize the soul  as there is little miracles along the way that arise with such respect and love than we find courage to continue and believe in our contribution for a calmer peaceful  humanity.

Amen

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #17: Kehiew Fox

Who are you?

 I am Kehiew Fox

Where are you from?

  I am from Piapot First Nation

Why did you want to participate?

I wanted to participate because my sister Helen pumped me up telling me about the shoot and sharing stories of other women and young women.I love story telling/sharing projects.

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?
 A defining moment for myself was leaving an abusive relationship. It made me a stronger person because I knew I had it in me to leave a situation that was not only hurting me but also my family.

How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?
 I was able to overcome this situation with the strength of family and friends who cared for me. Also coming to the realization that I had worth as a young woman in a huge world. It's easy to get lost and forget who we are if we're not so certain of ourselves. Through those trials I am now certain of who I am and where I come from as a person today. 

What would you tell a younger version of yourself?
I would tell my younger self to enjoy life, don't be so crazy and love yourself before you try love anyone else.

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #16: Jeanny Buan

Who are you?





Through out the years, I have been very blessed to do all of the things that I am very passionate about. I am a bullying prevention educator, creative director, model, athlete and a fitness trainer.















































Where are you from?






I was born in the Philippines and moved to Canada 4 years ago.








































Why did you want to participate?


We, human beings are so similar yet so different. We all have the same 24 hours in a day but it is our decision how efficient we would like to use our time as we go through different struggles and challenges. Like everyone else, I have been through a lot of endeavors but as I share my story, I hope girls, ladies and women out there will be encouraged to follow their hearts and pursue something that they are really passionate about.















What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?


I have always been bullied because of my skin color. I used to be called "The Big Dark Moon" in elementary school but despite this, I always daydream of becoming a model and an actress. I tried my luck by signing up with an agency even though most models that were hired have fair skin. Where I am from, beauty is equal to having a white complexion so I would use whitening lotion, cream and soaps. I would use a hat and an umbrella when I walk outside so that I won't get dark.








"You are too DARK for TV and magazines!!" This is the phrase that I hear over and over when I go to auditions in Philippines. I have been to literally hundreds of castings and auditions only to land as an "extra" in tv commercials. One of my closest friend even told me "If you just had white skin, you will be successful in this industry" I almost gave up! But I was holding on to the dream that one day, I will achieve my goals. I used this negativity as a motivation to be better, stronger and to push myself harder.







How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?


I moved to Canada years ago and saw a modeling competition poster, I told myself " I am sure I would not win but I will give it a try, I am used to agencies slamming their doors on me anyway!" True enough, I did not win but I was offered a modeling contract! It was the best day of my life. That day, I saw my dreams unfolding right in front of my eyes. I had to assure myself, this is real! this is real!






I learned that after years and years of trying and failing, you should not give up. If you work hard and believe in yourself, all of your dreams and aspirations will come true and the right place and right time.










What would you tell a younger version of yourself today?


Everything happens for a reason. When things crumble apart or you feel that the world is on your shoulders or when you have lost everything and ask: "Why me?" Hang in there. Be strong and be brave! Remember that a diamond cannot be formed without high temperature and pressure.

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #15: Feather Pewapisconias-McKee

Who are you? 

Feather Pewapisconias-McKee

 

Where are you from? 

Little Pine First Nation

Why did you want to participate?

 I wanted to partake in this project because I believe it was a great project of empowerment and strength and that it's a good reminder of how far people have come and grown as an individual.

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?

 One moment that has defined me today was my first year of university when I made the decision to move from Regina. During that time I was going through some rough things and was scared to be out on my own. I took the plunge and left Regina and things changed for the better for me once I got to Saskatoon.

How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself? 

I try to look at things optimistically and push forward, I believe that things happen for a reason and that the only person I can control is myself and how I react to situations. I've also learned that people will try tear you down but all you can do is keep going because it's more of a reflection of those people then myself. It's taught me that I can handle a lot more then I used to be able to and I've gotten so much stronger as a person. 

What would you tell a younger version of yourself today?

If I could talk to younger me, I would tell her that there is so much to look forward to in your future and that you are capable of so much more then you give yourself credit for, And that people would come and go in her life and to always trust your gut when it comes to people or situations.

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #14: Lori Cherkowski

Who are you? 

Lori Cherkowski

Where are you from?

Prince Albert, Sask.

Why did you want to participate? 

I am a huge supporter of youth empowerment. A lot of kids that I know have bad self-esteem issues and they drop out of school as they are missing people on their side. Young kids need to know that people believe in them for them to believe in themselves. I am also a big supporter of local businesses and trying to help support locals.

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person? 

My maiden name is Fiddler and coming from Prince Albert that last name is not the best to have. Having that last name gives people a bad sense of you and they tend not to believe in you to well in life. My last name has defined how I have always thought about myself.  

How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself? 

My grandfather and mother pushed me to move past my last name in high school, go to university and to have a successful life for myself. Having them on my side showed me that if I had confidence in myself I could achieve more than I could have ever thought possible.

What would you tell a younger version of yourself today?

You are smart enough, you are good enough and you can get up when the world knocks you down - you just have to believe in yourself.

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #13: Kimberly Cummings

My name is Kimberly Cummings, I come from a small community called St. George’s Hill, SK.

 

  I am a mother to a beautiful 12 year old, I work as a Receptionist full time & Nail tech part time.

 

A defining moment that challenged me would be when I first moved to Meadow Lake back in 2006 for work with my then 3 year old, It was tough and scary but I wasn’t going to give up. We lived there for 5 years J which we ended up loving.. but St George will always be home we moved back end of 2011 and since did a lot of traveling to different countries exploring and learning of different cultures and meeting new people, I feel it’s important to show my daughter how big the world is… also a newly elected council member for the Northern Hamlet of St George’s.

How you are able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?

I am a very spiritual person so when I feel like life is getting tough I turn to my spiritual beliefs

What would I tell a younger version of yourself today?

• Never give up on your dreams and goals
• Always stay true to yourself
• Always be yourself, no one can ever take that away from you  

        

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #12: Terri Favel C.

Who am I?

I am a mother of 3 handsome boys, a nursing student but most importantly I am someone who learned to love myself. My name is Terri Favel.

 C.lysias Designs

Where are you from?

I am from Poundmaker Cree Nation

C.lysias Designs

C.lysias Designs

Why did you participate?

When I first heard about this project, I found it intriguing.  I have modelled on a few photoshoots for other people and this was an opportunity to tell my story..........the person behind the pictures as an Indigenous woman.  I think there is value placed in intercultural opportunities like this one, it allows society to know that beauty is not only found on the surface but within. Each model has a story that emphasizes her strength, beauty and courage that allowed her to become the women that everyone sees.  Even when the stories are not always good ones it allows a true version of herself to come out and be seen not only as a pretty picture but a strong woman that had overcome her own struggles in life.

Helen Oro Designs

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?

Throughout my life there has been many challenges, struggles and bad choices that have become defining moments in my life that had lasting impacts that shaped who I was and where I was going.  Not all my paths I travelled were positive ones but if I hadn't chosen those negative paths I wouldn't have become the woman I am today.  But the most defining moment that I would have to say that really challenged me was my younger brother's suicide. Dealing with his suicide was one of the most difficult things that I had to deal with.  I not only had to deal with my own grieving but also the grief that was felt by my younger brothers and sister because I was the eldest grandchild.  I had to numb my own grief so I could be the strong one in the family.  My family didn't know how I felt because I would cry when nobody was around and i had nobody to tell how I truly felt.  I dealt with his suicide by myself......I felt the denial, anger, hurt, unbearable pain of losing him and finally, I couldn't feel no more.  I wish I had someone to talk to or someone to just let me cry or let me hit something because they knew thats what i needed.  Going through a loved ones suicide is something that you can't go through alone but I did and because I did, I was able to overcome anything and everything from that moment on with strength, courage and most of all tenacity. Tenacity because I learned from that difficult time on how precious life is and how important it is to make healthier choices in life.  From this experience, I quit doing drugs a couple months after his death and showed more love towards the children that entered my life whether it be my nieces and nephews or my friends children.

C.Lysias Designs

How are you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?

When facing difficult situations I usually deal with them by myself.  I don't involve anybody unless they really need to be consulted. I have strong women in my family and I know that every woman has their own struggles but I never seen any of the women in my family show or share their thoughts and feelings about anything.  From their I learned that i had my own inner strength.  Then i met my best friend, Marylou, who showed me that I could show feelings and share my thoughts on anything that bothered me.  I now can go to her with anything and everything that has me thrown up against the wall and even when shit hits the fan.

Sewing Gene

Sewing Gene

What would you tell a younger version of yourself today?

It's ok to cry!

Misty Rain Designs

Story Shoot 2015 Edition #11: Kelsey Davidson

Who are you?

Kelsey Davidson

 Where are you from?

Prince Albert SK

  

Why did you want to participate 

I wanted to participate for two reasons, first of all, my beautiful talented friend Alex was taking part and I love supporting her any way I can, and secondly because even if my story can touch and help one person over come what they are going through, than everything I've been through was worth it.

Kiowa Sage Tank

What is a defining moment that challenged you and made you a stronger person?
 A defining moment in my life was when I was able to have access to a mentor in my life. The mentors I have in my life have helped me to become strong, overcome, and take my eyes off myself to serve others. 

C.lysias Designs

How were you able to overcome adversity and what did it teach you about yourself?

I have overcome adversity through personal growth and working on myself every day.. It's never easy but knowing that I'm not alone has helped me a lot. I come from a broken home, was bullied as a child and because of that had a very low self image. That led me to alcohol and drugs where I definitely abused that to numb my reality. I've also overcome sexual abuse, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and many other things that could have held me back but I knew I deserve so much more than that.

Those things taught me that I can go through anything and at the end of the day, no matter how much it hurts, God loves me and I can overcome.

What would you tell a younger version of yourself today?

I'd tell a younger version of myself that it's okay to be who you are no matter what anyone says, and also to love myself more because I'm so worthy of that love.