"I took a life skills course in 1988-89 and that's where I got to know Rick Cookson-Hills (the coordinator of the literacy program before Joanne). He said they were going to start an adult literacy program here in Meander River and I said jokingly, 'Hire me.' And he said, 'Keep it up and we will think about it.' I took a chance and put in my application and they said they would let me know. I never thought I would get in because of my history of alcoholism. And the next thing I knew I was in the front hallway and Abe Janzen said, 'Welcome to the Fairview College staff,'"

"So I started here with very beginner students. Maybe they reminded me too much of myself, I don't know but I hit the bottle so hard I got fired in February 1990. Abe said I should go for treatment. And I did and when I got out I worked almost the whole summer with Forestry. I didn't expect to get my job back. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks with appendicitis and Abe visited me and said, 'Be there on Monday.' I've been sober for 9 months now; I'm learning to take it one day at a time."

I asked Alex about some of the hopes and goals he has for the students and the literacy program in Meander River. "Many of the students are terrific storytellers. That is how they were raised. They listened to stories and that is also how they learned. I am trying to encourage the students to learn to read and write so they can write down the stories. That way the stories will not be lost. It is not always easy for them to understand that we can make changes that will not change our culture. There are better ways for our people but if they do not get an education, the young ones will not understand that."

Earlier, when Joanne and I came into the trailer, there were about six students working on their lessons. I noticed that the walls of the trailer were covered with local artwork and as Alex and I had been talking I heard voices and laughter coming from the front room. I commented to Alex that it seemed like there was good work going on in the trailer. "It is good. Many of the people are on social assistance; school gives them something to look forward to. Our attendance rate is about 60%. I would like it to be higher. And I would like the Band Councils to give some money to support the students and the literacy program. Then more students would come."

I first met Alex in Fairview at the PD Days a month ago. I saw him sitting alone at a dinner table and went over to sit with him. I knew he was a tutor in Meander River so to start a conversation, I asked him where Meander River was.

He looked at me almost with disgust and asked, "Have you ever been to Europe?" I said that I had. And then he asked, "Have you ever been to Quebec?" and again I said that I had. "How long have you lived in Alberta?" he asked next. I told him that I had moved to Alberta from Ontario 15 years ago.

Alex shook his head and said, "You have lived in Alberta for 15 years. How can you not know your own province? You have travelled, and you have an education, but you really don't know anything." I was quiet for the rest of our lunch and made a promise to myself to make sure I took the time to see and learn about Meander River.

I asked Alex if he remembered our conversation in Fairview. A light of recognition came over his face and he asked shyly, "Was that you? I was having a very bad day that day; I'm sorry I got angry and spoke unkindly to you. I was uncomfortable in Fairview away from here. I was not myself."

We smiled at each other and shook hands. "Well," I said, "now I know where Meander River is and you're right, it really is beautiful here and peaceful."