This paper is dedicated to the research participants. Thank you, your wisdom, humour and passion for helping people made this project engaging from start to finish. I want to thank Royal Roads University and their faculty and staff for providing fantastic consideration and support for my education. My supervisor, Dr Marilyn Hamilton, has been my Sherpa on this journey. Thank you, Marilyn, for all your guidance and support, both personally and professionally; I know our journey will continue.
A special thanks to the National Indigenous Literacy Association, Doug Bartlett, and Ningwakwe for your continued affirmation and support of my work with First Nations people and communities. The Cree Nations of Opaskwayak and Fisher River deserve special mention and a thank-you for allowing this research to probe into their lives and issues. May the results lead to prosperity for your people, you inspire me.
To the Government of Manitoba, Competitiveness, Training and Trade, Rural and Northern Offices, thank you for generously supporting not only your staff but the travel costs that allowed us to come together in a northern location.
To my focus group assistant, Angela Tessier, and my editor extraordinaire, Karen Graham, thank you for having such wonderful skills and for being such nice women.
My heart sends love and gratitude to the people in my personal life, beginning with Joyce, thank you for the massive effort it took to cover my back at the office. My sister Kathy and my sons Jay and Mark, your unconditional support and faith in me is my daily inspiration. I began this journey and you were there, I end this journey and you have stayed with me. Thank you for being my family.