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Author: deethorson

I learned to work my first computer in 1977, it was a Radio Shack TRS-80, the hot CoCo as it was known. Instead of a hard drive, it had a cassette drive and I would copy code from the Hot CoCo magazine to create fascinating projects like the game of Stock Ticker, which I would sit up all night and play. I should have put in more effort, I should have tried…, I should have learned…, I should have?

I have spent the bulk of my life using computers, I did work in a sawmill, flipped burgers, sorted magazines, cut glass, and worked security among other things. I spent the bulk of my time working in a government-style setting, Bankruptcy, Fisheries, RCMP to mention a few. My final Government job was with Health Canada working with a team of 15 or more people (I never did meet everyone), delivering a number of different healthcare-related services. My last duty with Health Canada was working for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission taking statements and manning the Mental Health Services booth.

On the following Monday, I would go to my final job at the newly created First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). I wanted to be able to finally make a difference, to be meaningful. Leonard George, a former chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, adopted the few of us from Health Canada who came to work at FNHA into the Wolf Clan.

During my time with FNHA I worked almost exclusively within the Indian Residential School survivors’ mental health programs. It is impossible to calculate the damage caused by the Residential Schools in Canada and I am sure I will return to this topic many times. Now that I have passed my torch to my coworkers, it is time for me to move on and let the good work of the FNHA evolve and continue the healing tradition.

The Martyr

Fighting demons and living in Hell every day Is not a sign that the world has turned against you It is a sign that you are a warrior Courageous and willing to fight That you stand tall against all wrongs demanding domain over all the demons Brave soul, dare I…

On Turning 60.

Greetings to all my dear friends, I hope your Birthday’s and hangovers are all wonderful smiles.  You were telling me last month that you were a bit gobsmacked by that 60 number.  So, from someone who went through this a while back, I share with you my elder’s wisdom. Accept…