KF: Where do you turn for inspiration, to stay grounded and hopeful?


CG: For inspiration and grounding I turn to Earth herself. I grew up in a very tiny town an hour outside of Ottawa where connec- tion to the Earth was not only accessible but unavoidable. I moved to Toronto over a year ago, and the disconnect from the natural world has been the most prominent and jarring aspect of living here. Running from meeting to meeting and protesting in spaces on grey cement surrounded by large grey buildings can be extremely isolating and draining. It becomes easy to get lost in the politics and the statistics and the fear. But when I return to my home lands, I ensure I spend a lot of my time with our mother. When I walk in the woods I feel cradled by the earth, I can feel her spirit. It reminds me why I do this; it’s for her, she’s alive, and spending time with her reminds me she continues to heal us despite how much she’s hurt- ing. And I will do the same for her. We will take care of each other like my people have been doing for generations. n Kim Fry is a member of the Elementary Teachers of Toronto.


ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 27


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