I am a Mohawk and Ojibwe woman from Six Nations Ontario

with roots in Alderville First Nation.

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I grew up in the city, culturally disconnected

from my Indigenous roots, a result of government assimilation policies. 

I've spent my life reconnecting to my birthright.

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Understanding colonialism and historical trauma

caused me to be compassionate and forgiving ( to a fault )

when it came to my partners abusive behaviour.

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Now I use my beautiful-disaster and wisdom gained as motivation

to help others get unstuck,

recognize their worth, 

and live the life their spirit seeks.

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SHAME TO SHINE - introduction excerpt...

I’ve always been a dreamer, an achiever, but one thing I wasn’t striving for was becoming a statistic of domestic violence. I was certain I would never put up with that kind of behaviour…and then I did, sorely underestimating the psychological trappings of this worldwide crisis. Mind theft using manipulation is a crime for which no punishment exists. A social loophole we can no longer ignore.

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Book reviews by survivors of domestic violence....

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The author supplied real advice with real situations, and it made the transitions to the next chapter relatable and understandable. I enjoyed the emotional ride throughout; it most definitely displays the struggle for DV on leaving and the constant battles one fights in their mind – however, it shows that with healing, days can become brighter and much lighter. The reference to counselling conversations was a nice addition. - Survivor 

Her stories are mine too, some of them identical. I realize that I am not alone in my experience; what I went through WAS real.Cher has a beautiful gift of choosing words to explain perfectly the complexity of feelings and insidiousness that transpires in an abusive relationship.  –  Survivor 

Reading your poems felt like I was speaking my truth of what actually happened. The last chapter made me hopeful for the present and future, that we can shine the light that was dimmed for too long. I would definitely recommend this book to another person who is in any stage of recovery or to anyone wanting to understand and offer support to survivors. - Survivor

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