We've had visitors from every continent. We've had almost every ethnic group (many from right here in Toronto), and we've had people from many different religions as well.
My favourite part of my job is chatting with everyone, finding out where they are from, and learning about their culture, country, and reasons for being in Toronto.
Imagine my surprise when I was harnessing up this group. They are from Grassy Narrows, a First Nations Reservation very close to where I grew up. I literally hugged them all as I told them I grew up in Dryden, a town in Northwestern Ontario.
They were in Toronto for an Aboriginal Youth conference and were delighted to share their experiences with me. In turn I was able to share my favourite memory of Grassy Narrows - which was my father (a forester) bringing me a pair of mukluks when I was 6 years old - handmade by an incredibly talented elder from the Grassy Narrows reservation. I loved them so much I wore them long past my feet outgrowing them.
It's moments like this that bring my heart joy. I only wish my dad was still alive - he would have LOVED hearing this story.
Feeling grateful,
Louise
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